If you have an uneven floor, you know that it can create a lot of problems. Uneven floors are hard to take care of, hard to clean, and even hard to put anything on top of. So, before you redo your floors, redecorate your house, or even go to sell your home, you should fix your uneven flooring. But can you do this type of work on your own? The answer is YES!
In this guide, we will work you through how to level an uneven floor quickly, so you can work on making it look fabulous for whatever new venture you have in mind.
DIY: How To Level a Floor
Leveling an uneven floor has quite a few steps to its process, but the good news is that it isn’t hard work. We recommend that you read through every step of the process before you start, just so you understand what is needed.
So, let’s get started.
Step 1: Remove the Floor That’s There
First, you need to start by removing the floor you already have down. When you pull up the floor, it will reveal the subflooring, which is what we need to level an uneven floor. Remember that older homes may have dangerous chemicals lurking underneath the floor, so you will need protective gear. If you think that your home may have asbestos, you should contact a professional. It isn’t worth the savings to risk your health in this way.
Step 2: Check the Subfloor in a Few Different Places
Now that you have the subfloor exposed, you need to figure out where it is level and where it isn’t. Check in a few different spots with a level. It is better to use a longer level for this process. Be sure to use chalk or a pencil to mark the high or low spots on the flooring.
You cannot be too thorough on this step. We’re gonna level with you: What you do now will pay off later in the process.
Step 3: Start by Repairing the High Spots
If you have high spots on your flooring, you should repair those first.
- For a plywood or a particle board subfloor: Screw down any loose boards that you may have found. In some cases, you will need to add more screws. Do not use nails. Even though they are faster and easier, they are more likely to pop up again.
Then, sand down any high spots. If there are a lot of high spots, be sure to have a vacuum handy and wear a mask. You may want to consider renting a sander.
- For a concrete subfloor: If you have a concrete subfloor, be sure that you are using an appropriate concrete grinder for your flooring. Your grinder should have the appropriate attachments, including a cup-wheel attachment. Just like with a plywood floor, you are going to get dust.
Be sure that you are wearing a respirator, or you could do serious damage to your lungs. After you have finished grinding, use a wet-dry vacuum to clean up all of the dust. You don’t want any of that dust lingering around for the rest of your repairs.
Before you think you are done, recheck everything with the level. Be sure to check around the edges extremely well.
Step 4: Repair the Low Spots Next
The next thing you want to do is repair all of the low spots. Use an underlayment, which is a patching product that fixes low spots in your flooring. You can buy either a concrete or a plywood version. The material is actually placed in a sandwich formation between two other materials that help to absorb sounds, insulate, and reduce the overall wear and tear on your flooring.
There are a lot of products on the market to help you do this step. You may want to do some research into those different products. Some come premixed (you won’t have to do as much work, but you’ll pay more) or as powdered. You should always follow the directions supplied by the manufacturer.
If you have powder and you don’t use all of it, save it for later. You can use it to repair any cracks, holes, imperfections, or dents later on. While a good leveling and repairs will help to reduce the future number of repairs you’ll do, it won’t eliminate them.
Some manufacturers suggest using a damp sponge to apply the floor leveler. Others suggest using a bone-dry floor. Just be sure to follow the directions as best you can. This subfloor work is going to determine whether your overall floor will be level. Be sure not to use too much of the leveler, as this can create problems later on. If the leveler’s directions say to allow something to dry overnight, give it ample time to do so.
You may have to go back and check for any high spots on your flooring and sand them down.
Step 5: Install Your Flooring
Your next step is to install your flooring over the subflooring. Each type of flooring will have a different method for installation.
- For Laminate: If you are going to install laminate flooring, the planks snap together and actually sit above the subflooring. Any issues with the subflooring can create issues with the laminate, particularly any high points that can cause the actual floating floor to be unlevel. The more level your subfloor can be, the better your flooring will be.
To install a level laminate flooring, add a plywood layer if your flooring is still rough. Do not create multiple layers, however. You want one surface that is the same level. If you are putting down wood laminate, do not put down another layer of plywood.
Follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions to install the laminate.
- For Tile: Tile flooring really requires your subfloor to be nearly perfect. Especially for ceramic tile, any imperfections can cause cracks and issues as time goes by. Follow the directions above and then triple-check your flooring. You’ll have to use a backboard that is cement-based.
For that backer board, follow manufacturer instructions. For tile, it is important to go slowly and work methodically. There is a lot that can go wrong here.
- For Vinyl: Follow the instructions above to prepare your subflooring. For most installations, you won’t have to add a layer of plywood or anything else unless your subfloor is in bad shape or you are preventing some kind of humidity build-up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the vinyl flooring. Remember that vinyl tends to be more forgiving than hard tiles, at least in the short term.
- For Hardwood: For hardwood flooring, you should prep your subfloor using the floor below. Make sure that if you apply anything over the subfloor before you apply the hardwood flooring, it is something that you can nail through later. From there, follow the instructions for your specific flooring. While most hardwood flooring will have the same instructions, there are some unique circumstances.
Shorter Way To Level an Uneven Floor
This method to level an uneven floor is still DIY. It requires a bit more of a skill level, but it is shorter. The steps are easy to follow; just be sure to read through all of them before you get started. This is the best method if you only have one area that isn’t level.
Step 1: Measure Your Drop’s Slope
If you have a floor that slopes down one way, which is quite common, particularly in older homes, you want to start by finding out the slope of your drop. You can do this by using a level. Place the level at the highest and lowest level of the floor. Slowly raise the lower end until you have moved the bubble to the center. Measure the distances from the bottom of the level to the floor to find out the slope.
If you don’t have a level that is long enough, you can use a longer piece of wood with the level on top.
Step 2: Cut Your Leveling Piece
You’ll want to cut a leveling piece that looks more like a wedge. This triangle will taper from the level measurement to nothing. You will need to make a few pieces of this size to bring the surface level up. You may have to try a few times to get the piece perfect. You will have to place the piece along the edges of the room and check whether or not the top of the triangle is level.
Each of these leveling pieces will bridge the gap between the old floor and the new surface level. When covered, the floor should be completely flat. And we’re talking flat--days-old-opened-soda flat.
Repeat this over and over again. Then attach the level trips to the floor every 16 inches or so. Screw (not nail) the pieces into the subfloor.
Step 3: Install Subflooring
Now, you will install the subflooring. Use construction adhesive along the top of each strip and then install the plywood. Nail it in place. Be sure to measure it so that everything is level.
Go Slow and Work Methodically
Leveling your floor can take a lot of work and a lot of time. This is something you should do over a long weekend or when you have some time on your hands. You will need to work slowly and methodically as you first take care of the higher areas of your flooring, then level out the lower areas. Only then are you able to install new flooring and ensure that everything looks, feels, and performs correctly.
Ensuring that your floor and subfloors are level will help to extend the life of your floor and prevent any issues with furniture, decorations, or even injury. It is imperative if you know people who use walkers or wheelchairs, as an uneven floor can be extremely dangerous for them. So, whether you turn to a professional or decide to DIY it, your floors can perfectly level in no time! That’s what we call leveling up.
Sources:
Leveling a Floor: 8 Top Tips to Keep in Mind | Bob Vila
How to Level a Floor | This Old House
How to Choose the Right Subfloor Leveling Techniques | The Spruce
