How to Fix Uneven Floors Between Rooms: A Step-by-Step Guide with FloorLyft Ultra

Uneven floors can be a common issue in homes, especially in older buildings, or when you take out previous thicker flooring and replace with new modern thinner flooring.  This leads to installation challenges and problems like trip hazards, misaligned doors, and unsightly transitions between rooms. Fortunately, addressing these issues doesn’t always require a complete floor replacement. One effective solution is using FloorLyft Ultra, an underlayment designed to raise the entire subfloor and provide a stable foundation for new flooring installations.

Understanding Floor Lyft Ultra

FloorLyft Ultra is a premium acoustical and insulating fiber board with an attached vapor barrier that serves multiple purposes:

• Corrects Subfloor Irregularities: It raises the subfloor to help even out low spots.  Especially important when removing a previous floor covering that is thicker than a new floor covering.  For example, replacing carpeting and padding with a popular thinner vinyl plank that clicks together and floats.  It helps to raise the entire subfloor to even out room to room transitions while reducing trip hazards and improving the overall floor plane flatness. By building up the entire subfloor, no longer will you have baseboard gaps and severe transition reducers from room-to-room.
• Enhances Sound Insulation: Made from 100% recycled materials, it absorbs sound, preventing noise from traveling between rooms.
• Provides Moisture Protection: Incorporates EcoWick Technology to protect floors from water damage.
• Compatible with Various Flooring Types: Suitable for both floating and glue-down flooring applications. Including: All Vinyl Planks & Tiles, Laminate, Floating & Glue Down Wood, Cork, Bamboo, Carpet & Carpet Tile

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Uneven Floors with FloorLyft

1. Assess the Uneven Areas and Raising Up the Subfloor Height Needs

Begin by identifying the uneven spots between rooms. Use a long, straightedge or a level to detect high and low points on the floor. Mark these areas for reference.

2. Prepare the Subfloor

Ensure the subfloor is clean and free from debris, nails, or old adhesives. Address any moisture issues, as excessive moisture can affect the performance of underlayment materials.

3. Install FloorLyft Ultra

Cut the FloorLyft Ultra panels to fit the dimensions of entire subfloor. Lay the panels over the subfloor, with a 50% stagger between boards for a tight fit. The panels can be glued down or floated, depending on your flooring type. Tape or prepare the seams as needed before laying floor coverings over the fiber boards.  Make any cuts to the panels that are needed with a utility knife. (link to our installation instructions/page)

4. Apply Adhesive (If Required)

For glue-down installations, apply a suitable adhesive to the subfloor before placing the FloorLyft Ultra panels. Ensure the adhesive is compatible with both the underlayment and the flooring material you plan to use.

5. Install the Final Flooring Layer

Once the underlayment is in place and secure, proceed with installing your chosen flooring material: Laminate, luxury vinyl plank, or hardwood. The FloorLyft Ultra underlayment will provide a solid and smooth and even surface, ensuring a professional finish.

By following these steps and utilizing FloorLyft Ultra, you can effectively address uneven floors between rooms, enhancing both the aesthetics, safety, and functionality of your living space.

FloorLyft Ultra is available exclusively at Lowe’s.