Hello,

I had a question about applying those Armstrong laminate faux tile in my kitchen. The kitchen already has (at least one) layer of laminate flooring on it. There is an imperfection as well, where the flooring isn't level. I called a flooring company near my house and asked them about possible spreading that self leveling mixture on top of it, and then laying the new laminate flooring on top of the leveling mixture. The man at the flooring place suggested against this, saying that the cement like substance may crack and crumble, causing further problems. He suggested that I first, must lay a laminate padding on the current floor first. And that I should just double up the padding in the one problem area ( in order to build that section up). The problem area is about a 3 foot crack, that dipped down, causing the last laminate tile to crack. The thing is, there is no basement in the house, so the only thing under the laminate floor is the concrete foundation.

Does this suggestion of just building up the padding seem to make sense? Should I use the self leveling concrete first, then apply the laminate padding on top? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

If it were me I would pull the old laminate out and fix the problem at the root. If that is not an option the some type of filler needs to be used as far as the leveling compound over the existing laminate the salesman was right it will most likely crack. Post back and let us know whether removing the old laminate is an option. GOOD LUCK, AC

If it were me I would pull the old laminate out and fix the problem at the root. If that is not an option the some type of filler needs to be used as far as the leveling compound over the existing laminate the salesman was right it will most likely crack. Post back and let us know whether removing the old laminate is an option. GOOD LUCK, AC

I actually have a similar type of leveling problem with my kitchen floor, which now has cushion floor on it, and we'd like to install laminate. We have a basement, but I don't see how that affects how I could make the floor more level on top. Every 3rd floor joist is a bit higher than the ones on the middle, causing a downward bow, or dip between the staggered higher joists (anywhere from 1/2" to 3/4")
So how to I "even" up the floor to allow me to safely install the laminate ?
The guy at the hardware store suggested I pour the self leveling wet concoction between the high joists (which is where the floor is at it's lowest) but he didn't say anything about it eventually cracking, which I agree, could cause problems down the road. Would I be better to shim extra layers of underlay foam to the recessed areas, or is there another substance or material I could us for the job?
Thanks for any info you can give me.

I've decided to level the floor and then install a good quality vinyl floor. Less headache and just as durable as any good laminate.