Laminate flooring provides an affordable and eco friendly alternate to conventional hardwood. Instead of laminate to the subfloor, installers link the laminate boards together and float over the subfloor. While laminate tends to be more forgiving of subfloor imperfections than a number of other types of flooring finishes, contractors should take the opportunity to level the flooring prior to installation. A level subfloor ensures a more attractive and long-lasting end, also helps to reduce the risk of visible damage with time.
Leveling a Wood Subfloor
Walk round the ground and look for loose or squeaky boards. Insert a 1-3/4 inch screw or nail to any loose section, securing the ground sheathing to the joists below.
Inspect the ground , checking for stray or loose nails. Pull up any stray nails or staples using a hammer or pliers. Hammer loose claws back into position.
Hold your flat over any regions of the flooring that seem to be higher or lower than the surrounding surface. Look for areas where the level does not lay flat to recognize low and high spots.
Plane or sand large spots using a wood planer or hand sander. Examine the spot with your level occasionally, and quit sanding when the spot becomes flat with the surrounding surface.
Vacuum the floor to eliminate all debris and dust.
Apply floor leveling compound to low areas or dips using a trowel. Feather the edges of the patched area until they are even with the surrounding surface. Wait for the patch to dry thoroughly before you start laminate setup.
Leveling a Concrete Subfloor
Scrape away any existing flooring or glue.
Use your level to test for low and high spots. Any areas in which the level won’t sit flat, or you visit space beneath the level indicates an area of concern.
Grind down substantial spots using a concrete grinder. Remove any lumps or bumps so the repaired area sits even with the surrounding surface.
Vacuum to remove all concrete debris and dust.
Apply floor leveling compound to any low areas or dips using a trowel. Feather the edges so they blend in with the surrounding ground. Wait for the chemical to dry prior to laminate setup.
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