How To Level A Wood Floor In An Old House

How to Level a Wood Floor in an Old House

Uneven wood floors are a common problem in old houses. Over time, wood can warp, buckle, or sag, causing the floor to become uneven and hazardous. Leveling a wood floor can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques.

Determine the Cause of the Uneven Floor

Before you can begin leveling the floor, you need to determine the cause of the unevenness. There are several possible causes, including:

Water damage
Termite damage
Improper installation
Structural problems

Once you know the cause of the uneven floor, you can begin to develop a plan to level it out.

Gather Your Tools

To level a wood floor, you will need the following tools:

Level
Shim
Crowbar
Hammer
Circular saw
Measuring tape
Pencil

Level the Floor

Once you have gathered your tools, you can begin leveling the floor. Here are the steps involved:

Remove any furniture or other objects from the room.
Start by leveling the highest point in the floor. Place a level on the floor and mark the high point with a pencil.
Measure the distance between the high point and the lowest point in the floor. This will tell you how much you need to raise the low point.
Cut a shim to the size of the gap between the high point and the low point. Place the shim under the low point and tap it into place with a hammer.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the floor is level.
Once the floor is level, you can reinstall the furniture and other objects.

Repair the Cause of the Uneven Floor

Once the floor is level, you need to repair the cause of the unevenness. This may involve repairing water damage, treating termite damage, or correcting structural problems. Once the cause of the unevenness has been repaired, the floor should remain level for many years to come.