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.
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.
Planks installed on an uneven floor can also lead to hollow spots, bouncing floors, and flooring joints separating, breaking, or splitting, causing the floor to fail. Tip: Use a level or straight edge to ensure the floor is flat before installing your vinyl.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Uneven floors in a house are usually a sign of a foundation problem, but not always.
One common option is using self-levelling compounds. This compound can be used on a concrete slab or a wood subfloor and can be effective with any dips on the floor. These self-levelling compounds are similar to concrete and typically come in large bags of powder.
In some cases, a slight slope may be normal and not cause for concern. However, if the slope is severe or getting worse over time, it could be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate attention. One potential risk of sloping floors is damage to the structural integrity of the home.
In terms of tiling, an uneven surface can throw up all sorts of problems, distorting the beauty and regimented feel of a flooring project. But there's always hope for righting those wrongs so tiling remains a viable choice.
Fibreboard Underlay
This is the best choice for both types of flooring. It works to smooth uneven floors, reduces noise, and acts as a thermal barrier. If the subfloor is uneven, fibreboard works to even dips and dents you can't level out.
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.
The term "floating floor" refers to the construction of flooring material to lock together using a system similar to a puzzle piece where the material locks together creating a tight bond. With this tight bond, the floor is stable without any attachment to the sub-floor.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
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.
Use a self-leveling underlayment on low spots on wood. Self-leveler is available in powder and pre-mixed forms and creates a flat, smooth surface in flooring projects. The strength of the product is similar to concrete. Self-leveler dries fast, so you need to work quickly.
The degree to which your floor slopes or sags indicates whether or not you have reason for concern. Typically, floors that slope 1-1/2 inches or less in 20 feet is not a problem. Floors that sag 2 inches or more in 20 feet, though, are a cause for concern.
Mix and Apply the Self-Leveling Compound
Pour a generous amount of leveler onto the subfloor and spread it over the floor with a towel, allowing it to settle into low areas. The product will seek its own level (much like water), but it must be spread out so it covers the affected area without pooling.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.