I want to put down a new engineered wood floor on top of an old wood floor. The problem is that in one larger room the old floor is bowed and needs levelling: the difference between the middle of the floor and the edges is as much as 2cm. Pulling up the old boards is not a solution, as the problem originates with the beams (it's the top floor of a Victorian house). What is the best way to level the floor?
If the floor joists are warped, you'll first need to take up the old floor, then re-lay it, putting packing under each board to get it dead level. Then you can lay the new floor on top. The best way to pack the boards is with pieces of plywood, but check local building regulation in case they insist on tanalised timber.
Since you know the high spot is in the middle, use a self leveling compound. Pour it around the perimeter to get a level floor. Use a primer ( special latex primer) to get the compound to bond to the wood.. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL
