How To Level Solid Hardwood Floor

Level floors are critical for reducing gaps between the flooring material and substrate and preventing sagging and other structural complications.

How to level solid hardwood floor.

Learn how to install solid hardwood flooring with a few simple tools. A solid hardwood floor is only as good as the installation. Solid hardwood flooring solid wood planks are milled from a single piece of hardwood and covered with a thin clear protective layer that often consists of aluminum oxide ceramic or an acrylic. Whether you re going on to install hardwood ceramic tile or laminate one of the most important steps of any flooring project is making sure the subfloor foundation is level.

You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. But not to worry if your subfloor is less than perfect. For instance solid hardwood flooring is typically nailed down during installation while tongue and groove engineered flooring is usually clicked together or completely glued down. And a quality installation relies on having a level subfloor.

Hardwood floor installers often use the term level when referring to subfloors when actually they are meaning the term flat while it s desirable to have a level floor most homes. Solid hardwood flooring should only be installed on grade and above while engineered hardwood works on any level. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. What s worse is if boards start to stick up buckle or warp.

Wood floor installation requires a level subfloor and that your hardwood flooring is acclimated to the room s humidity and temperature according to the manufacturer s guidelines. What good is a beautiful and expensive hardwood floor if it squeaks and creaks when you walk on it. Hardwood floors are durable beautiful and a great diy project. With four basic types of installation available it s important to choose the one that makes the most sense for your lifestyle and budget.