Leveling Subfloor For Floating Floor

Nail down or floating floors may be installed over existing vinyl as long as it s no more than two layers thick.
Leveling subfloor for floating floor. How to level a floor. A level subfloor will help your flooring last longer and keep the finish attractive. 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. If not your floor covering which is the solid hardwood laminate tile or other exposed flooring that goes on top of the subfloor will never be flat and level this problem can be fixed but it all depends on exactly what kind of uneven subfloor you have.
It supports your decorative floor finish whether it s carpet hardwood vinyl laminate or tile. Leveling floors can be a diy project or left to professionals. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Self leveling underlayment products can be used on concrete floors wood subfloors that are uneven but still in decent shape and even over ceramic tile floors eliminating the task of tearing.
If you have very high or low spots foundation or structural problems or termite damage you may need professional help. A subfloor is the bottom most structural level of your floor. For more information download our pdf about types of subfloors. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too.
In many cases you can level a floor yourself. A subfloor is meant to be flat and level. Remove any obstacles from the floor. Measure and cut 1 4 inch or thicker plywood with a circular saw to fit the entire floor of the room where you are installing vinyl flooring.
Clean it well with a wet dry vacuum. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. 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. Pound nails into the subfloor with a hammer and set screws slightly below the surface of the subfloor with a screwdriver.