How to Fix Uneven Floors: Causes and Proven Solutions

How to Fix Uneven Floors: Causes and Proven Solutions

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Uneven floors are one of the most common problems we find in older homes. It often shows up as dips, slopes, or soft spots when walking across a room. Some homeowners notice furniture wobbling or doors that won’t shut right. If left alone, the issue can get worse and lead to more costly repairs.

In most cases, uneven floors are caused by problems under the surface. These can include damaged floor joists, weak subflooring, or settling in the foundation. That’s why knowing how to fix uneven floors starts with a full inspection.

How to Fix Uneven Floors from Below

If there’s enough space, we can work from underneath the home to make things right. This method is often less invasive and allows us to avoid tearing into your finished floors.

Here’s what we check and fix from below:

  • Floor joist repair: If the joists are cracked, sagging, or damaged, we reinforce or replace them.
  • Leveling joists: Sometimes the joists are just out of level. We can shim them or use jacks to raise them back into place.
  • Support posts and beams: We install 6×6 wood posts or steel girders to help carry the weight evenly across the floor.

Pro Tip: Always fix the problem at the source. Shimming or patching the floor without addressing structural issues will only hide the problem for a short time.

What if You Can’t Access the Crawl Space?

In homes with small crawl spaces or slab foundations, we may not be able to reach the problem from below. In these cases, we carefully remove sections of the floor from above to get access.

This allows us to:

  • Reach and repair damaged joists
  • Add new support where needed
  • Level out the floor structure directly under the problem area

We make sure the new floor surface matches your existing one as closely as possible.

Is Foundation Settling Causing the Problem?

If a corner of your home is sinking or shifting, it can cause the floors above to slope or crack. We check for signs like:

  • Gaps between walls and flooring
  • Doors sticking near the area
  • Cracks in drywall or trim

When foundation settling is to blame, we often install piers to support and raise the structure. These piers are driven deep into the ground and help prevent further movement.

Key Takeaway: Fixing uneven floors without checking the foundation could mean missing the root cause of the issue. Always include a full structural check.

Need expert help with uneven floors? Contact Olson for a free consultation. We’ll inspect your floors, explain what’s happening, and give you a plan that works for your home and budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Uneven Floors?

Costs can vary depending on the method and how much work is needed. Here’s a general idea:

  • Minor leveling from below: $1,000–$3,000
  • Joist or subfloor repairs: $3,000–$6,000
  • Major structural repairs with piers: $7,000+

We provide clear, upfront pricing after inspecting your floor. There are no surprises, and we walk you through every option before we begin.

Why Fix Uneven Floors Now?

Waiting too long can cause bigger issues later. Sagging floors can lead to cracked tile, pulled baseboards, or even dangerous instability.

Fixing the problem now means:

  • A smoother, safer floor
  • Fewer repair costs down the road
  • Better value for your home

We use time-tested tools and strong materials to make sure your floors stay level and solid for years to come.

In Summary

If you’ve noticed sloping or soft spots in your floors, it’s time to take action. Whether it’s caused by weak joists, poor support, or settling foundations, we know how to fix uneven floors the right way.

Contact Olson today for a free quote and get peace of mind knowing your home is back on solid ground.

Author picture
Author picture

JOHN MURPHY

Owner