You can install vinyl on many types of subfloor, including concrete and wood. But that floor must be flat for your installation to be a success. An uneven subfloor can lead to potential problems, such as planks having varying heights that will make the flooring unstable and wear down more quickly.
No. Rigid vinyl planks like Sound-Tec, Studio 12, and Foundations float over minor subfloor imperfections. They mask slight subfloor unevenness. However, because of the precisely milled clip system, a flat substrate is recommended for support.
Available in sheets and tiles, vinyl flooring is easy to install and works well on uneven surfaces. Although not as flexible as carpet, vinyl still conforms easily to the shape of the floor underneath it.
Engineered wood flooring is a more traditional option that can be installed over uneven surfaces. It's made of a thin layer of solid wood on top of multiple layers of plywood. Engineered wood flooring is also relatively durable, easy to maintain, and can help retain the look and feel of an historic home.
Pour the liquid-like floor leveler onto the subfloor and smooth it out with a trowel. Gravity will help it settle into the low areas. Remove any excess floor leveler and feather it around the edges so it blends with the rest of the floor. Let the floor leveler dry overnight or as indicated by the manufacturer.
Underlayment can help smooth things out, though, but the type you choose will vary depending on your specific reasoning for wanting an even subfloor. That can make choosing the right one for you rather tricky, so here's a quick guide that should lend a helping hand in getting the best underlayment for uneven subfloors.
The best option might be a thin layer of self-leveling concrete followed by a vapor barrier and foam or cork underlayment. Vinyl: Choose foam for low cost; consider cork for a softer floor.
Considering flexible flooring materials, what is the best flooring for an uneven floor? The best flooring for uneven floors due to its attractiveness and durability is epoxy, which can also be designed to mimic a wide variety of appearances. Not only will epoxy finish out the floor, but it'll also even it out.
The main things that you need to consider when choosing the thickness of your laminate floor are the evenness of your subfloor and any reason you may have to be worrying about noise reduction. If you have a subfloor that is in any way uneven, it pays off to choose a thicker laminate.
Fibreboard Underlay
This is the best choice for both types of flooring. It works to smooth uneven floors, reduces noise, and acts as a thermal barrier. If the subfloor is uneven, fibreboard works to even dips and dents you can't level out.
When properly used, expansion gaps can relieve the pressure from heat expansion that can affect a floating floor and prevent any noticeable buckling or peaked appearance. If the floor is less than 50 ft in length or width, leave at least a ¼-inch expansion gap around the entire perimeter.
Forgetting to level the subfloor
The subfloor must be level before installing laminate flooring. If the subfloor is leveled, the laminate planks will not lay properly, causing uneven and unsightly floors. If the subfloor is not level, you can use a self-leveling compound to level it out.
Floating flooring is not recommended for uneven floors as this increases risk of the planks moving or splitting apart. Ceramic and porcelain tiles will also crack over time if the subfloor is uneven.
The best way to find out if you need underlayment for your new vinyl flooring is to look at the planks you're planning on installing. If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won't need an underlayment.
Luxury vinyl flooring is more forgiving than other types of hard flooring when it comes to installation on a subfloor that is less than perfect. If you attempt to install ceramic or natural stone tile on a subfloor that is not well prepared, with no bumps, blemishes, cracks, or warping, every imperfection will show.
Fibreboard underlay
It helps smooth uneven floors, reduces noise and acts as an excellent thermal insulator. Not to mention, it's also the number one choice of underlay for laminate and wooden floors. If you have an uneven subfloor, the fibreboard will help even any dips and dents you can't level out.
Underlayment can serve as a relatively simple fix to an uneven-subfloor. Keep in mind that in some circumstances you won't be able to use underlayment as underlayment should only be used for minor imperfections.
While laminate tends to be more forgiving of subfloor imperfections compared to other types of flooring, it is still important to level your flooring to avoid future damage if you are installing laminate flooring on an uneven subfloor. A level subfloor ensures a more attractive and long-lasting finish.
In some cases, a slight slope may be normal and not cause for concern. However, if the slope is severe or getting worse over time, it could be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate attention. One potential risk of sloping floors is damage to the structural integrity of the home.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are also one of the best types of flooring to install quickly and without a mess. The simple installation process involves a click-and lock-system that easily fits over your floor's sublayer. The new luxury vinyl floor is what's known as a floating floor.
Felt is a popular underlayment choice, offering better sound control than foam. With foam, you also have the option to choose an attached vapor barrier, and it provides better insulation than foam and cork.