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When installing new hardwood floors, the first thing to do is level your subfloor. This ensures that your floor will be perfectly smooth even once it’s finished. It also helps with some of the more complex installation techniques, like floating the floor or using a “no-glue” method for installation. After leveling, you can install vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, or any other material without problems.
Leveling a subfloor can be done in various ways, depending on what you’re comfortable with. However, the most common techniques include hand-screw, electric screwdriver, and Nail method or you can just fill the gaps and then sand it down for a smooth finish.
This post is about what you need to know when it comes to leveling a subfloor for hardwood. We will discuss the different flooring types, how to prepare your wood and more. This information should help anyone looking to install their hardwood floors.
Types of Flooring for a Subfloor
There are different types of flooring you can install over a subfloor, and each has its own requirements in terms of leveling. This is important because you don’t want to spend time making sure your subfloor is perfectly level only to find out that it’s not suitable for the type of hardwood flooring you’re installing! We’ll go over the most common types of flooring and what they require.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a type of hardwood that doesn’t require any additional wood or nails; they simply snap together. In order to install laminate floors, you need the subfloor to be perfectly level and flat with no gaps in between boards. Your best bet is going for a handscrew method rather than an electric screwdriver because it will be much easier to ensure the subfloor is flat.
Plywood Flooring
Plywood is another type of floor that doesn’t require any additional wood or nails; they snap together. You need to install plywood in the same way you would laminate floors- making sure your subfloor is level, and there are no gaps between boards.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is a type of flooring that requires an extreme-level subfloor. You will need to fill any gaps in the subfloor with wood filler, let it dry, and then sand it down before installing your engineered hardwood floors. This needs to be done on both sides of the room for even leveling.
Floating Wood
Floating wood floors are a great way to get the look of hardwood without actually having it installed. This is why they’re also known as “fake” or “snap-together” flooring- you can simply snap them together and lay them down on top of your subfloor without needing installation. Floating wood floors require an extremely level subfloor, just like engineered hardwood. You will need to fill any gaps in the subfloor with wood filler and let it dry before snapping your floors together.
RELATED: How to Level Plywood Subfloor for Laminate: A Quick Guide
Methods Used for Leveling a Subfloor for Hardwood
There are a few different ways to level your subflooring for hardwood installation. All these methods require wood filler and sandpaper, but you might need other materials depending on which method you choose.
Handscrew Method
The handscrew method is one of the most popular when leveling the subfloor for hardwood.
Step 1: Place screws into the subfloor wherever there are gaps or dips, then screw a scrap piece of wood on either side.
Step 2: Once you have your two pieces of scrap wood attached, slide them together until they’re flush with one another- this should level out any gaps in between boards.
Pros:
- Fast and easy
- It doesn’t take up much room
Cons:
- It can cause damage to your subfloor if you don’t have the scrap wood lined up correctly
Electric Screwdriver Method
The electric screwdriver method is similar to the handscrew- you will be using screws and scrap wood. However, you’ll need an electric screwdriver or drill with a built-in leveler this time! You can attach your two pieces of scrap wood onto either side of the subfloor, then use your power tool to level out any gaps.
Pros:
- Can be done in a shorter amount of time than the handscrew method
- It doesn’t take up as much room
Cons:
- Requires an electric screwdriver or compatible power tool, which can increase your costs and get in the way.
Nail Method
The nail method is a bit of an older way of going about leveling for hardwood flooring. You will need to place a nail into the subfloor wherever there is a gap or dip and another above it. If you have enough nails in place, your floor should be level.
Pros:
- Requires fewer tools than other methods
- It is easy to do
Cons:
- It can cause damage to your subfloor if you don’t put the nails in just right.
Fill Gaps with Wood Filler and Sand It Down
This method is the most simple of all, but it’s definitely not one that’ll give you perfect results.
Step 1: First, you will need to fill any gaps in your subfloor with wood filler.
Step 2: Use sandpaper once it dries to smooth everything down. This method is best for smaller gaps that are simply due to flaws in the subfloor.
Pros:
- Easy to do
- Requires no tools
Cons:
- Not the best way to go about leveling for hardwood floors, as it won’t give you perfect results every time
Tools You’ll Need
- Electric screwdriver or drill with a leveler
- Handscrews
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Wood putty
- Paintbrush
- Puddy knifes
- Dust Mask
- Safety Glasses
- Sandpaper
- Measuring Tape
- Water Bucket & Mop/Rag
- Straightedge
RELATED: How to Level Subfloor for Vinyl Installation
Why a Level Subfloor is Important
As you can see, there are a few different ways to level the subfloor for hardwood. No matter your chosen method, it’s important to ensure that your subfloor is level before installation. This will ensure that your new floors look great and last for years. A level subfloor is important for many reasons.
First, it will make sure your new floors look even and level. If your subfloor is not level, your floors will look wavy or imperfect. Second, a level subfloor will make sure your floors last longer. If there are any dips or gaps in your subfloor, the planks of wood will start to warp and break down over time.
By ensuring that your subfloor is level, you can avoid these problems and have beautiful floors for years to come! Thanks for reading, and good luck with your project.
How to Level Subfloor For Nail Down Hardwood
When you’re planning on installing hardwood floors that will be nailed down, you’ll need to ensure your subfloor is level. The process is similar to the one for floating wood floors, but there are a few key differences.
