Floor Leveling & Subfloor Repair
Austin TX
Austin's clay soils cause concrete slabs to heave and settle unevenly. Before any new flooring goes down, the subfloor must be flat. We level concrete slabs, repair damaged wood subfloors, fix squeaks, and apply moisture barriers so your new floor lasts for decades.
Why Floor Leveling Matters in Austin
Austin sits on some of the most expansive clay soil in Texas. When it rains, the soil absorbs water and swells. When it dries out in summer, it shrinks. This constant movement pushes and pulls on your concrete slab, creating dips, humps, and cracks over time. The result is an uneven subfloor that will destroy your new flooring investment if not corrected first.
LVP flooring requires a surface that is flat within 3/16 inch over 10 feet. Tile requires 1/8 inch over 10 feet. Any variation beyond these tolerances causes planks to flex and separate, tiles to crack at the grout joints, and warranties to be voided. We check every subfloor before installation and include leveling in the scope when needed — no surprises, no callbacks.
Floor Leveling Methods We Use
The right method depends on your subfloor type, the severity of the variation, and the flooring going on top. We assess all three before recommending anything.
Self-Leveling Compound
For concrete slabs with dips up to 1.5"
Poured over the slab, flows into low spots, and cures perfectly flat. Ideal for Austin slab homes with minor to moderate settling.
Concrete Grinding
For high spots and humps
Diamond grinding removes high spots on concrete slabs. Often combined with SLC to achieve a perfectly flat surface across the entire area.
Plywood Shimming
For wood subfloors with minor variation
Tapered shims installed under the subfloor layer to bring low areas up to level. Used on pier-and-beam homes and wood-framed second floors.
Subfloor Panel Replacement
For damaged or rotted subfloor
Full removal and replacement of damaged OSB or plywood panels. Includes moisture treatment and new fastening to eliminate squeaks.
Subfloor Repair Services
Leveling is only half the job. A structurally compromised subfloor — whether from water damage, rot, slab cracks, or missing fasteners — will fail under new flooring no matter how flat it is. We diagnose and repair the underlying issue first.
Water & Moisture Damage
Subfloor panels swollen, delaminated, or rotted from plumbing leaks, flooding, or chronic humidity. We remove damaged sections, treat for mold, apply moisture barrier, and install new panels.
Squeaky & Bouncy Floors
Squeaks are caused by subfloor panels rubbing against joists or fasteners backing out. We inject construction adhesive into gaps and drive new screws to eliminate movement permanently.
Slab Cracks & Voids
Cracks in the concrete slab from settling or tree root intrusion. We fill hairline cracks with epoxy filler and larger voids with hydraulic cement before leveling.
Moisture Barrier Installation
Austin slab homes are prone to vapor transmission from the ground. We apply 6-mil poly sheeting or liquid moisture barrier membranes before hardwood and engineered wood installations.
Our Subfloor Repair Process
Free Subfloor Assessment
We walk every square foot of the project area with a 10-foot straightedge and moisture meter. We identify all high spots, low spots, soft areas, and moisture readings. You get a written report with photos.
Diagnose the Root Cause
We identify whether the issue is slab settlement, plumbing leak, poor original construction, or moisture intrusion. Fixing the symptom without addressing the cause leads to the same problem in 2 years.
Remove Damaged Material
Rotted or delaminated subfloor panels are cut out and removed. Damaged concrete is chipped back to sound material. Debris is hauled off the same day.
Repair & Treat
New subfloor panels are installed and fastened to joists. Concrete cracks are filled. Mold-affected areas are treated with antimicrobial solution. Moisture barriers are applied where needed.
Level to Spec
Self-leveling compound is poured, or shims are installed, to bring the entire surface within tolerance for your specific flooring type. We check flatness again after curing.
Ready for Flooring
We hand off a clean, flat, dry, structurally sound subfloor to the installation crew. If we are doing both the prep and the install, we coordinate the schedule so there is zero downtime.
Floor Leveling Cost Guide — Austin TX
Prices reflect typical Austin market rates. Final cost depends on area size, severity, and access. All estimates are free and itemized.
