A vinyl plank can be put down over a slightly uneven floor. However, for vinyl flooring installation, you need to ensure that your subfloor is clean and level. A self-leveling or sanding compound might be used in this situation. However, laminate flooring can be set up on very uneven surfaces.

Using a floor patch product is one of the best ways to address the problem of an uneven floor. It can be applied to either a concrete or a wooden subfloor.

Instructions to Fix Uneven Plywood Subfloors

1. Add Supports

It was time to start leveling the floor after removing the laminate for the third time so that the boards could be installed as they were intended to be.

Here, cutting the support pieces was the first step.

Now, the size and shape of the support pieces is going to depend entirely on the size of the space you need to cover and the direction the flooring is being laid. We cut the 2×4 down into rectangular strips because our closet sloped down along the length of the board.

You will need to cut your 2x4s into triangular wedges if your floor slopes across the supports rather than along their length.

The remaining steps will be based on the rectangular supports we used, but the fundamental procedures are the same for triangular supports as well.

Cut the 2x4s to the appropriate length after determining what shape of supports you require.

After that, trim the board to the appropriate width beginning with the thickest part. Once the first one has been cut, you can screw it in place and gauge the thickness of the remaining supports.

To determine the proper depth for the rest of your boards, place your level on the floor’s high point and support. Measure about 12″ away from the board you just installed and measure the gap between the floor and your level. You’ll need to cut your next board to that thickness.

Repeat until there is less than 12″ from your last board and the high spot on the floor.

It’s time to proceed to the next step once all of your boards have been securely fastened to the subfloor in their proper locations with screws.

2. Spread Base Coat

Before applying the self-leveling compound, the unfinished surface must be primed to ensure proper compound absorption by the flooring.

For the surface you are priming, dilute the primer with the appropriate amount of water. Depending on whether you are applying the primer to concrete or wood, you need to add a different amount of water. Follow the instructions on the label to determine how much water you will need.

Once you have diluted the primer, pour a light coat of the primer on your flooring and spread it out with a brush. Make sure that you get an even coat on everything.

3. Mix Compound

It’s time to add the self-leveling compound after the primer has dried. Pour the mixture into a bucket that holds five gallons, then add water as directed on the package.

Mix the compound thoroughly for a few minutes on medium-high speed using your corded drill and mixing paddle.

4. Pour & Spread

Make sure you are ready before mixing your compound because the last step is a little time-sensitive. Have a trowel or putty knife ready so that you can spread the compound out once you have poured it.

Pour the compound out starting at the deepest area working your way back out towards the high point in the floor.

The self-leveling does the majority of the work for you, but you should still use a trowel or putty knife to spread the compound evenly throughout all the areas and ensure that you have complete coverage.

Feathering the edge up to your high spot should be your last step. Spread some of the compound upwards towards the high point with your trowel or putty knife to create a nice, sweeping slope.

Let it dry overnight before you install your flooring to allow it time to set properly and you’re done.

We had trouble figuring out the flooring situation, and I was on the verge of tearing out my hair. I’m relieved now that we discovered the floor was sloping downward.

Can Vinyl Plank Flooring Work on An Uneven Floor?

Use a bubble level to check the floor level and look for any dips or humps before installing the vinyl plank flooring.

In the worst case, a plank will fall when you step on an uneven floor because of clipping.

However, a slightly uneven floor should not stop you from installing vinyl plank flooring.

Vinyl planks, which are softer than hardwood planks and can conceal minor leveling issues in the floor, are a good alternative.

However, you should stick with laminate flooring or ceramic tiles if the floor is severely uneven with obvious bumps and dips.

Carpet is a common option because it is the most flexible if you are looking for alternatives because your floor is more uneven. You can bend, turn, fold, and roll a carpet in any way.

However, just because you have a slightly uneven floor does not mean you should give up on your preference for a vinyl plank flooring.

Final Thoughts

Vinyl flooring is waterproof, sturdy, and affordable. The installation process is also simple. Even slightly crooked surfaces are suitable for installing vinyl flooring. But before you lay the plank, you must assess the state of the floor.

Additionally, you must make sure that your subfloor is in good shape before installation. It ought to be dust-free, smooth, and clean. On very uneven floors, however, laminate flooring performs flawlessly.