/Why Floor Flatness (Often Called “Floor Leveling”) is Essential for Hard Surface Flooring

When it comes to installing hard surface flooring like hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, or tile, one term you’ll frequently hear is floor leveling or floor flatness. While homeowners may think of it as an unnecessary or overly cautious step—especially if their previous flooring installations didn’t involve leveling—it’s a critical process to ensure the longevity, performance, and appearance of your new flooring.

At RM Flooring, we often hear statements like, “But my old floors were fine, and no one leveled the floor before!” While that may have been the case for some installations, there are key reasons why floor leveling matters now more than ever. Here, we’ll dive into why floor flatness is essential and how ignoring it can lead to costly problems down the road.


What is Floor Flatness, and Why Is It Important?

Floor flatness refers to how smooth and even the surface of a subfloor is. It doesn’t necessarily mean the floor needs to be perfectly “level” (as in horizontal) but rather free of dips, high points, and waves. Most flooring manufacturers specify acceptable tolerances for subfloor flatness in their installation guidelines. For example, a common requirement is no more than a 3mm variation over a 6-foot span.

Why Flatness Matters for Hard Surface Flooring

Hard surface flooring materials are rigid and less forgiving than carpet or other flexible surfaces. Here’s why flatness is non-negotiable:

  1. Prevents Gaps, Creaks, and Lifting Uneven subfloors can cause planks or tiles to sit unevenly, leading to gaps, creaks, and even visible lifting over time. For click-lock flooring systems like laminate or vinyl plank, an uneven surface puts excessive strain on the locking mechanisms, potentially causing them to fail.
  2. Avoids Premature Wear High spots and dips in the subfloor create pressure points under your flooring. Over time, this uneven stress can lead to cracking, buckling, or breaking in materials like hardwood and tile.
  3. Preserves Manufacturer Warranties Most flooring manufacturers explicitly require proper subfloor preparation, including leveling, as part of their warranty terms. Skipping this step could void your warranty, leaving you responsible for repairs or replacements.
  4. Enhances the Visual Appeal Flooring is a major visual feature of any home. Dips, ridges, or uneven edges can ruin the seamless, polished look you’re aiming for, especially with reflective finishes like glossy tiles or high-end hardwood.

Addressing the “My Old Floors Were Fine” Argument

We understand that homeowners may be skeptical about floor leveling, especially if they’ve lived with their previous flooring for years without issues. Here’s why the “old floors were fine” logic doesn’t always hold up:

  1. Changes in Subfloor Condition Over Time Subfloors can shift, settle, or deteriorate over time. Even if your old floor appeared to be fine, the subfloor underneath may have developed imperfections. Ignoring those changes now can compromise the integrity of your new flooring.
  2. Different Flooring Materials Have Different Needs Not all flooring types are created equal. For example:
    • Carpet: Flexible and forgiving, so minor unevenness wouldn’t have been noticeable.
    • Hard Surface Flooring: Requires much higher flatness tolerances. What worked for carpet or older types of linoleum won’t necessarily work for modern hardwood or vinyl.
  3. Evolving Standards and Materials Flooring standards and materials have advanced significantly in recent years. Many modern flooring products, such as luxury vinyl plank or engineered hardwood, are thinner than older materials, making them less able to hide imperfections in the subfloor. Additionally, today’s manufacturers have stricter requirements for installation to ensure product performance.
  4. Old Flooring May Have Had Hidden Issues Just because issues weren’t visible with your old flooring doesn’t mean they didn’t exist. Problems like creaking, bouncing, or uneven wear might have gone unnoticed or unaddressed.

The Risks of Skipping Floor Leveling

Failing to address subfloor flatness can lead to a variety of problems, including:

  • Cracked Tiles or Grout: For tile installations, uneven subfloors can create weak points that cause tiles or grout to crack.
  • Delamination or Peeling: Adhesive-backed flooring like vinyl can peel away from uneven surfaces.
  • Water Damage: Gaps caused by uneven floors can trap moisture, leading to warping, mold, or damage to the subfloor itself.
  • Costly Repairs: Fixing flooring after installation is far more expensive than addressing subfloor issues beforehand.

How We Approach Floor Leveling at RM Flooring

Our process starts with a thorough inspection of your subfloor to identify any uneven areas. We use advanced tools like laser levels and straight edges to measure flatness against industry standards. Based on our findings, we’ll recommend the best method for leveling your floor, which may include:

  • Self-Leveling Underlayment: Ideal for larger areas with significant dips.
  • Spot Repairs: Sanding or patching smaller high or low spots.
  • Grinding: Removing high points to bring the floor within tolerance.

Why Invest in Proper Preparation?

Floor leveling may seem like an additional expense upfront, but it’s a long-term investment in the durability, performance, and aesthetics of your flooring. Skipping this step can lead to issues that cost far more to repair later.

As a homeowner, it’s natural to want to save where you can, but when it comes to flooring, cutting corners during installation can result in bigger headaches down the line.


Closing Thoughts

At RM Flooring, we believe in doing the job right the first time. Proper floor leveling ensures your flooring looks and performs as it should for years to come. So, the next time you’re preparing for a flooring project and someone says, “My old floors didn’t need leveling,” remind them that quality craftsmanship and modern materials demand a solid foundation.

If you’re considering new hard surface flooring, reach out to us today for a consultation. We’ll make sure your floors are not only beautiful but built to last.

0 Item | $0.00
View Cart