How To Level A Wooden Floor For Laminate

To test for the flatness for laying laminate flooring on an uneven subfloor lay a 10 foot long 2x4 board.

How to level a wooden floor for laminate.

A plywood layer is not necessary if you are putting down wood laminate. These hills and valleys will eventually lead to unwanted bouncy spots squeaks and groans in the final laminate floor. Place wood shims between the subfloor and the top of the floor joist. Use a mixture designed for wood subfloors.

After installing the moisture barrier select the thickest pad you can get to help level out the floor even more. If the uneven floor is due to floor joists that have warped or twisted over time or were incorrectly installed the only way to level the floor is to remove the subflooring and shim the joists. Apply floor leveling compound to any low areas or dips using a trowel. Use a pry bar to pull up hardwood floors one section at a time or unfasten carpet or laminate and roll it up from one end.

Mix the compound as directed on the package then pour it onto the low spots in the floor. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. If you re on a concrete subfloor you will need to lay down a moisture barrier before applying the pad. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor.

Feather the edges so they blend in with the surrounding floor. 5 double check your levelness and. Once you ve leveled your floor you can install the laminate pad. This will expose the subfloor underneath which is where most leveling problems lie.

Wait for the compound to dry prior to laminate installation. Fill cracks or major voids with wood putty or a self leveling compound. Use a trowel to spread the material then allow it to dry before proceeding. Watch our step by step video showing how to level a wooden floor with expert advice and top tips to help you complete the job with confidence.

After vacuuming or sweeping the subfloor to clean it add a plywood layer if the subfloor is in very bad shape but do not overlap the sheets. Remember to pin down the barrier to keep it from shifting around. To level a subfloor for installing laminate follow the directions above to remove high and low spots.