What happens if you put laminate on uneven floor?

Author: Ruthie Denesik  |  Last update: Thursday, November 30, 2023

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.

Can laminate flooring go over uneven floor?

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.

Does floor have to be perfectly level for laminate?

Most manufacturers recommend that the floor be flat to within 3/16” in a 10 ft. radius. These measurements are consistent with most other types of floor coverings. On floating floors, vertical movement needs to be kept to a minimum.

Is thicker laminate better for uneven floor?

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.

What type of flooring is best for uneven floors?

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.

Laminate flooring tip: uneven subfloor

Is laminate or vinyl better for uneven floors?

For only slightly uneven flooring, sturdy materials such as luxury vinyl plank can also be used for full coverage. The benefit of sturdier types of flooring is that they will give the floor the illusion of being more even than it actually is. For very uneven flooring, laminate sheets or tiles may be a better bet.

What happens if you install vinyl plank on uneven floor?

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.

Does laminate underlayment help with uneven floors?

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.

Will underlayment help with uneven floor?

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.

Where should you not put laminate flooring?

Don't install your laminate on any floor with a drain. Don't install laminate on any uneven subfloor or outdoors. Don't install your laminate over residential carpet. Don't install a second layer of laminate underlayment.

What is the best underlay for uneven laminate floors?

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.

Why leave a gap around laminate flooring?

Room humidity can vary according to the season, so it is vital that the floor is able to expand and contract. For this reason, make sure you leave an expansion gap on all sides of the floor, around pipes, thresholds and under doors.

What to do when floors are uneven?

One of the best ways to fix the issue of uneven floor is to use floor patch product. It can be used in concrete subfloor or wooden subfloor. It is best for leveling floors that has dips, slanting issues, cracks and chipping problems.

Can a floating floor be installed on an uneven floor?

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.

Why does my laminate floor feel spongy?

Laminate flooring is very thin, so any unevenness on the subfloor will eventually begin to show as the floor settles into position – you can find out more about this in our 'What is laminate flooring' guide. The spongy effect can be caused by a dip in the subfloor causing an air gap underneath the laminate flooring.

Can you put laminate directly on subfloor?

Laminate flooring cannot ever be installed on a subfloor made of carpet or padding. Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. In some instances, you might be able to install your flooring over an existing floor, but it is important to check prior to installation if it is a suitable material.

Does my floor have to be perfectly level for vinyl plank flooring?

But, just like with any other permanent product, it's imperative that the existing floor is clean and dry, in excellent condition, and most important, level. A flat and level floor is key so that the adjoining vinyl plank flooring don't have varying heights.

What is the cheapest way to raise floor height?

If you want to raise the height of a floor, the cheapest and easiest way is to add a thick underlayment designed for the job. There are other options too like adding a framed wooden subfloor or floor leveling compound before installing new flooring.

Can you start laying laminate flooring in the middle of a room?

We recommend starting in the left corner of the longest wall in the room and to install the planks in the same direction as the main light source (e.g. the main window). Planks are always installed from left to right.

How smooth does a floor need to be for vinyl?

If you're installing vinyl planks on top of a concrete floor, the standard tolerance required is for the floor to be level to 3/16” within a 10' radius. It also can't have a dip of ⅛” within 2'. Level means that a floor doesn't slope in any direction. From one end of the room to the other, there is no pitch.

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