The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Self-Leveling Compound Manufacturer

What is a Self-Levelling Compound?

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A levelling compound is a self-levelling liquid used to level out uneven subfloors. It is a fast-drying and easy-to-use product that can be applied over various interior subfloor types, including concrete, tiles, timber and particleboard/plywood. Self-levelling compound is typically used to prepare subfloors for floating floor installation, such as laminate, hybrid, engineered timber, and bamboo flooring or other floor coverings as they require a very flat and even subfloor.

Benefits of levelling compound:

1. Simple & Effective: Easy to use as it lets gravity do the work by pulling the compound into a flat and smooth surface.
2. Rapid Hardening: Most levelling compounds hard set in only 6 &#; 12 hours. This means you can walk and let other trades work whilst it cures, saving you time!
3. Flexible Application: Levelling compound is very versatile and can be used over almost every type of subfloor whether concrete or timber.

How To Determine Whether My Subfloor Needs Levelling

Hard flooring is great, however, their worst enemy is an uneven subfloor. Unlevel subfloors can cause a myriad of problems including bouncing underfoot, creaking noises, and in severe cases &#; damage to the floorboards themselves! Subfloor unevenness can be caused by several factors, such as poor construction, settling, or moisture damage. Luckily, modern technology brings self-levelling concrete into the picture. These are designed to level out the subfloor by coating the surface which will set into a new flat and even subfloor.

A subfloor is considered uneven if it has any variations in height greater than 2 &#; 4 mm over a distance of 2m which isn&#;t a lot if you think about it. Using a spirit level, you can check whether your subfloor is suitable. We recommend a two-metre-long spirit level as it replicates your typical floorboard length. Check the height of subfloor bumps and dips with a ruler as you slide the spirit level across the subfloor. Be sure to rotate and check from different angles.

How Much Unevenness Can My Floating Floor Tolerate?

As a general rule of thumb, most floating floors like laminate boards, engineered timber flooring and bamboo flooring can tolerate around 4mm variance over 2 metres before you begin feeling bouncing underfoot.

Hybrid flooring on the other hand can only tolerate around 2mm variance over 2 metres before the unlevel sections become noticeable.

Note that tiles with large grout lines will require a skim coat of floor levelling compound even if they are flat and even. This is because the click-lock joins can give and break if they are directly above grout lines, especially wider ones.

Can Levelling Compound Be Used On Surfaces Other Than Concrete Slabs?

Yes, they can be used on almost every surface. The application method varies, depending on whether the subfloor is a concrete slab or wooden base. Properly sealed concrete slabs only require a primer before a self-leveller can be poured over, whereas a wood substrate needs waterproofing and sealing as well.

Self-levelling compound cannot be applied over existing floating floors. We highly recommend removing and disposing of any existing floor coverings in advance.

The following subfloors don&#;t always require waterproofing (may require sealing):

• Concrete Slab
• Ceramic, Porcelain and Travertine Tiles
• Aerated Concrete e.g Hebel Flooring

These wood-based subfloors ALWAYS require waterproofing and sealing. This is a non-exhaustive list:

• Solid Timber Flooring
• Wooden Sheets i.e Plywood, Masonite, Particleboard
• Yellow/Blue/Red Tongue Flooring
• Cork Flooring (May be more suitable to remove if there is concrete beneath)

Exceptions which may not be suitable for levelling:

• Magnesite Subfloor &#; This may contain asbestos, hence FloorVenue recommends contacting a professional magnesite removalist company. Especially if it has cracks and bounces underfoot.

How To Use Self-Levelling Compound On Uneven Concrete Slab

Note: Self-levelling compound is not the only way to level a subfloor. If you wish to discover more methods, check out our comprehensive guide on how to deal with an uneven subfloor.

Step 1: Clean & prepare the subfloor

The subfloor must be clean, dry, and free of dust and debris before applying a self-levelling compound. Any cracks or holes in the subfloor should be repaired or sealed using a suitable filler. Be sure to remove any nails or residue glue from previous flooring or carpets that may have been present.

Step 2: Prime the subfloor

Important Note: Wooden subfloors like chipboard, timber or yellow tongue require waterproofing and gap sealing during the priming process. Concrete subfloors only require a primer.

A primer is applied to the subfloor to help the self-levelling compound adhere properly. The primer should be allowed to dry completely before applying the self-levelling compound. Rookies often skip the priming process resulting in the levelling compound cracking after drying.

If you have a wooden subfloor, it is important to seal all gaps/holes with sealant or a membrane and apply a waterproof primer on top. This is because wood absorbs moisture which can cause warping or buckling problems down the line if not prepared properly.

Step 3: Mix the self-levelling compound

The self-levelling compound is mixed with water (or another suitable solvent) according to manufacturer instructions. It is important to mix the compound thoroughly until it has a very smooth consistency and is free of lumps. This can be done easily with an industrial mixer which looks like an oversized egg beater.

Step 4: Pour the self-levelling compound

The self-levelling compound is poured onto the subfloor from the farthest corner of the room and worked towards the door. This needs to be done carefully to have even distribution across the surface. The compound should be spread out evenly using a trowel or roller if necessary.

Note that most levelling compounds have a minimum thickness of 3mm to maintain structural integrity. Too thin, and it may crack once dried!

Step 5: De-gas the self-levelling compound

Once the self-levelling compound has been poured, it is important to de-gas it to remove any air bubbles. This can be done using a spiked roller or a de-gassing brush. This will otherwise result in air pockets, which means the new substrate won&#;t be stable once dry. A little bit of residue bubbles won&#;t cause harm, however excessive bubbles can be an issue.

Step 6: Allow the self-levelling compound to dry

The self-levelling compound should dry completely before installing the floating floor. There should be no more than 5.5% moisture content reading before installation. You can easily check the moisture reading by purchasing a moisture meter, calibrating for concrete/brick surfaces. The drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the compound and the ambient temperature. The more airflow and open windows (unless it rains), the quicker the levelling compound will dry.

Are you in a rush to get the job done?

Installing waterproof floors like hybrid flooring over uncured levelling compounds can result in mould growth in the underlayment. Laying waterproof hybrid flooring with a plastic moisture barrier will minimise this risk, but won&#;t be as effective as giving proper drying and curing time. Whilst some companies may be willing to install before the levelling compound is dry, they usually won&#;t offer a warranty for any moisture-related issues that may occur down the line.

How Much Does Self-Levelling Compound & Subfloor Levelling Cost?

Most flooring companies in Sydney & NSW will sell residential-grade levelling compound anywhere from $35 &#; $50 per 20kg bag. You can cover around 2 square metres per 20kg bag, varying based on the severity of unevenness and the nature of the job. This averages out to $20 &#; $25 per square metre for supply only.

The market rate for the full subfloor levelling service is $40 &#; $90 per square metre in Sydney & NSW as of . Subfloor professionals will charge based on the type of subfloor, how uneven it is, and the total size of the job. Wooden subfloor will cost more because they require surface sealing with waterproof primer in advance.

• Supply Self-Levelling Compound: $20 &#; $25 per square metre.
• Concrete Subfloor Levelling (Material & Labour): $40 &#; $60 per square metre.
• Timber / Particleboard Subfloor Levelling (Material & Labour): $70 &#; $90 per square metre.
• FloorVenue can always beat the market rate. Reach out for a free quote!

FloorVenue stocks floor levelling compounds specialised for both residential and commercial use. Whether you&#;re looking for supply only or a full levelling service, do reach out to us. We highly recommend speaking to one of our friendly flooring experts as every job site and subfloor is different. Choose FloorVenue for a solution tailored to your situation!

Disclaimer:

1. This article offers general advice for subfloor levelling and applying self-levelling compounds. FloorVenue holds no responsibility for any decisions or actions made by individuals or companies following our advice as every product and job site is different.
2. Different flooring / levelling compound manufacturer guidelines vary and have their own application processes which should take precedence over general advice.

Floor leveling compound is a versatile product that has many applications for leveling and finishing concrete floors. There are two types of products given this name, and while they are very similar and the names are often used interchangeably, there is a minor difference:

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• Floor-leveling compound must be finished using tools
• Self-leveling floor compound is a type of floor-leveling compound that requires no tooling

There&#;s more detail below in the discussion of the Types of Floor Leveling Compound that you may use in a kitchen or main living area.

In this comprehensive guide, you&#;ll discover what these materials are, how to use them and the best floor-leveling compound to buy from your local home improvement stores.

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Hardwood Floor Installation

The average total cost ranges from $9 to $20 per square foot.

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Carpet Installation

The average total cost for carpet ranges from $5.67 to over $21 per square foot, depending on the quality.

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Laminate Floor Installation

The average total cost for laminate flooring is between $3 to $13 per square foot.

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Floor leveling compound and its uses

This material combines strength for permanency with the level of liquidity necessary to be finished with minimal tooling or none at all.

While each floor-leveling compound Home Depot and other sellers offer has a unique mix, there are two ingredients they share, Portland cement and polymers/plasticizers. The combination gives concrete the compressive strength of thicker traditional concrete and the ability to hold together even when poured in a thin layer of material and used in the following situations:

• The most common use is too create a consistent, level subfloor for wood, tile, vinyl and other floorings
• Bring a low area of a concrete floor up to the level of the surrounding flooring
• Cover tubing for in-floor radiant heat systems
• Form a smooth, level topping over existing concrete or plywood that is in poor condition

Preparing, pouring and finishing

Any bag of leveling concrete you purchase will include clear instructions. To prepare you to gather or purchase what you&#;ll need, here is a list of tools and supplies:

• A shop vacuum and mop
• A 15-gallon mixing barrel is best for DIY floor-leveling compound application, but you can get by with a 5-gallon pail if you are willing to mix more loads
• Measuring pitcher to add mix to your barrel prior to adding water
• Mixing paddle with a shaft of 20&#; or more and an oval mixing head
• Standard drill to drive the paddle for small batches and a mixing drill for 10-gallon or larger batches
• Spreader or squeegee for pushing the floor-leveling compound into position and smoothing it
• Finishing trowel to create a smooth, finished surface
• Spiked shoes, which are strapped to shoes or boots, are used to walk onto already-poured leveling compound during the final troweling of the surface
• Concrete surface primer should be applied to concrete surfaces to ensure a good bond between the existing floor and the leveling material, and depending on the size of the area, a brush, roller or broom can be used (and cleaned immediately)

You can find a floor leveling kit at most home improvement stores or online. The 7-piece Kraft Tool self-leveling tool kit with 15-gallon barrel is just one popular kit. It is currently available at Home Depot for $149. It does not include the drill.

