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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Average Cost to Level the Floor in a House
On average, you are looking at about $3 – $5 per square foot.
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.
Uneven floors are most common in old homes because the home's foundation shifts over time.
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.
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.
Before you put down your new floors, underlayment is a great way to ensure your subfloor will be level.
Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m)