Floors are the part of your home that will always get the most use. Floors need to be strong, and new technologies have made the floors of today extra durable. When properly constructed and installed, a floor last for over 50 years. But what do you do if your sub floor is uneven? Is there a solution to this problem, or do you have to live with a sloping floor?

Before decorative flooring such as carpets,
ceramic tiles, hardwood or laminate is installed, a non decorative structural layer is prepared. This layer lies underneath the decorative flooring and is called the sub floor.

Subfloors are essential for installing the actual flooring by giving it a suitable base and may also house heating and air conditioning ducts. Properly constructed subfloors increase the life of the actual floor that you walk on.

Problems with Uneven Subfloors

If the subfloor is uneven it means that it is not level and may contain some dips or slopes.

• Due to the non uniform levels, there will be difficulty in laying a new decorative floor. The decorative floor could end up being uneven too.
• Under a carpet the uneven surface may not be apparent, but it can cause someone to trip over. It is therefore dangerous.
• Wear and tear caused by traffic on the carpet will not be uniform. Carpet will wear out more quickly in areas that receive more pressure due to the uneven surface.
• Uneven subfloors are a nuisance when furniture has to be moved. If you like to change a room’s look every now and then, make sure you have an even subfloor!

Carpet Pad for uneven subfloors

A handy solution for an uneven subfloor is a carpet pad. A carpet pad is an underlay for the carpeting that adds significant years to a carpet’s life. It reduces wear and tear and makes a carpet feel softer and warmer. If the floor is not too uneven a carpet pad may cover the flaws. If you are on a shoe string budget and are cursed with an uneven subfloor you could use a carpet pad. But remember this is only a temporary solution. Due to the uneven surface, the carpet pad will wear out unevenly and you will face the same problems. You will need a permanent solution in the longer run.

Solutions for uneven subfloor

It is wiser to look for a long term solution to your problem. At Contempo Floor Covering we offer expert guidance for creating an even floor. Depending on the kind of decorative floor you are looking for and the unevenness of the subfloor, a solution needs to be worked out.

• Leveling agents can be used to level the surface. This is best done by a professional using suitable measurements and levelers.
• If you want to try it yourself you could use commercially available self leveling mortar or cement. This comes with a complete list of directions from the manufacturer. A word of caution before you attempt leveling the floor- jump at it only if you are absolutely confident. You might accidentally aggravate the problem!
• In many cases a simple solution is laying a layer of plywood under the decorative flooring. Plywood provides an even surface for the new layer. This is a simple, quick and cost effective solution. It is considerably less messy too.

If your uneven subfloor is bothering you, ease your brow. It can be fixed in no time. All that is required is the willingness to address the problem appropriately rather than looking for temporary solutions.

Visit our Los Angeles Flooring showrooms for more information about Flooring.