Hello all!

I want to install 3/4 solid hardwood on a 3/4 OSB sub floor. We have a low area that needs to be filled prior to the install.
Question...If I use an Ardex Self-Leveling underlayment can I still lay 3/4 solid hardwood or is a glued engineered floor my only option?

Any help is appreciated!

Thank you.
Paul

I wouldn't recommend a leveling compound under a naildown installation. If you can give us a better idea of the "low area", we can suggest numerous other ways to flatten it out.

Hello,

The area we're working with is 12' x 35' (dining room 12' x 17' and living room 12' x 17'). There is a large low area about 6' to 8' in diameter in the middle of the space. At it lowest its about 3/4" to 1" lower than the rest of the floor and it tapers evenly back up. The house is 15 years old and the low spot has always been there, but there's currently carpet so it hasn't been an issue.

I hope this gives you a good idea of the low area.

Thank you for your help.

That's a substantial low spot, to say the least A low spot of that magnitude...my first question is, why is it there? What's the cause. IMO not something to just pop a bandaide over. The best solution may be addressing the route of the problem.

yea if is in the middle of the room you may be able to jack it up some from below. I wouldnt advise you to do that though before talking to someone who knows what they are doing. It can be a dangerous job and jacking it too high can cause more damage is some cases.

Hello all,

I put a long straight edge over the low area it's actually a 1/2" low spot.

Regarding the structure ...the basement is unfinished and I have a perfect view of the steel beam running the length of the house and it's dead straight. It looks to me like the person who installed the 2x8 floor joists in the low section installed them crown down and not up. To me there is no structural issues to be concerned about, the problem is in the joists themselves.

Based on the 1/2" low spot what would my options be for leveling and hard wood?

Any help is appreciated !!

Thanks.
Paul

It may seem like more work, but not that bad and probably your best bet is to pull a sheet or 2 of the OSB, shim or sister up some new joists and relay OSB.

I agree with Jeff. IMO best method to repair the problem.

Thank you for the helpful suggestions!!