Before laying down your new laminate or vinyl flooring, there’s one underrated tool that could make or break your installation: the spirit level. Often overlooked by DIY enthusiasts and even some professionals, using a spirit level properly ensures your subfloor is flat, level, and ready to handle the longevity and appearance of your flooring. Uneven subfloors can lead to warping, buckling, and frustrating squeaks — and the consequences are far costlier than a few minutes of checking your base.

Start by clearing your existing floor and checking for dips or humps using a 1.5m or 2m spirit level. You’re looking for consistent contact across the length — any gap larger than 3mm indicates a potential problem. Use a self-leveling compound to fill dips, or sand down high spots before proceeding. Make sure your subfloor is clean, dry, and fully cured before any planks or tiles touch the ground. This preparation is non-negotiable if you want your flooring to last and look premium.

For floating floors like laminate or LVT click systems, an uneven base puts excess pressure on locking joints, leading to premature failure. In wet areas or heavy-traffic zones, unlevel flooring can even impact waterproofing performance and create trip hazards. Don’t just eyeball it — let the level guide your prep work.

Taking the time to get your subfloor dead-level with a spirit level is a best practice that separates a professional finish from a botched job. Whether you’re hiring a contractor or going DIY, demand this step. It’s one of the easiest ways to future-proof your flooring investment and ensure a flawless, smooth underfoot feel.