Tips on a Starting Point for Laying a Pergo Floor in an Uneven House

Measure the Floor

• Determine if there is a need to level the floor. For a smooth fit, the floor should not slope more than 1 inch for every 6 feet. Although Pergo laminate can be installed over many different existing flooring materials, if the floor is uneven, it will be easier to level at the subfloor level. If it seems like you will need to level the floor, it makes sense to go ahead and remove carpet, linoleum or other treatments before you begin.

Level Small Low Spots

• Use 15-pound flooring felt to fill small low spots on the floor. Cut a series of squares that get progressively smaller. The largest should cover the low spot entirely. Stack the smaller squares on top to create a pyramid shape. You can use tape to hold it in place until you lay the flooring over it. Using progressively smaller squares of flooring felt creates a smooth look once the flooring is installed. If you stack a series of squares the same size, it could create a bulge under the Pergo.

Level Larger Low Spots

• To fill larger low spots, use a latex-based leveling compound. You can also use cement-based latex or acrylic-fortified floor patching material. Smooth the patching material over the low spot, smoothing and tapering the edges so that it is even with the surrounding floor. Allow this patch to dry thoroughly before laying the Pergo.

Lower High Spots

• High spots can be more challenging to fix. If the subfloor is wood, sanding or grinding the wood down so that it is even with the surrounding areas works well. Use a dust mask and protective eye wear when grinding the high spots down. If the subfloor is concrete, grinding down the high spots is much more challenging. In this case, it makes sense to bring the surrounding areas up to the level of the high spot with concrete-based patch material.

Lay Floor

• Once the floor is level, and any fill material has had ample time to cure, it is time to lay the floor. Leave 1/4 inch between the edge of the laminate and the wall. This gap is necessary to allow the floor to expand and contract. You can hide it later with shoe or quarter-round molding. Start in one corner of the room and work your way over and out for the best results. If you aren't sure you'll like how it lines up with the doors and other parts of the room, lay the floor out before locking it in place.