What is the best self leveling floor leveler?

Floor leveling products: suggestions?

Given the challenge of dealing with 1.25" to 2" uneven floors, the most effective solution often comes down to using a reliable floor leveler. I have dealt with similar issues using various methods including scribe cutting 2x4s and relaying floor sheathing, which typically raises the floor around the perimeter by at least 3/4". This method involves a considerable amount of labor. On that note, Kenton, your instructional videos have been incredibly insightful.

Be sure to check out products from the world’s best Self-Leveling Compound Manufacturer. They serve as an excellent one-stop shop for all related needs, supported by highly specialized staff ready to help you find the right product.

Usually, a high-quality floor leveler will set to a feather edge and become hard as rock. Ensure that your underlayment is thoroughly secured, as adding fasteners afterward can be a challenging task.

Floor Leveling Compounds

Floor leveling compounds are versatile products that can be used to level and finish concrete floors. There are notably two main types:

• Floor-leveling compound requires tooling for a finish.
• Self-leveling floor compound requires no tooling.

More details about these types of compounds are discussed in the section about Types of Floor Leveling Compound below. This guide will walk you through what these materials are, how to use them, and the best floor-leveling compounds available in your local home improvement stores.

Flooring Project Planning

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• Choose your type of flooring project
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Types of Flooring Costs

Here are some general cost ranges for different flooring installations:

• Hardwood Floor Installation: The average total cost ranges from $9 to $20 per square foot.
• Carpet Installation: The average total cost ranges from $5.67 to over $21 per square foot, depending on the quality.
• Laminate Floor Installation: The average total cost is between $3 and $13 per square foot.

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Floor leveling compound and its uses

The floor leveling compound combines exceptional strength with enough liquidity to be finished with minimal or no tooling. While different products have unique mixes, two key ingredients are Portland cement and polymers/plasticizers. This combination offers the compressive strength of thicker traditional concrete, useful in multiple situations:

• Creating a consistent, level subfloor for wood, tile, vinyl, and other floorings.
• Raising low areas of a concrete floor to match surrounding flooring levels.
• Covering tubing for in-floor radiant heat systems.
• Forming a smooth, level topping over poor condition existing concrete or plywood.

Preparing, pouring, and finishing

Any good quality leveling concrete you purchase will include clear instructions. Prepare with the following tools and supplies:

• Shop vacuum and mop
• 15-gallon mixing barrel or 5-gallon pail for smaller batches
• Measuring pitcher for mix
• Mixing paddle with a shaft of 20” or more
• Standard drill or mixing drill for larger batches
• