An uneven floor is a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to renovations. You may want to expect a setback in your schedule due to such an issue. Besides, your overall budget can also be affected, depending on the approach you prefer to adopt.
Installing a framed wooden subfloor is one of the cost-effective methods of raising your floor height. Other similar ways include using deck mud, using a floor leveling compound, and filling the floor using insulation material. Since the installation of a framed wooden subfloor is one of the ideal ways, how can you get the task done?
To raise a floor with a framed wooden subfloor, measure the height deficit and construct a perfectly matched wooden base. Then cover the wooden base with plywood of a specific thickness.
Why Raise Floor Height?
Do you need to make your affected floor space be at an equal level with the floor of the surrounding areas? Then raising floor height will be crucial. In particular, this is a process done during a renovation.
You can imagine the condition of the floor of a kitchen or bathroom that is not flush with a passageway. Apparently, the arrangement will not be as aesthetically pleasing as expected and may be a mobility bottleneck for those with senior citizens around the house.
You may also get to know the sunken floor in need of a raise if you strip away the old flooring when changing from one-floor type to another. Raising the floor is needed to make the new material work, particularly when switching from wood to tiles.
How to Raise Floor Height with Framed Wooden Subfloor
Installing a framed wooden subfloor is characteristically less expensive and a great way to raise floor height. For this ideal method, you will need to take the measurement of the height deficit and make a wooden base that accurately matches it.
This is an effective method when using wood as the main flooring material; notwithstanding, it can still work with other flooring material types, such as Vinyl or carpets.
It’s important to be very careful with the measurement during the construction of the wooden base. For instance, the height of each floorboard should be considered if you intend to cover up the base using wooding flooring. Ensure the top floor is flush with the remaining parts of the house to get a nice-looking job. Therefore, check the floor height from time to time to make sure the right levels are maintained.
Moreover, you should treat the wooden base to become termite resistant. With this, you can be assured of the floor’s durability (lasting long enough).
Furthermore, after the installation of the wooden base, you should go ahead to check the electrical circuit and insulation to know if they are properly positioned. Afterward, cover the wooden base with plywood 3/4 inch (1.90 cm) thickness. With this, your floor is prepared to take the top layer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check below some of the frequently asked questions about raising floor height. Please, review them with their answers for further knowledge.
How much does it cost to raise a floor?
Some factors must be considered when it comes to raising a floor. Nonetheless, leveling your floor in a house will cost you an average of about $3 to $5 per square foot. So, for your budget, if you plan to do a 100 square foot slab, you should prepare yourself for a general cost that ranges from $300 to $500.
Can you raise a sunken floor?
You can bring up sunken areas that are more than 6 inches deep to level. To do this, frame a novel floor within the sunken part from dimensional lumber. The price of bringing up a sunken living room to floor level ranges from $5000 to $25000 +, depending on the remodeling approach and the size of the area.
How much weight can a raised floor support?
It’s good to be curious about the raised floor loading capacity. Knowing how much weight your raised floor can hold will influence proper management. For standard raised access flooring, the weight load capacity ranges from 950 pounds to 1250 pounds.
How can I raise the height of my floor?
There are different ways to raise the height of your floor. The cheapest ways to do this include installing a wooden frame subfloor, filling with some insulation material, using deck mud, and using a floor leveling compound. You should know that the most suitable method to use is usually determined by the flooring material you intend to use for your project.
What is a raised floor called?
A raised floor can also be called access flooring, raised flooring, or low-profile flooring. Typically, a raised floor refers to a construction model that involves building an elevated floor above the original concrete slab surface of a building, thereby making a hidden void between the two floors used for the passage of electrical and mechanical services.
Can you reuse old wood floors?
It’s never a bad idea to reuse old wood floors. In fact, old wood floors are characteristically eco-friendly and very durable. They are hardwood floors that are usually reused when building or remodeling a home. With them, you have better aesthetics and enjoy lower costs when compared to purchasing new materials.
Wrapping Up
Generally, you won’t be spending much if you decide to raise the height of the floor of any area of your home. Even though there are several options from which you can choose, installing a framed wooden subfloor can be recommended. It is an ideal approach that won’t end up very costly in the medium term. In fact, installing framed wooden subfloor is one of the cheapest ways to raise a floor. Moreso, you’re advised to adhere to every necessary instruction when installing a framed wooden subfloor. For the wooden base, you must ensure you’re careful with the measurement, don’t forget to involve termite treatment for extreme durability, and check the electrical circuit and insulation to be sure that they are rightly placed.