The amount of floor-leveling compound you will need depends on the size and depth of the dips you&#;ll be filling or the thickness of the topping you plan to install. This is a rough guide based on leveling 100 square feet to various depths:

• 1/8&#; &#; 100 to 120lbs of mix
• 1/4&#; &#; 200 to 240lbs of mix
• 1/2&#; &#; 400 to 480lbs of mix
• 1&#; &#; 800 to 960lbs of mix

This calculator features TEC brands only, but brands of leveling compound are very similar in their coverages.

Always buy more bags of mix than you need, so that you can finish the job while the compound is still wet. Most DIY installers are surprised at how thin the material seems to be when mixed in proper ratio to water. This is common. You&#;ll be equally surprised at how tough and durable it is as it thickens and cures.

There are many good video tutorials online for pouring, spreading and finishing floor-leveling compound.

Read the directions from start to finish and follow them carefully. Most include these basic steps for how to use floor-leveling compound that requires the use of tools:

1. Sweep and mop the area to remove dirt and debris
2. Tape craft paper or plastic to any wall adjoining the floor you&#;re leveling
3. Caulk or tape over seams in plywood or OSB subfloor
4. Install a cardboard collar around vents and drains to keep the liquid out of them
5. Add wood or rubber strip dams at doorways when pouring floor leveling concrete in an entire room
6. Prep dry mix bags for large jobs by cutting an opening for fast pouring into your mixing barrel
7. Add the prescribed amount of water for your batch
8. Use the drill and paddle to fully blend the material
9. In small areas, pour the compound in lateral, 12&#;-24&#; strips starting at the spot furthest from the end/exit point; In large areas, pouring an entire barrel into the low area
10. Use the spreader or squeegee to push the compound into place and give it an initial smoothing
11. Finishing the surface with a concrete finishing tool
12. Staying off the new surface for as long as recommended on the packaging, usually at least 6 hours
13. Clean all tools immediately after use to prevent the compound from hardening on them
14. Use a level in large areas to check if the surface is level, mark areas that are still low, and mix and apply enough additional material to make them level

If you&#;re using self leveling compound on your floor, then your biggest concern should be to not pour out more compound than is required to fill the space. If you do, excess can be scooped up with a flat shovel or dust pan and deposited in a pail.

Types of compound and pros & cons

As noted above, we&#;re discussing two products, one a subset of the other:

Floor-leveling compound is any mix used to fill low areas and imperfections or add as a topcoat to existing flooring. Unless the product is labeled as self-leveling, it will need to be worked with tools as outlined above. Consider these pros and cons of a leveling compound that must be finished with tools:

• Pro: It is superior to self leveling compound for use as a smooth, acid-stained or stamped finish layer, and can be used as underlayment too
• Con: Having to finish the concrete requires more skill and tools, so is less attractive as a DIY material

Self leveling floor compound is much easier to use because it does not require tooling when installed as underlayment and only minor tooling when it is the finished floor. This material is also commonly called self leveling concrete and self leveling underlayment.

• Pros: Ease of use as a DIY underlayment, and it is a better product for covering radiant heat tubing
• Cons: The surface won&#;t be as smooth and crisp as a finished concrete surface if not finished with tools

Best floor leveling products, cost and where they&#;re sold

Here are some of the best-selling floor leveling products, their cost and common places you can find them:

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• LevelQuik RS Self-Leveling Underlayment is another water-based product. It is used under tile, stone, hardwood, vinyl and carpet. The cost is about $32 per 50lb bag, and LevelQuik RS is sold at the Home Depot, ACE Hardware and online at Amazon.
• MAPEI Self-Leveler Plus is water-based self leveling floor compound used strictly as underlayment. It is ready for tile in 24 hours and wood in 48 hours. The cost is about $30 per 50lb bag, and this MAPEI product is sold at Lowes and some local, independent flooring stores.
• TEC Gray and Silver Indoor Leveler is not self leveling. It can be poured in thicknesses up to 1.5&#;, and can be covered in 16 hours. This water-based TEC product can be used as finished flooring, and it costs about $37 per 50lb bag at Lowes.
• Henry 555 Level Pro is a water-based self-leveling underlayment that can be used over wood, tile and concrete. The cost is about $37 per 40lb bag at the Home Depot.
• Akona Self-Leveling Floor Underlayment Cement is another water-based powder mix for use over plywood and concrete. It doesn&#;t require primer. This Akona floor-leveling compound is available at Mennards for about $35 per 50lb bag.
• Rutland Floor Level is a floor-leveling compound in a premixed tub. The cost is about $11 for 3.5lbs at Amazon and about $57 for a 25lb tub at Wal-Mart.