Can self-leveling compound be used to fix small gaps and pits under a new nail-down hardwood flooring install?

I ripped up my old carpet and found that the old hardwood flooring that used to be there was replaced with plywood before the carpet was laid down. I'd like to prepare the surface for new hardwood flooring and am wondering if self-leveling compound can be nailed through. There are some gaps where the plywood meets the old hardwood and some spots that aren't very level. I'm looking for the best way to prepare the floor for good old-fashioned solid unfinished hardwood strip flooring. Thanks!Can self-leveling compound be used to fix small gaps and pits under a new nail-down hardwood flooring install?
no. it doesnt work. if the staple manages to penetrate it it will shatter and make and uneven mess. tar paper and roof shingles dont work either. thats garbage. the best solution is to take a 6 or 8 foot level and check the subfloor for where theres a dip. go to windsor plywood (or similar store) and buy some 1/8'; mahogany plywood. us this to fill the dip. you will probably need more than 1 layer in most place. use yellow carpenters glue and a hammer tacker with 3/8'; staples to fasten it down. then take an angle grinder and grind the edges of it to taper them more gently.





the problem with tar paper etc. is that over time it will compress. when it compressess it will create an air pocket. if theres an air pocket the hardwood will be more prone to begin moving. if it begins moving it will create squeaks.Can self-leveling compound be used to fix small gaps and pits under a new nail-down hardwood flooring install?
the best option would be to remove the plywood and then re level bearers/joists as necessary. starting a new floor with uneven, partially filled substrate will only lead to problems later on.
You could use it but it is very brittle. It will crack crack sometimes. I use layers of felt paper and shoot them down with a staple gun.
No you cannot use any cementious product. It will crack and make a mess under your floor leading to all sorts of problems.





It is best to use roofing shingles or tar paper. Here is an article explaining it better.





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yea it will be fine to do that............even if it breaks it up just a little, which it could do,it would still be ok as long as the end of the nail or staple ends up in the plywood...........


the best leveling floor patch that I know of and use all the time is made by ';ARDEX';........it will bond to almost anything and is really strong...........
The self-leveling might crack later causing the floor to crackle when you walk on it. Remember that solid wood floor should last a long time so you need to think long-term. As was suggested, layers of felt paper (15lb., 30lb. or even 90lb.) can be built up and nailed through. Small dimples can be bridged over by the solid floor. If there are deeper things that need to be filled you can use Bondo. It is available in gallons at many home improvement store. It's pretty cheap and more flexible than cementitious floor patches. If you are going to use it over old wood floor it would be best to re-nail any loose areas first. If there are any areas that are slightly high I would recommend using a floor edge sander with 30 grit paper to knock them down.