How to Fix Uneven Floors: Causes, Techniques & Cost

Uneven floors can be more than just an aesthetic issue—they may pose real safety risks, causing trips, falls, wobbly furniture, and the occasional splinter. For homeowners, especially in older homes with original hardwood floors, uneven flooring is a common problem. However, there’s good news: with the right help, uneven floor restoration is not only possible but can also improve the overall value and safety of your home.

The key to solving the issue lies in identifying the cause of your uneven floors before jumping into repairs. By understanding the underlying issues, you can choose the right restoration method and budget accordingly.

Common Causes of Uneven Wood Floors

There are several potential causes of uneven floors, and the type of repair required often depends on the root issue. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Moisture damage: One of the leading causes of uneven wood floors is water damage. Leaking pipes, poor drainage, or excessive indoor humidity can cause the wood to expand, cup, or buckle. Water can also damage the subfloor, leading to uneven surfaces.
• Foundation problems: If your home's foundation shifts or settles, it can cause the floors above to become uneven. Cracks in the foundation or problems with support beams can create significant floor height variations.
• Damaged joists: The joists are the beams that support the subfloor. Over time, joists can become damaged due to age, moisture, or even insect infestations like termites. When joists sag or split, the wood floors above become uneven.
• Improper installation: If the hardwood floor wasn’t installed correctly, you could end up with an uneven surface. Uneven subfloors, poor leveling, or rushed installation can result in bumpy or sloping floors.

How to Fix Uneven Floors: Severity, Material, and Techniques

Once you've identified the cause of your uneven floors, you can start planning the appropriate repairs. The cost and complexity of fixing uneven floors largely depend on the severity of the issue, the type of flooring material, and the repair technique needed.

1. Assess the severity

The first step in repairing uneven wood floors is determining the extent of the issue. Is the problem localized to a small area, or is it spread across the entire room? Small dips or localized unevenness will cost less to repair than significant warping or large-scale sinking. Minor issues may require simple refinishing, while more severe damage could involve structural repairs.

2. Consider the flooring material

The type of flooring also plays a significant role in both the repair method and cost. Solid hardwood flooring usually requires more labor-intensive repairs like sanding and refinishing, while engineered wood or laminate flooring might be easier and less costly to fix.

3. Choose the right technique

There are several methods for restoring uneven floors, each suited to different levels of unevenness:

• Sanding and refinishing: This method is ideal for fixing small surface-level irregularities caused by warping or cupping. Sanding smooths out the uneven areas, and refinishing restores the wood’s original appearance.
• Planeing: Planeing involves shaving wood from high spots to even out the floor. This technique is commonly used when a hardwood floor has mild unevenness but doesn’t require a full refinishing.
• Shimming: If the subfloor is uneven, shimming can be used to fill in gaps between the floorboards and subfloor. This technique is effective for addressing small dips or creaks without needing major repairs.
• Sistering joists: For issues with damaged or sagging joists, the joists may need to be reinforced with new ones in a process known as sistering. This technique can be expensive, but it's essential for addressing structural problems.
• Jacking and leveling: In severe cases where the subfloor or foundation has shifted significantly, jacking up the base and leveling it may be required. This is a major project that should only be handled by professionals due to its complexity and potential to impact your home’s structural integrity.

The Cost of Fixing Uneven Wood Floors

The cost to fix uneven wood floors can vary widely depending on the cause, severity, and repair method. On average, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $60 per square foot for repairs. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential costs:

• Minor surface repairs: For small, localized issues like scratches or slight cupping, sanding and refinishing may cost around $3 to $8 per square foot. Refinishing a small room (200 square feet) could range from $600 to $1,600.
• Moderate damage: For areas with uneven joists or minor subfloor issues, repairs could cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the repair technique used.
• Major structural repairs: If the problem stems from foundation issues or severely damaged joists, costs can climb significantly. Replacing or reinforcing joists may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, especially if it involves jacking and leveling the foundation.
• Total restoration costs: According to Fixr.com, most homeowners spend around $2,000 to restore 200 square feet of moderately damaged hardwood floors, with the national average for hardwood floor repair ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The most severe cases, such as joist rot or large structural damage, can reach up to $6,000 or more.

It’s also important to factor in labor costs and whether your local regulations require permits for major structural work, which could increase the overall expense.

Tips for Saving Money on Uneven Wood Floor Repairs

Repairing uneven wood floors can be costly, but there are ways to reduce expenses without compromising on quality:

• Early intervention: Addressing minor issues early on can prevent more extensive damage down the line. Regularly inspecting your floors and fixing small dips or moisture problems can save you significant costs in the long run.
• DIY for small repairs: If you're handy, you may be able to tackle minor repairs like sanding or shimming on your own. However, more complex issues like joist reinforcement should always be left to professionals.
• Get multiple quotes: Always compare quotes from different contractors before committing to a repair. Prices can vary based on your location and the contractor’s expertise.
• Plan ahead: If you're planning to repair a large area, consider combining projects like refinishing or upgrading the floor altogether. This can help you save on labor costs by tackling multiple tasks at once.

Conclusion

Uneven floors are a common problem, but with the right approach, they can be fixed. Whether caused by moisture, foundation issues, or improper installation, there are solutions to restore your floors to their original condition. The cost of repairs will depend on the severity of the problem, the repair technique, and who you hire for the job.

To ensure the longevity and beauty of your floors, it’s important to address unevenness early and seek professional advice when necessary. If you're looking for expert help, contact Rejuvenation Floor and Design, Portland’s trusted hardwood flooring specialists. Visit our showroom or call 503-989-8997 to learn more about leveling your uneven floors today!