Different sounds on wooden flooring while walking

[DarkKnight]

Hello everyone!

Is it normal for a wooden floor to sound different while walking on different parts of it? In some parts it feels like it is hollow from underneath. Is it normal or is there something wrong with the installation of the wooden floor? Thank you in advance!

[FatimaandAhmed]

It’s not uncommon for wooden floors to sound or feel different in certain areas, but it depends on the installation method and the type of flooring you have. If it feels hollow in some spots, it could be due to gaps between the floorboards and the subfloor, especially if it was glued down or if the subfloor isn’t perfectly even. This might happen over time if the adhesive loosens or if the floor wasn’t leveled properly during installation.

If it’s a floating floor (where the planks aren’t glued or nailed down), it’s more normal to have a slight difference in sound when walking on different parts. However, if the hollow sound is pronounced and bothersome, it could be worth having someone check if there’s a problem with the installation or if the subfloor needs attention.

Overall, a little variance is normal, but if it feels too hollow or uneven, it might point to a deeper issue.

[DarkKnight]

What exactly could cause gaps between the floorboards and the subfloor? Is this something that can be fixed without reinstalling the floor?

[FatimaandAhmed]

Gaps between the floorboards and the subfloor can happen for a few reasons. One common cause is that the subfloor wasn’t completely level when the flooring was installed, which can create little pockets of space under certain areas. Another possibility is that the adhesive used to glue the floor down might have loosened over time, especially in high-traffic areas or if the climate has shifted, causing the wood to expand and contract. As for fixing it, it depends on how bad the gap is. If it’s a minor issue, you might be able to inject some glue or adhesive underneath the floorboards in those hollow areas to secure them back in place. However, if the subfloor itself isn’t level or if the gaps are widespread, it might require more significant work, like lifting the boards to level the subfloor, which could mean partial reinstallation.

It’s worth consulting a professional to assess whether it’s a small fix or something more involved!

[DarkKnight]

Ah okay, thank you for the information.