How Do You Level A Floor For Wood Floors

Wood floors can add a natural and luxurious touch to any home. The key to a beautiful wood floor is to start with a level subfloor. An uneven subfloor will cause the wood floor to creak, flex, and buckle. In some serious cases, it can even lead to the wood floor to fail. Here are the steps on how to level a floor for wood floors:

1. Determine the High and Low Points

The first step is to determine the high and low points of the subfloor. You can do this by using a level or a straight edge. Place the level or straight edge on the subfloor and move it around to find the highest and lowest points. You can also use a laser level to find the high and low points. Once you have found the high and low points, you can start to level the subfloor.

2. Level the High Points

There are a few different ways to level the high points of the subfloor. One way is to use a floor leveler. Floor leveler is a self-leveling compound that can be poured over the subfloor to fill in any low areas. Another way to level the high points is to use a sander. A sander can be used to sand down the high points of the subfloor. Once the high points have been leveled, you can start to fill in the low areas.

3. Fill in the Low Areas

The low areas of the subfloor can be filled in with a variety of materials. One common material is plywood. Plywood can be cut to fit the low areas and then nailed or screwed into place. Another common material is self-leveling compound. Self-leveling compound is a liquid that can be poured over the low areas to fill them in. Once the low areas have been filled in, you can start to sand the subfloor.

4. Sand the Subfloor

The subfloor should be sanded to create a smooth and even surface. A belt sander or a random orbital sander can be used to sand the subfloor. Once the subfloor has been sanded, you can start to install the wood floor.

5. Install the Wood Floor

The wood floor can be installed using a variety of methods. One common method is to nail the wood floor to the subfloor. Another common method is to glue the wood floor to the subfloor. Once the wood floor has been installed, you can start to enjoy your new floor.

When to Call a Professional

If you are not comfortable leveling a floor yourself, you can call a professional to do it for you. A professional will have the experience and equipment to level your floor quickly and efficiently.