How to Level a Timber Floor

How to Successfully Level a Timber Floor Ready for New Flooring

 If you’re renovating your home and need to level your timber floors for a polished, professional finish, it’s important to be prepared. Our team have put together this simple guide to levelling timber floors, taking you through the process and answering some common questions.

Levelling Flooring

When Do You Need to Level Your Wooden Floors? 

If your wooden floors are uneven, laying new flooring on top can lead to unwelcome bumps and potential hazards from protruding screws or nails. Uneven surfaces not only affect the appearance but can also compromise safety, making it essential to level your floors before adding any new covering. Whether you're planning to install vinyl, laminate, or carpet, ensuring a smooth, flat surface is key to achieving a professional finish. To help you, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to successfully levelling your timber floors, ensuring your new flooring looks great and stays secure for years to come.

What Materials Will I Need?

Levelling your timber floors is a DIY-friendly project that doesn’t require many materials or specialised tools. With just a few essentials you can achieve a smooth, even surface, ready for your new flooring.

Materials You Will Need

Tools You Will Need 

  • Screwdriver 
  • Hammer 
  • Chalk
  • Spirit level 
  • Tape measure 
  • Sander 

If you’re looking for new tools and equipment to level your timber flooring, explore our extensive collection of top-quality products. 

Preparing Your Floors

  1. Replace Damaged Floorboards

Inspect your floor for any signs of rot or damage and replace any rotten boards to create a stable base for your new flooring.

  1. Secure Loose or Creaking Floorboards

Tighten any loose or creaking floorboards using screws (don’t use nails) to prevent any future creaking noises once your new flooring is laid. Before screwing, make sure to check for pipes or cables beneath the floor and ensure no screws or nails are protruding. 

  1. Sand Down Raised Areas 

Smooth out raised or uneven areas using a belt or orbital sander. This step is vital for achieving a level surface so use a spirit level to make sure it is flat. Remember to wear protective gear such as a dust mask and safety glasses.

Laying the Hardboard Sheets 

  1. Calculate the Number of Hardboard Sheets You’ll Need

Measure your room to figure out how many hardboard sheets you’ll need. Larger sheets are ideal as you’ll have fewer joints, but smaller sheets are easier to manage and work with. Ordering an extra sheet or two is always a good idea. At Covers, we offer sizes 3.2 x 2440 x 1220mm and 3.2 x 1220 x 610mm of standard hardboard, so choose the size you feel most comfortable working with. 

  1. Condition the Hardboard Sheets

Before you start laying, lightly wet the hardboards and leave them in the room for 24 hours to acclimatise. This step lets them expand and contract, preventing uneven bumps later on. It’s a step that makes a big difference in achieving a professional-looking finish.

  1. Determine Which Side Faces Up

Check the hardboard’s surface. If you’re using self-adhesive or loose-laid flooring, place the smooth side up. For flooring that needs adhesive, have the rough side facing up. This ensures the best bond and a long-lasting floor.

  1. Start Laying the Sheets

First, mark a chalk line down the middle of the room to keep everything aligned. Start placing the first hardboard sheet in the centre of the room at a right angle to your existing floorboards. 

  1. Nail Down the Hardboards

Secure the hardboard with nails, making sure they’re long enough to hold firmly without going fully through the floorboards underneath. Space the nails 150mm apart and always keep them 15mm from the edges to ensure the board is tightly in place.

  1. Stagger the Sheets

Lay and nail down the hardboards in a staggered pattern, similar to brickwork, ideally with a half-sheet stagger. This method reduces visible joints and adds stability to your floor, helping everything stay in place and look professional. 

The Finishing Touches 

A professional-looking DIY project is all about the finishing touches. These steps will create the perfect finished space. 

Fill in Dips with Thin Timber Scraps
Use thin sheet timber scraps to pack out any dips on your floor. This will help create an even surface. Place the scraps under the hardboard sheets, checking with a spirit level to ensure everything is perfectly flat before securing the sheets in place.

Custom-Fit Around Obstructions
When dealing with obstructions like sinks, fireplaces, or pipes, carefully cut the hardboard to fit around them. Use a saw to cut out the shape, or cut the hardboard into strips for the edges of the room to ensure a snug fit. 

Adjust Door Clearance
If the new floor height interferes with door movement, you’ll need to trim the bottom of the door. Measure the new height, mark it on the door, and carefully cut it down to ensure it swings open smoothly without catching on the floor.

Finally, Lay Your New Flooring 

Now it’s finally time to lay down your new flooring, whether that's carpet, self-adhesive tile, laminate, or something else. To find the perfect new covering for your space, explore our extensive range of premium flooring. 

Find Everything You Need at Covers 

Whether you need hardboard sheets, new tools, flooring, or something else for a DIY project, we have an extensive selection of building materials available for you to explore. 

At Covers Builders Merchants, we have over 175 years of industry experience to be able to provide you with expert care and advice. Visit your nearest Covers depot to experience our commitment to quality and the difference in customer service when you shop at a family-run business. 

FAQs

Can I Level My Timber Floors Using a Levelling Compound? 

Yes, you can use a levelling compound on timber floors, but it's best for small areas or minor dips. While levelling compounds create a flat surface, timber’s natural expansion and contraction can cause cracking over time. For large or uneven areas, hardboard sheets are a more reliable option, providing a stable base for new flooring. A levelling compound or screed is generally best used on concrete and it is recommended to use a professional for the application.