[Fleener]

We're upgrading a cabin and decided to put in pine flooring to match the original flooring. Problem is that there is a dip in the floor. Joists are 2' on center, and there is a drop of about 1/4" to 1/2" between two of the joists. We plan on running the flooring perpendicular to the joists. So my question is, how level does the floor have to be? What problems might I have if I run the flooring over this?

 

[Bob Mariani]

I would say 1/8" in a foot would not be too much of a problem with this flooring.

 

[Grampa Bud]

Just an idea. If the dip is just between joists in a non-load bearing area and somewhere midspan try streching a string tightly across the subfloor in a spiderweb fashion about every 30 degrees with the center of the web at roughly the deepest point. Then use a little 1/4 in. masonite, a little 1/8 in. masonite, and a little 1/16 in. veneer and brad nail or staple pieces down to roughly fill in the pocket space up to the spiderweb. It doesn't have to be perfect if you are using 2 1/4 T&G, or 4, 6, 8, & 10 in. rough sawn boards. The problem, though, may be a cracked, split, termite infested, or warped joist or timber under the floor so some investigation would be prudent.

 

[Fleener]

Thanks for the input. I was hoping to hear someone say it doesn't have to be perfect. I wish I had noticed the problem before I had put down the subfloor and built the walls....would have been an easy (or at least much easier) problem to fix.