Laminate Floor leveling

[MadReefer]

Hope someone can answer this question. I had HomeDepot come and measure my floors for laminate. They have a special whole house install for $397. They called with an estimate and told me that in 3 or 4 spots my floor is 1/8 of an inch off level. The installer wants close to $2000 to level 600 sq. ft. The laminate manufacturer instructions state that within a 6ft span 1/8 is fine. Does anyone see a problem if I don't level? Or a cheaper option to level? I am going over linoleum.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[jose7878]

Hey Mark I work at a flooring company. Ill ask our wood flooring department sales guys if that is true or HD is just trying to get over on you. Ill let you know by 6pm.

 

[jose7878]

Alright Mark. I spoke to my guy. He said that the $397 is basically to pull you in. Then comes time for them to find the smallest things to increase the sales so they came up with that.
My guy said ask them were those low spots are, and you can due your own leveling.
With a thing called self-leveling mortar.
Then have them come back for a new pricing. And see what else they nick pick


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[Hockeynut]

Go out to Home Depot and buy self leveling compound. It's like runny concrete after you mix it. You just pour it over the uneven areas. The problem with laminate floors is not wether they are level or not it is wether they are even or not. Even if the floor is un even, 600 sq. ft. Seems to be a lot. You shouldn't have to do the whole floor (unless it is trashed) all you need to do is the bad areas. Any other specific questions let me know. Also I'm not sure I would trust the installers at Home Depot, I'm not saying that they are all bad but the thing is they really don't get paid to well. In the 30 or so years I have been building houses I have found that if a guy is not being paid at least ok the level of workmanship goes way down.

 

[MadReefer]

Thank you the reply. I have looked on-line for the leveling compound but did not any that could be used on linoleum. If I going to level the floor then I plan to intsall the laminate myself screw HD and their installers. I did call the laminate company and they took HD side stating if the floor isn't level and something happens HD and the installer are held fully responsible.

 

[TanksNStuff]

I would recommend removing the linoleum first either way.

 

[MadReefer]

To much of a hassle. Its glued down well; took me 4 hours to remove it in my kitchen the a floor stripper and still not everything came up.

 

[ThatGuy]

If you identify the area's it might work if you scuff the area with a coarse sandpaper prior to application.

 

[Cdiggy]

Heating the linoleum will loosen the adhesive to where it comes up. More often than not they put luan (1/8" plywood) down before they lay the floor. That usually comes up easily with flat bars and shovels to pry with. Better off doing it right the first time. I was working 30 year old apt. Complexes and removing 5 floors at a time from previous work crews just installing one floor after another on top of each other. We would use a giant propane torch they normally use for shrink wrapping boats to soften the floor and glue but you have to be careful not to burn the house down with it or even worse, suffocate to death from no ventilation. So I don't recommend that method too much

 

[MadReefer]

Forgot to mention the linoleum is glued over a slab.

 

[jose7878]

Forgot to mention the linoleum is glued over a slab.

Holy crap that linoleum is just totally going against you.


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[mikem]

I would use the lam. with the 1/4 inch padding attached and dont have to worry about a 1/8 inch problem

 

[redfishbluefish]

I would use the lam. with the 1/4 inch padding attached and dont have to worry about a 1/8 inch problem

+1....or use a thick underlayment to adjust for the uneven floor. An 1/8 inch is nothing with the right underlayment.


But you're hook on HD installers taking you for a ride!

 

[MadReefer]

The laminate I picked out has the padding attached already. Couldn't I just use the underlayment only where the floor is uneven?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I speak with little experience, but I've never seen underlayment selectively placed on a floor....it's laid down over the entire floor.

 

[Hockeynut]

I agree with Paul cover the whole floor with the pad then go over with the lam it should be ok 1/8 is not that bad

 

[MadReefer]

Well HD didn't budge on price. Said if I open a HD credit card can save $200. That still brings the entire cost to a bit over $3000 for 625 sq.ft.

 

[Cdiggy]

That is a crazy price.

 

[jose7878]

That's insane. Just do it yourself and save $2500


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[Hockeynut]

I spoke to my flooring guy today and he told me if it were his house he would put the leveling Mortar over the linoleum he said and I quote "where will it go" I agree. Even if it doesn't adhere to well it's just making up level. Then use cheap white padding, then your laminate.
Where do you live I can send guys to you to install who won't rip you off.