I am installing 240sq/ft of hardwood (Bruce #cm3733, 3/4" x 3 1/4" maple) in my living room. Subfloor is plywood, 34 year old ranch bungalow. It is level for the most part with the exception of a 4' x 6' area against a wall. The low spot at the wall is approx 3/8" tapering up to level in about 4' towards the center of the room. I have read several of the "leveling" posts on the forum, my question is, do the self leveling compounds set up too hard, like concrete, to put the staples through or do they stay plyable a bit? Is there another way to bring this area closer to level?

I would use roofing shingles, the cheap, 3- tab fiberglass ones and 30 lb asplalt felt to shim up those lows areas. Staple those down with a hammer tacker. I don't like patching compounds to nail into. I'm afraid they will bust up and make noise under the floors. You could use thin pieces of plywood as well.

Thanks Gary. I am going to go with a combination of thinner plywood, built up, and shingles. I don't need this to be perfect just closer to level than it is. It is against a wall and not a high traffic area. I'll be doing it this weekend, and will post my results.