How To Level Old Floor For Hardwood

What good is a beautiful and expensive hardwood floor if it squeaks and creaks when you walk on it.

How to level old floor for hardwood.

And a quality installation relies on having a level subfloor. But not to worry if your subfloor is less than perfect. Then using a floor leveling compound or asphalt shingles shim the dips so the floor is level. Thoroughly vacuum the existing floor and use a long floor leveler and tape measure to ensure the subfloor is level within 3 16 inch for every 10 feet.

Hardwood floor installers often use the term level when referring to subfloors when actually they are meaning the term flat while it s desirable to have a level floor most homes. A solid hardwood floor is only as good as the installation. Before installing hardwood floors use a straight edge to find the humps and dips in the subfloor. 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.

You ll need to know how to level a floor. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too. Position the leveling strip on the floor and see if the top edge of the strip checks out as level. Wood floors can be installed on any level of your home and are available in multiple constructions to allow.

Adjust the strip as needed. When installing a hardwood floor the homeowner may need to level the existing subfloor. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. What s worse is if boards start to stick up buckle or warp.

Just sand any high spots and fill the low spots with leveling compound. When complete this will be a spacer that bridges the gap between the old floor and the new level surface. 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. Alternatives to hardwood flooring.

If you re replacing an old floor with a new one your first task will be to get rid of the outdated flooring material. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Hardwood floor installation can be slowed by an uneven subfloor.