Installing carpet pad over uneven subfloors or floating floors over uneven subfloors will only cover up the problem temporarily. The carpet pad over uneven subfloors will wear unevenly and quickly with the pressure from feet and furniture, causing the carpet and the padding to wear out much quicker. You need to fix the uneven floors by using a leveling agent or putting down a new subfloor before you install your flooring to ensure that your investment in flooring will keep its value.

Floating floors or ceramic floors that are installed on top of uneven subfloors are more prone to cracking or breaking simply due to the uneven base that the hard flooring is located on. Just walking on the floors can damage them beyond repair, decreasing the value of your investment and causing you to have to replace the floors much sooner than you had planned.

What can you do about uneven subfloors? Uneven subfloors must be leveled before you install any type of flooring. Self-leveling mortar or concrete is one way that you can try to level out the floors. Applying this mortar to your subfloor according to the manufacturer's directions can help to get the floors into proper condition so that you can begin installing your flooring.

Another way to level out your subfloors is to lay down a layer of plywood. Once a layer of plywood is installed, you can begin installing the flooring. No matter what method you choose, you want to use a level to ensure that the subfloor is as level and even as possible, so that you will get maximum use and function from your flooring choice.

The proper base or foundation for installing your flooring can help your new floor to last through the wear and tear of life for a long time. Make sure before installing any type of flooring in your home that the surface is even and free from dirt or debris to give your flooring the best surface possible for maximum durability. With just this extra little effort, you can ensure that you give your flooring the best chance possible to last for many years to come.