7 Best Floor Shims For Leveling Appliances To Use

A rattling appliance is more than a minor annoyance; it is a signal of potential mechanical strain that can damage floors and shorten the lifespan of high-ticket items. Whether it is a washing machine dancing across a laundry room floor or a refrigerator wobbling every time the door opens, proper stabilization is essential. Selecting the right shim ensures these heavy machines remain secure, quiet, and level for years to come.

Wobble Wedges: The All-Around Appliance Leveler

Wobble Wedges are the gold standard for those who need a versatile solution for uneven floors. Their tapered design allows for precise adjustments, making them ideal for tightening up wobbly tables or balancing front-load washers.

These shims are made from a rigid yet slightly flexible plastic that holds its shape under significant pressure. Because they are stackable, they can bridge larger gaps found in older homes with sagging floorboards or irregular tile.

For the everyday homeowner, these represent the best value due to their durability and ease of use. If the goal is a quick fix that doesn’t require tools or complex installation, these should be the first choice.

Nelson Wood Shims: For Your Heaviest Appliances

When dealing with massive, industrial-style refrigerators or heavy-duty vintage laundry units, wood shims provide a structural integrity that plastic sometimes lacks. Nelson Wood Shims are traditional, reliable, and incredibly inexpensive.

Wood excels in applications where the appliance needs to be “bitten” into place. Unlike slick plastic, the fibrous surface of these shims provides a bit of grip against both the appliance frame and the flooring.

Keep in mind that these are best for permanent, set-and-forget installations. Because they can splinter or compress over long periods of heavy vibration, they may need periodic inspection to ensure they haven’t shifted.

SoftShims: Best for Protecting Your Hardwood

If the laundry room or kitchen features sensitive hardwood or laminate flooring, metal or hard plastic shims can cause unsightly scratches. SoftShims provide a cushioned barrier that distributes weight without marring the surface.

These are particularly useful in rental apartments where protecting the integrity of the flooring is a primary concern. The material is pliable enough to conform slightly to the floor, preventing the “skating” effect common with harder materials.

While they are excellent for protection, they are less suited for extreme height adjustments. They are best reserved for light-to-medium appliances where leveling is a matter of millimeters rather than inches.

Wiz-Wedge Shims: Best for Secure, Stackable Support

Wiz-Wedge Shims feature an interlocking design that prevents them from sliding apart when stacked. This is a critical feature for leveling appliances in areas with significant floor slope, such as older mudrooms or basement utility spaces.

Their unique grooved surface acts as a locking mechanism, providing confidence that the stack will remain stable under the vibration of a spin cycle. This eliminates the common frustration of shims “walking” out from under the appliance over time.

For households with multiple appliances that require different degrees of leveling, buying a pack of these offers the most flexibility. They are an investment in peace of mind, ensuring that once the job is done, it doesn’t need to be repeated.

Composite Shims: Ideal for Damp Laundry Rooms

Dampness is the enemy of wood shims, which can rot or warp when exposed to the high humidity often found in basements or utility rooms. Composite shims offer the strength of wood with the moisture resistance of plastic.

These are the most durable option for long-term use in challenging environments. They won’t absorb water, ensuring that the height of the appliance remains consistent regardless of the season or humidity levels in the home.

While slightly more expensive than traditional wood, the longevity they provide makes them a smart purchase. For a homeowner looking for a permanent solution, these are the most reliable option on the market.

EZ-Shim Plastic Shims: For a Snug, No-Slip Fit

EZ-Shim Plastic Shims are designed with a serrated texture that provides superior traction. This prevents the shim from slipping out from under the heavy metal feet of a dishwasher or dryer during operation.

These shims are often thinner than other options, making them perfect for micro-adjustments. When the appliance is almost level but just needs a tiny nudge to stop that final, annoying rock, these provide the necessary precision.

Because they are made from high-density plastic, they are incredibly easy to trim with a utility knife. This allows for a clean, custom fit that disappears underneath the profile of the appliance.

Hercules Wedges: A Simple Fix for a Minor Wobble

Sometimes the solution doesn’t need to be over-engineered. Hercules Wedges are straightforward, heavy-duty shims designed to handle the weight of larger home appliances without cracking or collapsing.

They are ideal for the homeowner who wants a “grab-and-go” solution kept in the utility drawer for occasional maintenance. If a guest room radiator or a kitchen cabinet needs a quick stabilization, these are the tools for the task.

They are an excellent entry-level choice for those who don’t want to overthink the purchase. Simple, effective, and capable of supporting significant weight, they fill the gap between cheap DIY solutions and professional-grade hardware.

How to Properly Level Your Washer or Dryer

Start by placing a bubble level on top of the appliance, first checking it from side-to-side and then front-to-back. Identifying exactly which corner is low is the most important step before reaching for any shims.

Once the low point is identified, carefully lift the corner of the appliance just enough to slide the shim underneath. It is helpful to have a second person assist with the lifting to avoid injury, especially with heavy washing machines.

After inserting the shim, re-check the level to ensure the adjustment is accurate. If the appliance still wobbles, adjust the shim inward or outward until it is seated firmly against the frame and the floor.

Wood vs. Plastic Shims: What’s Best for You?

• Choose Wood if the floor is uneven and the appliance needs a firm, natural grip that won’t slide on concrete or rough subfloors.
• Choose Plastic/Composite if the home has high humidity, tile floors, or if you prefer a material that won’t rot or compress over time.
• Consider Hardwood Flooring and opt for softer materials or protective rubberized shims to ensure the floor remains pristine.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to the environment. Wood is a cost-effective, traditional material that works well in dry, stable conditions, while plastic and composites offer the modern advantage of moisture resistance and precision.

A Quick Guide to Cutting Shims for a Clean Look

After the appliance is perfectly level, the excess part of the shim will likely protrude and create an unsightly look. To remove the excess, use a sharp utility knife to score the plastic or wood along the edge of the appliance base.

For plastic shims, you can often “score and snap” by bending the excess material back and forth until it breaks cleanly along the line. For wood shims, a small hand saw or a strong pair of heavy-duty snips will create a flush, professional finish.

Always aim for a slightly recessed cut so the shim remains hidden from view. A clean, flush cut ensures the appliance looks like it was installed professionally, keeping the kitchen or laundry area looking tidy.

By selecting the appropriate shim material and installing it with care, you can silence noisy appliances and protect your flooring from unnecessary wear. Choosing a reliable, durable shim is a small task that pays dividends in the long-term health of your home appliances.