Best flooring shim pack for subfloor leveling – fast, precise setup under $10
Get smoother, quieter floors with a shim pack that speeds up precise leveling. This guide focuses on flooring shim pack options in wood and composite materials, what thickness ranges matter, and how stackability affects results. You’ll find a low-cost pick for quick subfloor touch-ups and alternatives for higher loads or bulk projects. If brand matters, we also note a Hillman option alongside other flooring shims to match different jobs and quantities.
Generated 09/01/2025
Recommendation
This Nelson Wood Trim Shim is a good match for your flooring-shim need and fits your budget: the listed price is $6.99, which is under your $9 budget. It is sold through Ace Hardware and is explicitly a wood trim shim designed for aligning trim, flooring transitions and filling small gaps—so it addresses the core use you described. Why this is a strong choice: wood trim shims are inexpensive, easy to trim to size, and work well for fine adjustments when installing baseboards or flooring. This listing has a 5-star user rating (albeit from a single review), which suggests at least one buyer found it satisfactory. At $6.99 you get the functionality of a traditional wood shim for less than your budget, leaving room for extras like adhesive or a few replacements. Note about brand: you asked for Hillman, but this is a Nelson product. Nelson is a valid alternative for trim/woodworking accessories and here provides a lower-cost option that still meets the basic requirement; if brand loyalty to Hillman is critical, we can search specifically for that brand. Things to consider: - Check the product page for the shim dimensions, taper length and pack quantity before buying—quantity and size vary and determine how many you’ll actually need. - Wood shims can split if nailed; consider pre-drilling or using construction adhesive for permanent installs. - For moisture-prone areas (bathrooms, basements) use composite or plastic shims or seal the wood to prevent swelling/rot. - If you need structural support or heavy load-bearing leveling, shims alone may not be appropriate—consult installation guidance.
Recommendation criteria
The recommendation is based on these requirements:
Our recommendation – Nelson Wood Trim Shim
Nelson Wood Trim Shim is a straightforward choice for dialing in small, localized floor adjustments without overbuying. The tapered wood profile lets you fine‑tune subfloor high and low spots, and it trims cleanly with a utility knife for a flush fit near edges or joists. It’s widely available in small quantities and typically sits well below a ten‑dollar target, making it practical for quick fixes. If you prefer Hillman hardware, see the alternative below for heavier, single‑point support.
- Under a $10 target, suitable for low-cost touch-ups
- Tapered wood allows precise micro-adjustments under subfloors
- Easy to trim or snap for a clean edge fit
- Small pack size helps avoid buying more than you need
Other products analyzed at the time
Broadfix Grab Box Assorted Flat Shims BGB240
$23.52 - Home Depot
(6 reviews)PremiumOur evaluationAssorted sizesBroadfix Grab Box Assorted Flat Shims BGB240 – Assorted plastic shimsColor‑coded, stackable composite shims for repeat use and moisture‑prone areas. Good for distributing load across wider spots.
Nelson Wood Shims 8" 84-Pack
$9.23 - Wylaco Supply Company
(3 reviews)Budget alternativeOur evaluationBulk packNelson Wood Shims 8" 84-Pack – Bulk wood shimsHigh piece count for larger projects or multiple rooms. Wood taper makes fine tuning straightforward.
Hillman Thick Heavy Duty Spacer
$12.92 - Home Depot
(1 reviews)Our evaluationHeavy-dutyHillman Thick Heavy Duty Spacer – Single-point levelingA rigid spacer for targeted gaps that need more support than a thin taper can provide. Pair with construction adhesive where appropriate.
Pittsburgh Body Shim Assortment 144 Piece
$9.99 - Harbor Freight Tools
(150 reviews)Our evaluationMetal shimsPittsburgh Body Shim Assortment 144 Piece – Metal shims assortmentThin, rigid metal shims for spacing where compressibility must be minimized. Useful for machinery or fixtures adjacent to flooring work.
FAQ
What criteria matter most when selecting a flooring shim pack?
Focus on thickness range (minimum and maximum), whether the shims are tapered or flat, and how neatly they stack without rocking. Material matters: wood cuts easily and conforms slightly; composite resists moisture and offers repeatable thickness. Check length for reach under boards, and confirm load expectations with a quick test on scrap. Decision tip: choose the smallest shim that achieves level with the fewest stacked layers.
Is spending under $10 good value, or should I buy a larger pack?
Under $10 is sensible for small touch‑ups or a single threshold where you’ll use just a handful of pieces. For multiple rooms or iterative testing, larger packs typically lower cost per shim and ensure consistent results without mixing materials. Estimate your need by marking each adjustment point during a dry run; if you count more than a few dozen placements, a bulk pack will be more efficient.
Should I use flooring shims or a self‑leveling compound?
Use shims for localized corrections—isolated dips, transitions, or edges—especially where you can reach from the room perimeter. Self‑leveling compound suits broad unevenness spanning large areas. Two quick checks: lay a 6–8 ft straightedge to map low spots and note gap depth; tally how many locations need correction. Decision tip: if most gaps are shallow and isolated, shims are faster; if they’re frequent and continuous, choose compound.
What should I know about returns and warranties for shim packs?
Policies vary by retailer. Unopened packs are usually returnable within the standard window; keep the receipt and original count intact. Inspect for damage or warping before opening, and store shims flat in a dry place while you finalize measurements. For assorted kits, verify the included sizes match the label. Warranties are uncommon on consumable shims, so lean on the seller’s return policy if issues arise.
How do I stop squeaks after shimming a subfloor?
First, fasten the subfloor to joists with screws at the noisy area, then re‑evaluate shims. Ensure each shim achieves firm two‑surface contact without being over‑driven; crushed wood can loosen. Add a bead of construction adhesive to lock interfaces. If moisture is present or creaks persist, replace wood shims with composite pieces of known thickness. Re‑test with foot pressure across seams, adding fasteners where movement remains.
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