Is it common for floors to be unlevel?

Author: Mrs. Iva Nolan  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

An estimated 25% of homes experience structural damage. Uneven floors are a common symptom of this issue.

When should I be worried about uneven floors?

When Should You Worry About Uneven Floors In An Old House? While some unevenness is normal in older homes, certain signs should prompt you to seek professional help. These include: Cracks in Walls or Ceilings: Cracks indicate that your home's structure is under stress and may need reinforcement.

Is it normal for floors to not be perfectly level?

It is totally normal. In fact if you have a house more than a couple years old that has completely flat floors you should be very proud. See houses are made out of things that shrink a bit and settle a bit and unless you have the foundation on bedrock there is no way that is going to happen completely evenly.

How much uneven floor is acceptable?

Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span. Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m) Subfloors must be structurally sound.

Are uneven floors a big deal?

If you're considering purchasing a home with uneven floors, don't wait to investigate the potential issues beneath the home's surface. The slope or slant of the floor may be a minor cosmetic issue, or it could indicate water damage or major problems with the home's structure or foundation.

How to level sagging floor in old house using shims, not floor leveler, in home renovation

How much slope in a floor is acceptable?

In general, if your floor slopes more than 1/2 an inch over a horizontal distance of 10 feet, then it's likely you'll need to repair it. But while that ratio is a useful guide, answering the question of how much floor slope is too much is more a matter of personal preference.

How much does it cost to fix uneven floors?

Moderate damage: For areas with uneven joists or minor subfloor issues, repairs could cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the repair technique used. Major structural repairs: If the problem stems from foundation issues or severely damaged joists, costs can climb significantly.

Do uneven floors mean foundation problems?

In some cases, uneven floors may simply be caused by settling foundation or changes in temperature and humidity. However, more serious problems, such as foundation damage, can also cause floors to become uneven.

What is the rule of 3 flooring?

This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.

How far can a floor be out of level?

There are standards that exist within Australia regarding levelling floors. These standards require that there must be 10mm maximum tolerance within any room and 20mm maximum tolerance over the entire building footprint.

How do you fix an unlevel floor?

Methods To fix floors that are not level
  1. Shimming. Shimming is a straightforward and effective solution for minor unevenness in floors. ...
  2. Self-Leveling Compound. For more significant unevenness, a self-leveling compound might be your best bet. ...
  3. Reinforce Joists or Support Beams. ...
  4. Replace Damaged Flooring. ...
  5. Consult a Professional.

Are uneven floors unsafe?

So, yes, they could be dangerous, especially for people with mobility issues. However, the real problem is whatever caused the differential settlement that led to the floor becoming uneven. If differential settlement isn't fixed, it could lead to structural damage.

What is the acceptable floor level tolerance?

Just like ceramic tile, wood and resilient flooring require a high degree of flatness that can easily be achieved using a cementitious SLu. Many manufacturers of wood flooring require that the variation in floor flatness be no more than 3/16" in 10' and 1/8" in 6'.

Is it OK if my floors aren't level?

Though floor sloping is a common problem, it isn't purely a cosmetic problem. Floor sloping can indicate that there's a much more severe issue at hand. Sloping floors can signify that there is significant structural damage to a home's foundation, warped floor joists, or water damage requiring foundation repair.

What are the dangers of uneven flooring?

Uneven floors pose a serious risk of slips, trips, stumbles and falls. Our feet instinctively know to expect even and consistent flooring. Have you ever walked onto uneven flooring? It's a jarring experience, even if you don't fall down.

What do uneven floors look like?

Uneven Floors

Your floors may visually appear slanted. You may even notice objects roll when dropped on the floor. This occurs because the foundation has improperly settled, creating the sloping.

Can you lay flooring on uneven floor?

One way to install flooring on uneven floors is to choose a type of flooring that is naturally flexible. This makes carpet one of the most ideal options: it's cheap, easy to install, and very attractive. For only slightly uneven flooring, sturdy materials such as luxury vinyl plank can also be used for full coverage.

What is the 3 4 5 rule flooring?

Put a mark on the board at the 3 feet point. Now, measure the adjacent board from the same corner to 4 feet and put a mark there. Then, measure the distance between the two marks. If it is 5 feet, then you have a perfectly square corner.

Is it OK to have 3 different types of flooring?

While mixing and matching different types of flooring is a perfect way to add variety to your home's interior design, it's crucial to limit the number of different types of flooring that you use. Having too many types of flooring in one space can make the room feel cluttered and overwhelming.

How much does it cost to fix foundation issues?

On average, foundation repair costs around $5,017, but can range anywhere from $2,180 to $7,854 based on various factors. It's important to take care of foundation problems as soon as they arise. Delaying repairs can lead to more severe damage, which means higher repair costs later on.

How to tell the difference between house settling and foundation problems?

Vertical cracks are often less concerning and may result from normal settling. Horizontal or diagonal cracks, especially those wider than 1/8 inch, may indicate more serious problems. Multiple cracks or those that form a pattern (like stair-step cracks in brick walls) often signal foundation issues.

Is it normal for a floor to slope?

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover uneven floors?

Does home insurance cover foundation movement or sagging floors? Foundation damage caused by shifting or settling earth or sagging floors caused by rotting floor joists are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage is caused by flooding or an earthquake, you'll typically require separate coverage.

Why is my floor suddenly uneven?

Uneven floors are rarely caused by problems with the floor itself. The cause is usually settling or shifting of the foundation underneath the floors.

What is the cheapest way to level an uneven floor?

The Cheapest Ways to Fix and Level Your Uneven Wooden Floors
  1. Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Wonky Floor.
  2. Option 1: Self-Levelling Compound (When Quick and Easy is King)
  3. Option 2: Shims and Plywood (for the Dedicated Cheapskate)
  4. Option 3: Sander and Patience (A Quick Fix for Light Unevenness)

Previous article
What is a death door on a house?
Next article
What removes sticky residue from hardwood floors?