What You'll Need
Nails
Hammer or nail gun
Plywood
Self-leveling compound
Trowel
Laminate pad
Moisture barrier
Step 1--Assess the Sub Floor
The first thing that you will want to do is assess the severity of the problems with the sub floor. Depending on whether you are dealing with concrete or wood sub floor, there are different methods that you could use to handle the problem. If you are dealing with concrete floor, you will need to use self-leveling compound to level the floor out. If you are installing over a wood floor, you could also use self-leveling compound if the problem is not severe. If the floor is really bad, you could install plywood over the top of the sub floor first to give you a smooth, level surface to work with.
Step 2--Apply the Self-Leveling Compound
If you are on concrete or have minor problems with the wood sub floor, you can start applying the self-leveling compound. Mix up the self-leveling compound in a bucket according to the directions on the bag. Then use a trowel to apply the self-leveling compound to the problem areas. The compound will move into the valleys in the floor that need to be brought back up. Allow the self-leveling compound to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the installation. You may also need to apply a second coat to the floor to really make it level.
Step 3--Install Plywood
If you are working with wood sub floor and you find that there are some very uneven surfaces, you may need to apply new plywood to the top of the sub floor. Take the plywood and lay it down on the floor. Plywood is big enough that it will span the distance of any imperfections in the floor and make it level. Take nails and your hammer or nail gun and install nails into the plywood. Make sure the nails are long enough to go down through the plywood and into the sub floor. Once the entire area is covered with plywood, you are ready to move on.
Step 4- Install the Pad
Once you have addressed the sub floor as best as you can, you can then install the pad. If you are on a concrete sub floor, you will need to lay down a moisture barrier before you apply the pad. When you select the pad, you will be better off to go with the thickest option that you have. This will also help to level out the floor a bit if you still have problems after the self-leveling compound is applied. Once the pad is in place, you are then ready to begin installing your laminate flooring.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
