How To Level A Concrete Floor For Putting Down Hardwood

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.

How to level a concrete floor for putting down hardwood.

Hardwood floors are durable low maintenance and easy to clean. If you are installing a locking or floating floor not attached to the subfloor just make sure that the subfloor is clean. Over time concrete floors can settle unevenly or become uneven due to cracking and moisture. When installing laminate vinyl tile or hardwood flooring it s important to know how to level a floor.

Start at the farthest point in the room then work your way out of the room. Use a long level and tape measure to check that the floor is level. How to level a floor. Mark the high and low spots on the subfloor.

You need to fill any large cracks and be sure that the entire floor is level. Weight down the first few rows with something heavy but use a rag underneath the weight to protect. Actually the floor must be flat which allows for minor variations in the level. A level subfloor will help your flooring last longer and keep the finish attractive.

Installing hardwood flooring over concrete. The misconception is that a concrete subfloor must be completely level to install hardwood. Leveling floors can be a diy project or left to professionals. Learn how to use a grinder.

If you have very high or low spots foundation or structural problems or termite damage. The moisture barrier will level itself out. Plan to correct gaps of more than 1 8 to 3 16 inch. Get down on your knees and look for daylight under the level or board.

Typically the floor must be level and uniform within 3 16 inch every 10 feet. Old basement slabs can crack and buckle in places. Level floors are critical for reducing.