Installing hardwood flooring on a slanted floor can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. At Desitter Flooring, we’ve been helping homeowners achieve stunning flooring transformations since 1920. With showrooms conveniently located in Glen Ellyn, IL, and La Grange, IL, we are your trusted partner in navigating flooring challenges, including dealing with slanted or uneven floors. Let’s walk through the key steps to successfully install hardwood flooring on a slanted surface.
Understanding the Challenges of a Slanted Floor
Slanted or uneven floors can result from several factors, such as foundation settling, aging structures, or construction errors. Before installing hardwood flooring, it’s crucial to address the underlying issues to ensure a durable and visually appealing finish.
Step 1: Assess the Slope
Start by evaluating the extent of the slope. Use a long level, laser level, or straightedge to measure the degree of unevenness across the floor. This assessment will determine whether you need to level the surface entirely or make minor adjustments to accommodate the hardwood installation.
Step 2: Decide on the Best Approach
Depending on the severity of the slope, there are two primary approaches:
- Full Floor Leveling: This involves correcting the slope with a self-leveling compound, plywood subflooring, or other leveling techniques. This is often the best option for severe slants.
- Adapting the Hardwood Installation: For minor slopes, you can work with the existing grade and install the hardwood directly, using specific techniques to ensure a stable and attractive finish.
At Desitter Flooring, our experts can guide you on the best approach based on your unique flooring needs.
Step 3: Prepare the Subfloor
Proper subfloor preparation is essential for a successful installation.
- Clean the Surface: Remove debris, dirt, and old adhesives from the floor.
- Secure Loose Areas: Tighten any loose boards or screws to prevent movement.
- Fill Minor Gaps: Use a wood filler or patching compound to address small imperfections.
- Add a Moisture Barrier: Install a vapor barrier to protect your hardwood from moisture damage.
Step 4: Level the Floor
If leveling is required:
- Apply a Self-Leveling Compound: Pour the compound over the low areas of the floor. Use a trowel or spreader to ensure an even distribution. Allow the compound to cure completely before proceeding.
- Install Plywood Subflooring: For more extensive slopes, use shims or sleepers to create a level surface, then install a layer of plywood over the top.
Step 5: Choose the Right Hardwood Flooring
Selecting the appropriate type of hardwood is critical for uneven floors. Engineered hardwood is often a better choice than solid hardwood because it’s more stable and less prone to warping. At Desitter Flooring, our Glen Ellyn and La Grange showrooms feature a wide range of hardwood options to suit every home and style.
Step 6: Begin the Installation
Follow these steps to install the hardwood:
- Acclimate the Wood: Allow the hardwood planks to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours.
- Start in the Center or High Point: Begin installation at the highest point of the slanted floor or in the center of the room. This helps distribute the slope evenly.
- Use a Floating Installation Method: Floating floors are ideal for slanted surfaces because they can adjust slightly to the floor's contour.
- Secure Each Plank: If using a nailed or glued installation, ensure each plank is properly secured and aligned. Use spacers to maintain a consistent expansion gap along the walls.
Step 7: Address Gaps and Finishing
After installation, inspect the floor for gaps or uneven edges:
- Fill Gaps: Use a wood filler that matches the color of your hardwood to fill any visible gaps.
- Trim and Transition Pieces: Install baseboards and transition strips to create a seamless look.
- Apply a Protective Finish: Depending on the hardwood type, consider applying a finish to protect the floor and enhance its beauty.
Why Choose Desitter Flooring?
Since 1920, Desitter Flooring has been family-owned and operated, offering personalized service and expert flooring solutions. Whether you’re tackling a slanted floor or exploring the best hardwood options for your home, our team in Glen Ellyn, IL, and La Grange, IL, is here to help. We combine decades of experience with a passion for quality to ensure your flooring project is a success.
Visit Desitter Flooring Today
Stop by one of our showrooms to explore our premium hardwood flooring selection or consult with our experts about your slanted floor installation. Let our legacy of excellence guide you in creating a home you’ll love for years to come.
