In some floor installations, dealing with an uneven floor is part of the job. Before laminate, wood or any other covering can be installed, the subfloor needs to be smooth and even. Below are three of the most common options for leveling an uneven floor.
Self Leveling Compound
This type of Poured Flooring can be used over either wooden or concrete subfloors, and it works well where there are depressions in the floor. Self leveling compound is quite similar in composition to concrete; it comes in large, powder-filled bags, and it is mixed with water to form a paste.
After it is poured onto the subfloor, it’s spread evenly with a trowel before being allowed to dry. In applications where a larger height difference is present, more than one layer of self leveling compound may be required.
In most applications, self leveling compounds are strictly utilitarian; they correct uneven floors or work as an underlayment for decorative floor coverings. However, they can also be dressed up with the addition of color, engraved designs or inlays.
Plywood
Another option is to install plywood atop the subfloor. By using plywood, you can easily create a smooth surface for your new floor installation; it works best with wooden subfloors but can be used atop concrete. If there is a large height difference between floor areas, simply cut wood to the appropriate thickness and install before applying the final plywood covering. When installing plywood, be sure to use nails long enough to go all the way through and into the subfloor. If the subfloor is concrete, bolts will be needed; with a concrete subfloor, allowances should be made for moisture barriers, adhesives and underlayments.
Grinding
One more option to be used before Poured Flooring is installed is the grinding method. This choice works best if there is a large bump in the midst of a concrete floor; if the subfloor is wooden, the bump can be reduced with a power sander. Grinding is a very effective leveling method, but it produces a lot of dust, and protective eye and breathing equipment should be worn for safety.
