Need advice on flatting/leveling a wood subfloor
#1
12-19-22, 02:41 PM
Need advice on flatting/leveling a wood subfloor
I am remodeling my small 5x6 bathroom. I removed the tiles,cement board and plywood. What's left is a plank wood subfloor. which had felt paper on it which I assume was used to help flatten the subfloor. I used a level and in spots the floor is not flat or level. Could I use felt paper or something else to flatten the floor? Someone mentioned to me I could also use shingles. I was thinking this would be easier than trying to use self leveling compound or maybe to use both if needed?
#2
12-19-22, 02:56 PM
Member
Felt paper and shingles are commonly used when installing wood flooring.
What kind of floor are you putting in there?
What kind of floor are you putting in there?
#4
12-19-22, 03:50 PM
Group Moderator
You should be putting down a minimum of 1/2" plywood over that floor. 5/8" would be better. And you would lay any shims needed under that additional layer of subfloor. Felt isn't going to shim a floor much unless you are stacking about 5 or 6 layers of felt.
This would be followed by Ditra or Kerdi as a decoupling membrane... so that the joints in the wood don't crack your tile or grout
This would be followed by Ditra or Kerdi as a decoupling membrane... so that the joints in the wood don't crack your tile or grout
#5
12-20-22, 05:12 AM
I saw some loose shims under the plywood when i removed it. If I put shims down should they be nailed or stapled down or is it ok for them to be loose?
#6
12-20-22, 05:32 AM
Group Moderator
Depends if you move the shims when you put the plywood down. If the shim needs to be in an exact spot, you'd fasten it if you don't want them to move when you slide the plywood around.
#7
12-20-22, 05:56 AM
Most of the time it's easier to tack the shim where you need it. When you need to shim the plywood it's better to use thicker plywood - 1/2" might sag between the shim and where it meets solid subfloor.
#8
12-20-22, 05:56 AM
Group Moderator
With floors like that I like to use 3/4" Advantech which is a premium OSB sheeting that is VERY strong and stiff and highly resistant to water damage. With the extra thickness it is great for smoothing out old, uneven floors. You can use shims under low spots to make sure it's supported well. I like to use blobs of caulk or construction adhesive to help stick shims in place so they don't move too easily.
#9
12-20-22, 08:24 AM
Well that's good to know Pilot Dane because I already have sheets of 3/4 Advantech sitting in my garage.