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Subfloor flatness inspection | Free |
| Self-leveling compound (minor dips) | $3 – $6 / sq ft |
| Self-leveling compound (moderate) | $5 – $9 / sq ft |
| Concrete grinding (high spots) | $2 – $4 / sq ft |
| Plywood subfloor repair (patch) | $150 – $400 / panel |
| Full subfloor replacement | $4 – $8 / sq ft |
| Moisture barrier installation | $0.50 – $1.50 / sq ft |
| Squeak repair (screws + adhesive) | $150 – $350 / room |
Prices are estimates only. Final pricing provided in your free written estimate. No work begins without your written approval.
Signs Your Floor Needs Leveling
Financing Available
Floor leveling and subfloor repair can be an unexpected expense. We offer financing options so you can get the job done right without waiting. Ask about our payment plans during your free estimate.
Learn About Financing OptionsFloor Leveling FAQ — Austin TX
How much does floor leveling cost in Austin TX?
Floor leveling in Austin typically costs $3 to $12 per square foot depending on the severity of the unevenness, the method used, and the size of the area. Self-leveling compound for minor dips costs less than full subfloor replacement. Capital City Flooring Austin provides free, itemized estimates so you know exactly what you are paying for before any work begins. Call (512) 769-2292.
How do I know if my floor needs leveling before new flooring?
Signs your floor needs leveling include: visible dips or humps when you walk across the room, gaps under a straight edge or level, doors that stick or swing open on their own, tile or grout cracking repeatedly, and LVP planks that click or flex underfoot. Austin homes on concrete slabs are especially prone to settling and heaving due to expansive clay soils. We assess your subfloor during the free estimate.
What is self-leveling compound and when is it used?
Self-leveling compound (SLC) is a cement-based product poured over an uneven concrete slab that flows into low spots and cures flat. It is ideal for dips up to 1.5 inches. For larger variations, we use a combination of grinding high spots and applying SLC to low areas. Mapei Novoplan 2 Plus and Ardex K-15 are two products we use regularly on Austin slab homes.
Can you level a floor without removing the existing flooring?
In some cases, yes — if the existing flooring is thin (like vinyl sheet) and firmly bonded, we can level over it. However, for tile, hardwood, or thick LVP, we typically recommend removal first so we can properly assess and repair the subfloor. Leveling over damaged or loose material creates a weak foundation that will fail under new flooring.
What causes uneven floors in Austin homes?
The most common cause in Austin is expansive clay soil (also called black gumbo clay). When it gets wet it swells, when it dries it shrinks — causing the concrete slab to heave and settle unevenly over time. Other causes include poor original construction, plumbing leaks under the slab, wood rot in pier-and-beam homes, and normal settling in older homes. We diagnose the cause before recommending a repair method.
Do you repair wood subfloors or just concrete?
Both. For pier-and-beam homes and wood-framed second floors, we repair and replace damaged OSB or plywood subfloor panels, sister floor joists, fix squeaky floors with construction screws, and address moisture damage. For concrete slab homes, we grind high spots, fill low spots with SLC, and apply moisture barriers when needed. We handle the full subfloor repair before any new flooring goes down.
How long does floor leveling take?
Most floor leveling projects in Austin take 1 to 2 days. Self-leveling compound typically needs 24 hours to cure before flooring installation begins. Larger areas or significant subfloor repairs may take 2 to 3 days. We give you a precise timeline during the free estimate and schedule around your flooring installation date so there is no gap in your project.
Is floor leveling required before LVP or tile installation?
Yes — for LVP, the subfloor must be flat within 3/16 inch over 10 feet. For tile, it must be flat within 1/8 inch over 10 feet. Any variation beyond these tolerances will cause planks to flex, click, or separate, and tiles to crack at the grout joints. We always check flatness before installation and include leveling in the scope when needed.
Get a Free Floor Leveling Estimate
We assess your subfloor, identify the problem, and give you a written estimate with no obligation. Most estimates are completed within 24 to 48 hours of your call.