Leveling your floor can be challenging, but there are ways to do it without resorting to a floor-leveling compound.
You can use various materials to level your floor, including self-leveling concrete, plywood, and shims.
The most important thing is to ensure that whatever material you use is level before laying on the rest of the material.
Stay tuned as we discuss the best options for leveling your floor to perfection without using any leveling compound.
Why is it important to level your floor?
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Floor leveling is essentially the process of evening out an existing floor so that it is level or flat. This way, the floor becomes much more functional, aesthetically pleasing, and ready for the installation of different types of flooring.
Having uneven floors can cause various issues, including :
- Trip hazards
- Uneven wear and tear
- Damaged flooring
- Unsightly appearance
1. Base for flooring
A level floor is essential for tiling, so if you’re planning on doing any tiling work in your home, leveling your floor first is a must.
If you have any flooring that needs to be installed, such as hardwood or laminate, a level floor will make the installation process much easier and result in a better-looking final product.
2. Maintenance and overall look
Level floors are also much easier to clean and keep dust-free since there are no nooks and crannies for dirt and dust to accumulate in.
Even if you don’t have any immediate plans to do any work on your floors, leveling them now will make any future work much easier and will help extend your floors’ life.
Finally, having a level floor looks better and can give your home a more finished and polished look.
3. Safety
There’s also the safety factor, as uneven floors can be a trip hazard. Leveling your floors is an important safety measure for children and elderly relatives.
Uneven floors can also result in uneven wear and tear, as furniture and appliances are more likely to tip over on a rough surface.
So, by leveling your floors, you can help to protect your belongings and furniture from damage.
Leveling a floor is also an excellent opportunity to solve any existing problems with your floor, such as gaps, cracks, or holes.
By taking care of these problems now, you can help prevent further damage to your floors in the future.
How to level a floor without leveling compound
A leveling compound is a material used to fill in low spots on floors, creating a more level surface. You can do this with a self-leveling compound, which is spread over the floor and then left to dry and harden.
However, it can be challenging to spread correctly, especially if you’re a beginner. This is why we’ve found the best methods of leveling your floor without using any leveling compound.
1. Shims
Shims are thin pieces of wood used to level a floor. You can use shims to level a floor by placing them under the legs of furniture or by inserting them into cracks and gaps.
You can also use shims to level a floor by installing them along the room’s perimeter.
To install shims, you will need a hammer and nails. Begin by measuring the distance between the floor and the furniture or gaps you want to level.
Use a saw to cut the shims to size. Next, position the shim in place and nail it into the floor. Repeat this process until the floor is level.
A possible problem with shims is that they can be visible after installation. To avoid this, you can paint the shims to match the floor’s or furniture’s color.
Another option is to use self-adhesive shims, less likely to be visible. To install self-adhesive shims, peel off the backing and stick them in place.
2. Plywood
Plywood is another good choice to level your floor without a leveling compound. It is attached to your floor using screws and washers.
However, you will want to ensure that the plywood is level before you attach it. Once again, use a level to check for any high or low spots. If there are any, use shims to even it out.
After the plywood is in place, you can install your flooring on top of it. This can help you avoid using a leveling compound, but it will add an extra step to your project.
Since plywood is essentially a bunch of thin wood sheets glued together, it is not uncommon for there to be some unevenness in the panels themselves.
Before you can lay down your vinyl flooring or any other type, ensuring that your plywood subfloor is as level as possible is essential.
When installing a plywood subfloor in your home, you must ensure the panels are level before you begin.
You can do this by using a level or a laser level. Once you have determined that the panels are level, you can install them.
It is key to begin at one end of the room and work your way to the other. You will want to use a chalk line to make sure that the panels are installed in a straight line.
Once the first panel is in position, use screws or nails to secure it to the floor joist. You will want to continue installing the plywood panels until the entire subfloor is complete.
Once the plywood subfloor is installed, you can begin installing your vinyl flooring or any other type of flooring.
If you follow these steps, you can install a plywood subfloor in your home quickly. This will ensure that your floors are level and that they will last for many years to come.
3. Sanding
Another method of leveling your floors without a floor-leveling compound is sanding – especially if you want to get rid of a high spot.
There are different types of sanders that you can use depending on the type of flooring you have and the severity of the unevenness.
You will want to start with a heavy-duty sander and then progress to a lighter one as needed. Sanding is more time-consuming, but it can be effective if done correctly.
To properly sand down the floor, you must move the sander in different directions. For example, if sanding a hardwood floor, you will want to start with the wood grain.
However, if you are dealing with a more severe unevenness, you may need to go against the grain to level out the surface.
Once the sanding is finished, vacuum up the debris and then apply a new finish to the floor. This can be done with various products, such as polyurethane or lacquer.
Depending on the flooring type, you may need to apply more than one coat to get a smooth, even finish.
If you are not comfortable sanding your floors, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. This may be the best option if you have very delicate flooring or if the unevenness is severe.
Hiring a professional will ensure that the job is done correctly and that your floors are left looking their best.
4. Tile floor leveling
If you have tile floors, you may wonder how to level them without using a leveling compound.
The good news is that you can do this in a few different ways. One option is to use self-leveling mortar.
This type of mortar is designed to flow into all of the cracks and crevices in your floor, so it can help to level out an uneven surface.
Another option is to use tile leveling spacers. You place these small wedges between each tile to level them out.
This is a relatively simple process, but it can be time-consuming if you have a lot of tiles to level.
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
