Best Floor Leveling Compound For Wood Subfloors

Floor leveling compounds are used to smooth out uneven subfloors and provide a level surface for installing finished flooring. When choosing a floor leveling compound for a wood subfloor, it is important to select a product that is specifically designed for use on wood. Otherwise, the compound may not adhere properly to the subfloor or may cause damage.

There are several different types of floor leveling compounds available for wood subfloors, including:

Cementitious compounds are made from cement and sand and are the most common type of floor leveling compound. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but they can be heavy and may require a long time to dry.
Gypsum-based compounds are made from gypsum and are lighter than cementitious compounds. They are also easier to spread and finish, but they may not be as strong as cementitious compounds.
Polymer-modified compounds are made from a combination of cement, gypsum, and polymers. They are stronger than cementitious compounds and easier to spread and finish than gypsum-based compounds. However, they are also more expensive.

When choosing a floor leveling compound for a wood subfloor, it is important to consider the following factors:

The thickness of the compound - The thickness of the compound will determine how much it can level the floor. For minor imperfections, a thin compound may be sufficient. However, for more severe unevenness, a thicker compound will be needed.
The drying time of the compound - The drying time of the compound will determine how long it will take before you can install finished flooring. Some compounds can dry in as little as 24 hours, while others may take several days or even weeks to dry completely.
The cost of the compound - The cost of the compound is another important factor to consider. Cementitious compounds are the most affordable option, while polymer-modified compounds are the most expensive.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can choose the best floor leveling compound for your wood subfloor. Here are a few of the top-rated floor leveling compounds for wood subfloors:

Ardex Feather Finish - Ardex Feather Finish is a polymer-modified compound that is designed for use on wood subfloors. It is self-leveling and can be applied in thicknesses from 1/8 inch to 2 inches. It dries quickly and is ready for foot traffic in as little as 4 hours.
Custom Building Products LevelQuik RS - Custom Building Products LevelQuik RS is a cementitious compound that is ideal for leveling wood subfloors. It is easy to use and can be applied in thicknesses from 1/4 inch to 2 inches. It dries in as little as 24 hours and is ready for foot traffic in as little as 12 hours.
Mapei Ultraplan Eco 3000 - Mapei Ultraplan Eco 3000 is a gypsum-based compound that is designed for use on wood subfloors. It is lightweight and easy to spread and finish. It dries in as little as 24 hours and is ready for foot traffic in as little as 12 hours.

These are just a few of the top-rated floor leveling compounds for wood subfloors. When choosing a compound, be sure to read the product label carefully to ensure that it is compatible with your subfloor and your finished flooring.