I recently moved into a third-floor apartment, and I've noticed a pretty noticeable dip in the living room floor that slopes toward the center. It's becoming uncomfortable and is even causing some back pain when I sit on it for extended periods. The layout is tricky since we have three desks, and one of them always ends up on the lower side of the slope, no matter how I arrange them.
I'm considering building a leveling platform that's 12'x8', made from separate 4'x4' sections for easier maneuvering upstairs. The plan is to construct each section with 2"x4" frames and additional support beams for stability, topped with 3/4" OSB. Once assembled, I'd secure the sections together and attach some heavy-duty leveling legs to one side, while the other side rests against the wall. I'd like to put a hard rug over the whole platform as a finishing touch.
My main concerns are whether the 2"x4" supports will be strong enough and if I can use thinner plywood to cut down on costs without compromising durability. The platform will need to support three desks with somewhat heavy computers and three people on rolling chairs. Any advice would be appreciated!
1 Answer
Have you considered using Dricore subfloor panels? They connect with a tongue and groove system, and you can level them with shims. It allows for a removable solution, which is great for rented places since nothing gets permanently attached to the floor. Just keep in mind that this might be better for smaller slopes!
I like the idea, but I'm worried about the stability. When I get 8 feet away from the wall, I'm facing an incline that’s maybe an inch or more. I’m not sure if shims will hold up well at that height. Plus, since it's over carpet, there’s going to be a lot of flex that could make things come loose.