Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myFind Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!
It's FREE and there are no obligations
How it works
Ask a trade
Cost guides
Categories
Levelling subfloor in upstairs bedroom
Hi guys, first time posting here.
I'm having a bedroom in a council rented house completely gutted and the subfloor is in very bad state. Damaged and very dirty, I can see noticeable dips in the floor, it's nothing crazy bad but certainly wouldn't be suitable for a hardwood floor to go on top of my naive brain would think.
I'm wondering how much or how I'd even go about getting it fixed? Would the whole subfloor need replaced? I've always had wonky floors in my house and I'm sick of it, since this room is gutted I want it done proper from the get go so I'm not rolling about the room like I'm on a rollercoaster.
Since it's so dirty I thought just replacing the whole floor might be worth doing instead of cleaning it and then getting it *fixed* but I've no idea what that really entails. Any suggestions welcome.
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi Ross, sounds like you’re doing the right thing getting it sorted properly from the start.
If the subfloor is badly damaged, dirty, and has visible dips, you’ve got two main options:
1. Replace the Subfloor Entirely
If it’s chipboard or old timber and beyond saving, best to rip it up and start fresh. That way you can:
Inspect joists underneath for rot or damage
Re-level properly using new timber or plywood
Avoid future headaches (especially if you want hardwood or engineered flooring on top)
2. Overlay & Level (Only If Structurally Sound)
If the subfloor is still solid and just uneven, you might be able to:
Clean and treat the existing boards
Use self-leveling compound (if suitable for upstairs timber)
Overlay with plywood or backer board for a flat finish
But to be honest — if it's as rough as you say and the room is already gutted — I’d lean toward full replacement. It'll cost more in labour and materials but saves messing about later.
Expect to pay around £40–£70 per sqm depending on your area and condition — but get a proper quote so there’s no surprises.
Hope that helps mate"
If the subfloor is badly damaged, dirty, and has visible dips, you’ve got two main options:
1. Replace the Subfloor Entirely
If it’s chipboard or old timber and beyond saving, best to rip it up and start fresh. That way you can:
Inspect joists underneath for rot or damage
Re-level properly using new timber or plywood
Avoid future headaches (especially if you want hardwood or engineered flooring on top)
2. Overlay & Level (Only If Structurally Sound)
If the subfloor is still solid and just uneven, you might be able to:
Clean and treat the existing boards
Use self-leveling compound (if suitable for upstairs timber)
Overlay with plywood or backer board for a flat finish
But to be honest — if it's as rough as you say and the room is already gutted — I’d lean toward full replacement. It'll cost more in labour and materials but saves messing about later.
Expect to pay around £40–£70 per sqm depending on your area and condition — but get a proper quote so there’s no surprises.
Hope that helps mate"
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Oct 2021 -
report
"Hi there
It all depends on how much the floor is uneven if it’s sagging in the middle it’s the jousting that is hanging from constant weight carrying. If you are going to replace the old floor boards , you can screw strengthening on to the side of the original joists and straighten it at the same time then cover it with chipboard flooring"
It all depends on how much the floor is uneven if it’s sagging in the middle it’s the jousting that is hanging from constant weight carrying. If you are going to replace the old floor boards , you can screw strengthening on to the side of the original joists and straighten it at the same time then cover it with chipboard flooring"
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 -
report
Related questions
Search other questions
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question 
Other categories
- Aerial Specialists
- Architects
- Bathroom Specialists
- Bricklayers
- Builders
- Joiners
- Cleaners
- Drainage Specialists
- Driveway Specialists
- Electricians
- Flooring Specialists
- Gardeners
- Handymen
- Heating Engineers
- Kitchen Fitters
- Locksmiths
- Loft Specialists
- Metalworkers
- Painters & Decorators
- Pest Controllers
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Removal Companies
- Roofers
- Security Specialists
- Specialists
- Stoneworkers
- Swimming Pool Specialists
- Tilers
- Traditional Craftsman
- Tree Surgeons
- Window Specialists
See all questions
Ask a Trade
Are you looking for advice on a DIY project or have a question for our tradespeople?
We'll email your question to tradespeople who are skilled in your chosen category.
Your question will be made public - please do not include any personal details.
Report Content
Thank you
Your report has been created and will be investigated shortly.
Over 1 million homeowners and over 50,000 tradespeople
use MyJobQuote nationwide each year