Your flooring has to be as level as possible. It’s not just for comfort and appearance. If your flooring isn’t level, then it is far more likely to bend, warp, and break its connections, leading to flooring that is not only unlevel but potentially dangerous.
When replacing existing flooring – whether it’s carpet, tile, laminate, or hardwood – leveling the subfloor is often a part of the process. While not every flooring replacement requires extensive subfloor leveling, uneven or damaged surfaces can compromise the integrity, performance, and appearance of the new floor.
Leveling helps ensure the new flooring material adheres correctly, remains structurally stable, and does not show visible imperfections like gaps, movement, or sound inconsistencies. The need for leveling depends on several factors, including the type of flooring being installed, the condition of the current subfloor, and the manufacturer’s specifications.
It’s not uncommon to want to avoid leveling if possible, because it can add (slightly) to the costs and the time to completion. But can leveling be skipped?
Usually, no. But let’s talk about it.
Why Floor Leveling May Be Required
Subfloor leveling is done to correct surface imperfections such as dips, high spots, or sloped areas that can affect the function of the new flooring system. It can also address underlying damage that may not be visible during demolition but becomes apparent once the old flooring is removed.
Reasons for floor leveling include:
- Preventing movement or shifting in floating floors like laminate or luxury vinyl plank
- Ensuring full contact for glue-down flooring installations
- Avoiding tile cracking or grout failure in rigid floor materials like porcelain or ceramic
- Meeting manufacturer tolerances to maintain warranty coverage
Even minor unevenness can cause premature wear or failure in certain flooring systems, especially when tolerances are less than 3/16″ over a 10-foot span (a common threshold in many flooring specs).
When Leveling Is Typically Necessary
While every project is different, the following conditions commonly require subfloor leveling:
- Visible dips or soft spots in the subfloor after the old flooring is removed
- Transitions between rooms where the subfloor height changes abruptly
- Moisture damage or warping in plywood or OSB subfloors
- Cracks, spalling, or heaving in concrete slabs
- Historic or older homes where the floors have settled unevenly over time
We typically use leveling compounds, self-leveling underlayments, or shimming techniques to bring the subfloor into acceptable tolerance. The good news is that most leveling can be completed with a self-leveler that we can use to make sure that process is smooth and fast. Yet it still may take a while to cure, adding to the project’s time frame.
Flooring Types and Their Sensitivity to Uneven Surfaces
The type of flooring you choose has a direct impact on how much leveling may be required. Some flooring can handle a tiny bit of uneven flooring. Others need it to be about as perfectly level as possible. For example
- Hardwood (Nail-Down or Glue-Down) – Requires a flat surface to avoid gaps, creaking, or adhesive failure.
- Engineered Wood and Laminate (Floating) – Can tolerate minor variations, but major dips or high points must be addressed to prevent flexing and joint separation.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Tolerates slight imperfections, but surface prep is critical for maintaining tight seams and avoiding wear issues.
- Ceramic or Porcelain Tile – Least tolerant of uneven subfloors; leveling is almost always required to avoid tile cracking or lippage.
- Carpet – Most forgiving, but still requires a reasonably smooth and stable surface for padding and wear layer integrity.
Since people do not often do carpet anymore, that means that you’re going to need some form of leveling unless your home was brand new, perfectly built, or has recently had leveling completed for other reasons.
How to Know If Your Floor Needs Leveling
Most flooring contractors, like our team here at Christian Construction, will perform a detailed inspection after removing the existing floor. Some signs that leveling may be required include:
- You can see or feel slopes or depressions in walking paths
- Furniture rocks or tilts in certain areas
- Water pools in specific spots on the bare subfloor
- Gaps or separation are present between subfloor seams
- Existing flooring had creaks, movement, or visible damage
Some leveling needs are minor and can be addressed quickly. Others may require more extensive repair, particularly in concrete slabs or older wood-framed homes.
So Do You Need Leveling?
Yes, replacement flooring often requires some degree of leveling, especially if the existing subfloor is not flat, smooth, or within manufacturer tolerances. While not every project will need major surface prep, it’s important to budget for the possibility – especially if your home has uneven settling, prior moisture issues, or structural wear.
Proper leveling ensures a longer-lasting, better-looking, and safer floor. During our consult, we’ll determine whether leveling will be necessary based on your chosen material and the existing subfloor condition. If you’re looking for a flooring contractor, reach out to Christian Construction, today.
