Can You Put New Floors on a Subfloor That Isn't Level?

You want to change the look of your room with beautiful new flooring, but then you see it. It looks like a small mountain range on your subfloor. You might wonder if your dream floors are even possible because of the bumps, dips, and slopes.

The quick answer? Perhaps. But first, you need to know this.

Why It's Important For The Subfloor To Be Even

The subfloor is the base for everything else that goes on top of it. If you don't do this step, it's like trying to build a house of cards on a table that isn't stable.

Most types of flooring need a surface that is mostly flat to work well. Wood can break. The joints in laminate come apart. The grout lines on the tiles crack. Vinyl gets strange bubbles and tears.

The tolerance depends on the material:

• Hardwood: No more than 3/16 inch difference over 10 feet • Laminate: 3/16 inch over 10 feet

• Tile: 1/4 inch every 10 feet

• 3/16 inch of luxury vinyl over 10 feet

Looking at Your Subfloor

You don't need expensive tools to find problems. Get a long, straight board or level and put it across different parts of your floor.

Check for spaces below. When you walk around, feel for soft or bouncy spots. If you hear creaks and squeaks, they may mean there are problems with the structure below.

The marble test also works. Let go of a marble and see where it goes. You have slope problems if it always goes to the same corner.

Small Problems vs. Big Problems

Some uneven places are easy to fix. You can fill in small dips with self-leveling compound. It moves like thick pancake batter and hardens into a smooth surface.

If the high spots aren't too bad, you can sometimes sand them down. Just be careful not to hit any electrical wires or plumbing that might be hidden below.

But big problems need help from a professional. If your joists are sagging, your subflooring is damaged, or your building has structural problems, you shouldn't try to fix them yourself.

When to Call the Experts

These problems happen all the time for flooring contractors. They know which issues can kill a deal and which ones are quick fixes.

When you need professional help, watch for these signs:

• Areas that feel bouncy or spongy
  
  

• Large gaps between subfloor panels
  
  

• Water damage or signs of rot
  
  

• Slopes too steep for your chosen flooring
  
  

Flooring Companies often offer free estimates. Before installation begins, they’ll assess whether your subfloor needs any repairs.

What You Can Do About Problem Subfloors

The fix can cost more than you thought it would. You might need new subflooring, extra support beams, or a lot of leveling work.

Think about your budget very carefully. Cheap fixes don't last long, usually only a year or two. It costs more up front to do good prep work, but it saves money in the long run.

Some types of flooring are better at hiding small flaws than others. Carpet is easy to clean. Engineered hardwood is better at changing than solid wood. Luxury vinyl plank can handle small bumps and dips.

Last Words

Don’t rush the preparation of the subfloor. Those bumps and dips won’t disappear just because you’ve installed beautiful new floors nthey’ll cause bigger problems down the road.

If the news isn’t great, get more than one opinion. One contractor might say the issue is major, while another could offer a quick, effective fix. Flooring Contractors understand that what’s underneath your floors plays a big role in how they look and perform.

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