Does my floor really need levelling before new boards are laid?

Not every room needs the same preparation, and I would not add levelling simply because a new floor is being installed. I check the exposed base against the requirements of the selected flooring. Local ridges, dips and loose areas can matter even when the room looks reasonably flat from standing height.

There is also a difference between flat and level. A floor can slope gently across a room yet have a consistently flat surface. Conversely, a roughly horizontal room may contain short, uneven patches. The installation needs an appropriate base; correcting the whole building's slope is a separate issue to discuss.

The preparation depends on what we find. It may involve treating a limited high or low area, repairing a suitable surface, or using a compatible smoothing system. I also check firmness, cleanliness and moisture, because pouring a compound over a weak or wet base does not make those underlying problems disappear.

Extra-soft underlay should not be used as a general substitute for preparation. The floor needs the support intended for its joints and installation system. If the original covering is still in place, I will explain which preparation items can be confirmed now and which may only become clear after removal.

For a useful discussion, send the flooring product details and tell me where you notice rocking furniture, movement or visible ridges. I will explain the reason for any proposed preparation and its extent. The aim is to agree on the necessary work before laying starts, with unexpected conditions discussed rather than hidden under the new floor.