How To Level Solid Hardwood Floor

Learn how to install solid hardwood flooring with a few simple tools.

How to level solid hardwood floor.

Hardwood floors are durable beautiful and a great diy project. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too. For instance solid hardwood flooring is typically nailed down during installation while tongue and groove engineered flooring is usually clicked together or completely glued down.

But not to worry if your subfloor is less than perfect. Wood floor installation requires a level subfloor and that your hardwood flooring is acclimated to the room s humidity and temperature according to the manufacturer s guidelines. To learn how to do this watch prepping plywood subfloors. Solid hardwood flooring solid wood planks are milled from a single piece of hardwood and covered with a thin clear protective layer that often consists of aluminum oxide ceramic or an acrylic.

On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Species wood species vary in hardness and light sensitivity so keep foot traffic furniture and light exposure in mind when choosing a species. Solid hardwood flooring should only be installed on grade and above while engineered hardwood works on any level. And a quality installation relies on having a level subfloor.

What good is a beautiful and expensive hardwood floor if it squeaks and creaks when you walk on it. With four basic types of installation available it s important to choose the one that makes the most sense for your lifestyle and budget. What s worse is if boards start to stick up buckle or warp. A solid hardwood floor is only as good as the installation.