What is the best covering for uneven floors?

Author: Jorge Weissnat DVM  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, carpet tiles, engineered wood flooring, cork flooring, concrete flooring, and rubber flooring are among the best flooring for old house with uneven floors.

What is the best floor covering for uneven floors?

Vinyl and Laminate flooring:

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.

Is vinyl or laminate 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 is the cheapest way to level an uneven floor?

Use a poured on floor leveler. The stuff comes in 5 gallon buckets and you put it on the low spots. Go over that with click lock flooring that has a foam underlayment. I did it on a place 6 years ago and it is in a house with 4 kids. It still looks good.

How to hide uneven floors?

  • Paint A Pattern.
  • Paint A Solid.
  • Layer Rugs.
  • Peel & Stick Tiles.
  • Poufs, Cushions, and the like.
  • Fake A Built-In.
  • Sisal Everywhere.
  • Or A Big Sisal.

Laminate or Vinyl Plank. What works better over an uneven subfloor?

What to do when floors are uneven?

Three Best Ways To Fix An Uneven Floor
  1. Use A Self-Leveling Compound. The best solution for uneven flooring is a latex floor screed. ...
  2. Plywood Is A Great Alternative. If you want another type of flooring, plywood is a good alternative. ...
  3. Grind Down The Levels.

Can you lay vinyl flooring over an uneven floor?

Floating vinyl planks, installed without adhesive, can accommodate slight floor irregularities. On the other hand, glue-down method offers a stronger bond and is ideal for more uneven surfaces, like a mountaineer who seeks a solid foothold on rugged terrains.

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.

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.

What is the best self-leveling compound?

Best Latex Self Levelling Compounds. Arditex CL Plus is a high-performance latex-based self levelling compound that is known for its excellent adhesion, moisture-resistant properties and flexibility. It's perfect for use over a wide range of substrates, including concrete, plywood, and metal.

What happens if you put laminate on uneven floor?

Laying laminate on uneven flooring can be a real headache. Not only can it result in a bumpy surface, which can be hazardous and unsightly, but it can damage the quality of your laminate flooring. If you want to avoid these problems, preparing your subfloor is essential.

What is the best underlayment for uneven floors?

Meet our favourites!
  • Polystyrene underlays. The underlay with which you want to level the surface should have the right thickness. ...
  • Rubber cork underlays. Another frequently used underlay for levelling is a cork underlay, which is perfect for bedroom flooring. ...
  • Polyethylene underlay.

What is the best flooring for old houses?

Hardwood Flooring

Known for its longevity, hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, restoring its original beauty even after years of wear. This makes it a practical and attractive option for high-traffic areas in historic homes.

What is trending in floor covering?

IN: Sustainable Flooring Materials

In 2025, the greenest floors are in peak demand, causing many of the top flooring manufacturers to rethink their traditional offerings. From bamboo and cork to reclaimed wood and recycled materials, there are plenty of eco-conscious flooring options to choose from.

What is the quietest flooring for a 2nd story?

Cork Flooring: Cork is an exceptional choice for noise reduction due to its natural acoustic insulation properties. Its cellular structure absorbs sound vibrations, making it ideal for upper storeys in homes and for flats where foot traffic noise is a concern.

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.

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.

How do you fix an uneven floor in an old house?

There are multiple ways to fix a floor that sags and dips.
  1. Pour Self-Leveling Underlayment. Pour self-leveling underlayment in the problem area. ...
  2. Sister the Joists. ...
  3. Prop Up the Joists. ...
  4. Lay Down New Hardwood.

How much does it cost to level a floor in an old house?

Average Cost to Level the Floor in a House

On average, you are looking at about $3 – $5 per square foot.

What is the cheapest way to raise floor height?

Wood Fiber Board

Wood fiberboard is one of the most affordable ways to raise floor height. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a low-cost alternative to plywood.

Are uneven floors common in older homes?

Uneven floors are most common in old homes because the home's foundation shifts over time.

How to fix sagging floors in an old house?

A professional can reinforce or replace the floor joists to support the sagging areas. This might involve installing sister joists (additional wooden beams placed alongside existing ones), using steel brackets for extra strength, or installing crawl space jacks.

What is the best flooring option for uneven floors?

Various flooring options cater specifically to uneven floors, offering durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, carpet tiles, engineered wood flooring, cork flooring, concrete flooring, and rubber flooring are among the best flooring for old house with uneven floors.

Does underlayment help with uneven floors?

Before you put down your new floors, underlayment is a great way to ensure your subfloor will be level.

How much uneven floor is acceptable for vinyl plank flooring?

Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m)

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