How To Level Out A Floor For Laminate Install

To make a subfloor suitable for installing laminate check out this basic guide first.

How to level out a floor for laminate install.

Whether you re going on to install hardwood ceramic tile or laminate one of the most important steps of any flooring project is making sure the subfloor foundation is level. Laminate planks snap together and float above a subfloor which means tiny subfloor imperfections are okay although again a level subfloor will help prevent damage. Because laminate is typically thinner and less sturdy than real wood it is critical that you properly level the subfloor before you install laminate. In fact laminate flooring can be installed in almost every room in your home including kitchens since it doesn t have to be glued down and doesn t involve grout or mortar.

A little cheat to help work past a small dip in your subfloor when installing laminate flooring. Not only is trying to install laminate over an uneven subfloor difficult but also it can be dangerous. When installing a floating laminate floor you don t need to use any adhesive nails or staples. Planks can be cut with a hand saw circular saw or flooring cutter and most laminate flooring comes in planks that simply snap together with a tongue.

It s a bit confusing but a flat floor can still be slightly out of level and still create a good foundation for a long lasting floor installation. First assess the severity of the uneven. Laminate flooring on an uneven subfloor can cause problems and needs to be addressed. Level floors are critical for reducing gaps between the flooring material and substrate and preventing sagging and other structural complications.

The floor can have an unlevel subfloor and still have a base for a nice laminate floor. Laminate floors may be glued down or installed as floating systems which lock together using tongue and groove connectors. While laminate tends to be more forgiving of subfloor imperfections than many other types of floor finishes installers must take the time to level the floor prior to installation. How to level a floor for installing laminate laminate is a budget friendly attractive alternative to hardwood flooring.