How to Level the Floor for a Door

Wood or Laminate Flooring

• 1

  Run a straight board about eight to ten feet long along the floor around the door area to determine what areas need leveling.

• 2

  Access the subfloor where leveling is required by lifting up any carpet or vinyl in the area and lifting up any laminate or floorboards carefully with a bolster chisel. Insert the edge of the bolster chisel in between two boards and use it to pry up one end of the board. Run the chisel to the other end of the board and lift that up. Pull any nails out with pliers.

• 3

  Insert shims into the floor joists in the sagging areas to elevate them slightly. Use a level to verify the joists are even before replacing the flooring and laying any carpeting back down.

Concrete Flooring

• 4

  Run the straight board around the floor to determine what areas need leveling.

• 5

  Wash off the concrete floor with a mop, warm water and several drops of liquid dish-washing detergent. Rinse the floor afterward and dry it with a towel.

• 6

  Grind down the high areas of the floor with a concrete grinder by running the device over the floor in small circles. Wear eye protection whenever grinding concrete. Clean off any concrete dust that accumulated during the process once you're finished.

• 7

  Use a nap roller to apply a bonding adhesive to this lower level of concrete so leveling compounds properly bond to it.

• 8

  Mix together a self-leveling compound following the instructions on the packaging for best results. Block any drains in the area and pour the leveling compound over the floor, spreading it with a squeegee. The layer of self-leveling compound shouldn't exceed a quarter-inch. Allow the leveling compound 48 hours to dry before installing a door.