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