Engineered hardwood is a great option for uneven floors because you have the appearance and characteristics of solid wood flooring, without needing to be fixed to the subfloor surface.
For very uneven flooring, laminate sheets or tiles may be a better bet. This material is more flexible, but may reveal the imperfections in the surface. The most durable and attractive option for an uneven floor is often a pour on option, such as epoxy.
Plywood is the most common subfloor and is a popular choice because of its strength, durability,and ease of installation. Plywood subfloors are made of layers of wood veneer that are then glued together. Plywood can be used with a variety of flooring materials.
You can use a self leveling thin set, or you can just install the subfloor. Just make sure that as you're framing the subfloor, you measure frequently to keep a uniform height, and allow the use of shims (which will help with adjustment). If you can get access to one, a laser level is super handy.
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.
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.
Plywood is considered the most popular material used for subflooring, it has been used since the 1950s and remains one of the top choices for contractors. Standard plywood works perfectly fine as a subflooring material, but the best option is ¾” tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.
What is the cheapest and most durable flooring? Sheet vinyl is among the most affordable flooring options, and it's very durable, too. You can buy sheet vinyl for as low as $0.50 per square foot, and it can last you 10 to 20 years.
Your floors shift or bounce when you walk on them.
If your floors begin to feel spongy, springy or bouncy, or if you notice the floorboards around you shifting when you walk on them, it could mean that it's time to replace your subfloor.
Floating Plywood Subfloor
As the least-expensive subflooring option, floating plywood's only barrier between the concrete and the plywood is plastic sheeting. The advantage of this type of basement subfloor is that it is thin and easy to install. Air and water cannot flow underneath this type of basement subfloor.
Installing subfloors incorrectly could lead to costly repairs and additional replacements down the road. It's best to work with a local flooring contractor to replace subfloors, but you can DIY the project if you have experience installing them, which could save you between $25 and $30 per hour on labor costs.
Both plywood and OSB are effective choices for your subfloor needs, but OSB may be a better option for a garage than plywood. Plywood is a better option for projects that require a lot of cutting and molding, while OSB is a good option for those who need to cover areas where moisture exposure may be an issue.
“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.
Plywood is the most popular material used for subflooring because it's strong and stiff. It comes in different thicknesses, with the thicker options being the best choice for a subfloor. The tongue-and-groove plywood is the best option because it has interlocking edges that help prevent movement.
Subfloors - OSB is the top choice for stiff, strong and economical subflooring in timber frame construction. Plywood is prone to squeaking unless glued and screwed. Wall sheathing - OSB and plywood both perform well, but OSB is cheaper. Use moisture-resistant grades and avoid direct water exposure.
Plywood: Renowned for its strength and durability, plywood is one of the best subfloor materials for residential projects where moisture is not a major concern. It's ideal under hardwood, laminate, and carpet.
Wooden flooring is a type of flooring that never goes out of style. After all, the planks bring nature's beauty to the inside of your home. That being said, thousands of wood species can be used to create hardwood floors.
A flooring underlayment can help to smooth out any remaining peaks and valleys in the subfloor and prevent problems down the line.
While you can successfully install certain types of flooring over old surfaces, doing so often comes with risks like uneven surfaces, potential moisture issues, and door clearance problems.