What happens if you install hardwood on an uneven floor?

Author: Elwin Gibson  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

If you install hardwood flooring directly over an uneven subfloor, your new floor will also be uneven. But when you first cover this subfloor with a self-levelling compound, then your new floor will be level and smooth.

Can you lay hardwood on uneven floors?

Can You Install Hardwood on Uneven Floors? In order to properly install hardwood on uneven flooring, the floor itself has to be smoothed out. This can be done through the use of underlays and re-surfacing. For concrete surfaces, sanding and polishing may be required.

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.

What is the best flooring option for an uneven floor?

1. Floating Floors (Laminate or Vinyl Plank): Floating floors are an excellent option because they are not attached directly to the subfloor. They can ``float'' over imperfections, making them ideal for unlevel surfaces.

How flat does the subfloor need to be for hardwood?

Most experts agree that the maximum tolerance for a subfloor is 3/16” over a ten-foot span. Any dips or mounds exceeding this measurement need to be addressed before installation.

7 CATASTROPHIC hardwood flooring mistakes

What is the flatness tolerance for hardwood floors?

Subfloor must be flat. Make sure the concrete slab is flat to the wood flooring manufacturer's specification. Typically, manufacturers will specify a flatness tolerance of 1/8”in a 6-foot radius and or 3/16” in a 10-foot radius.

How level does subfloor need to be for hardwood?

A subfloor needs to be clean, dry, level and structurally sound. Use a level to determine if the floor is level within 3/16-inch change per 10 feet. Mark any high or low spots with a pencil or marker. If you're gluing the new floor to the subfloor, use a sander to remove oil, wax, paint, adhesives or other materials.

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)

When should I be worried about uneven floors?

Foundation Cracks

Even minor cracks can create uneven areas. Regardless of your flooring type, you will notice these differences. On hardwood or tile floors, pieces may pop up and become displaced. Uneven floors are often the first sign that your home requires professional foundation repair.

How do you level an extremely uneven floor?

Use an underlayment, floor leveler or floor patch product to fix low spots in a wood or concrete subfloor. An underlayment is a thin layer of material sandwiched between two other materials. It's used to help insulate, absorb sound and reduce wear on your floor. It can also serve as a vapor barrier.

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 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 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.

When should you not install hardwood floors?

Rooms with high humidity are generally not suitable for hardwood flooring. This is almost always solved by installing engineered flooring and/or using a finish and sealer.

How to fix uneven subfloor for hardwood?

Use Self-Leveling Compound to Correct Subfloor

Wide sags and depressions in a floor sometimes can't be adequately bridged even by sheets of plywood, so it's best to fill these areas with self-leveling compound.

Where not to install hardwood floors?

Rooms Where You Want to Consult a Professional Before Installing Hardwood Floors
  • Kitchen. Kitchens have often seen the use of other flooring materials. ...
  • Bathroom. Constant or prolonged contact with water, or heavy amounts of moisture, can greatly damage a hardwood floor. ...
  • Laundry Room. ...
  • Foyer. ...
  • Basements.

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 is the best flooring to put on an uneven floor?

Both vinyl and laminate floors are versatile and durable options that can be installed over slightly uneven surfaces. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to clean and maintain, and come in a wide range of patterns and colors so you don't have to sacrifice style for function.

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.

Is it expensive to level a floor?

Average Cost to Level the Floor in a House

We know, we know… it's frustrating, but it does depend on factors like the size of the slab, the severity of the damage, and the area in which you reside. On average, you are looking at about $3 – $5 per square foot.

Can uneven floors be fixed?

The first step in fixing uneven floors caused by foundation issues is to address the foundation problem itself. This may involve adding additional support to the foundation or repairing any damage that has occurred. Once the foundation is stabilized, you may need to have the floors leveled by a professional.

What is the easiest way to level a subfloor?

Liquid Leveler is still the best option

As Steller Floors have grown in popularity, we have heard of many, many ways to level subfloors but by far, the best way is by using liquid floor levelling compound. It is the fastest, easiest, most cost-effective solution in the bunch.

Does hardwood go directly on subfloor?

wood subfloor. Most engineered flooring can be installed using staples, full spread adhesive or a floating method over an approved subfloor. Make sure you have a sturdy subfloor: 3/4-inch CDX plywood is preferred and 3/4-inch OSB is acceptable.

Can you install hardwood flooring below grade?

Most manufacturers will recommend you to not install solid hardwood flooring below grade.

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