First things first- as with any flooring installation, you’ll want to clear out the area and make sure it’s clean before you begin. This means sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping up any dirt or debris.
Once the area is prepped, you’ll need to fill in any gaps or cracks in the subfloor with wood filler. You can use a putty knife to smooth it out and let it dry for a few hours before moving on.
Next, you’ll want to use sandpaper to smooth down the area where you applied the wood filler. This will help create a seamless surface for your hardwood floors.
Now it’s time to start nailing down your flooring! Begin in one corner of the room and work your way out. Make sure you’re using the proper nails for your hardwood floors- if you’re unsure, consult a professional.
As you nail down each piece of flooring, use a straightedge to check its level. If it’s not, you can tap the boards into place, add more wood filler, and sand it down until it’s level.
Once you’ve nailed down all the flooring, sweep and vacuum the area to clear away any dust or debris. Then, enjoy your new hardwood floors.
Tools You’ll Need
- Hammer
- Nails
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Straightedge
- Sweeper
How to Prepare Your Subfloor for Leveling
Preparing your subfloor for leveling is an extremely important step that a lot of people seem to forget! You need the best possible surface to have a level and sturdy floor.
You’ll want to focus on three main things when preparing your subfloor: moisture, nails or staples, and glue. If any of these things are present on your subfloor, you’ll need to remove them.
Moisture
If it’s been raining a lot or the humidity is high from being outdoors, chances are there will be moisture in your flooring. This can cause major problems when it comes to installation because wood and moisture do not mix well together! If you don’t take care of this in advance, your newly installed hardwood floor will be warped and coming apart at the seams.
Nails or Staples
If nails or staples are present in your subfloor, they’ll need to be removed before installation! You can remove them yourself with a drill- it’s much better than prying them out by hand! If you want to be extremely thorough, it’s a good idea to remove any screws as well.
Glue or Adhesive Remnants
If remnants of adhesive are anywhere in your subflooring, chances are they’ll cause some major problems later on down the line. You will need to sand these down yourself before installation.
How To Diagnose an Uneven Subfloor
Installing hardwood floors on an uneven subfloor is a recipe for disaster. Not only will your floors be uneven, but they’ll also be more susceptible to damage and wear and tear. The best way to avoid this is by diagnosing an uneven subfloor before you start the installation process. There are a few telltale signs of an uneven subfloor:
Bounciness: If you walk on your floor and it feels like it’s bouncing, chances are it’s not level. An uneven subfloor usually causes this.
Squealing: Another sign of an uneven surface is squealing, usually when there’s too much give in the flooring.
Gaps: If you see gaps between your floorboards, that’s another sign that your subfloor is uneven.
If you notice any of these signs, leveling out your subfloor before proceeding with the installation is best. Otherwise, you’ll just be setting yourself up for more problems down the line!
How To Level an Uneven Subfloor
If you’ve diagnosed an uneven subfloor, don’t worry- it’s not the world’s end. There are a few things you can do to level it out.
One option is to use self-leveling concrete. This is a quick and easy way to level out your floor without doing too much work. Simply pour the concrete into any low spots and wait for it to dry.
Another option is to use shims. Shims are thin pieces of wood that you can use to level out your floorboards. Simply place them under any boards that are too high and nail them into place.
Once you’ve leveled out your subfloor, you’re one step closer to having beautiful new hardwood floors.
Tips for Leveling Subfloor for Hardwood
Here are some top tips to keep in mind when leveling your subfloor for hardwood installation.
Use a Straightedge
Using a straightedge will ensure that your floor is as even and smooth as possible. You can purchase one at any hardware store, which makes this step pretty straightforward.
Use a Threshold Kit
These kits are specifically designed to make installing hardwood easier, no matter what floor you’re currently dealing with. They come in different sizes depending on the size of your doorway, and they’ll even let you adjust for uneven floors! You can use one kit instead of leveling out each individual door- that’s how awesome they are.
Put Down an Underlayment
Putting down an underlayment is one of the best ways to save yourself some headaches later on. The underlayer will provide extra cushioning for your hardwood, extending its life and preventing any possible squeaks or creaks! An added bonus? It’ll also prevent moisture damage, so it’s definitely worth the extra time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my subfloor is level?
Using a straightedge is the best way to check if your subfloor is level. Place the straightedge in different areas of the room and see if it’s level with the rest of the floor. If it’s not, then you’ll need to do some more learning, and leveling your subfloor is an important step in ensuring that your new hardwood floors will be level and even. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your floors will be beautiful and last many years.
Do I need to clean my subfloor before installation?
Cleaning your subfloor before installation is always a good idea. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could interfere with the leveling process. You can use a vacuum cleaner to do this or even sweep it with a broom.
Does a subfloor Have to be Perfectly Level?
No, your subfloor does not have to be perfectly level for hardwood installation. However, the closer it is to level, the easier the installation process will be. If your subfloor is significantly uneven, you may consider leveling it before installing it.
How long does it take to level a subfloor?
The amount of time it takes to level a subfloor depends on the method you’re using and the size of the room. It should take a few hours to dry if you’re using self-leveling concrete. However, if you’re using shims, it may take a bit longer since you’ll need to nail them into place.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to level the subfloor for hardwood, you’ll be ready to start the installation. Good luck.
RELATED: How to Level a Wooden Sub floor for Laminate: Tips By A Pro
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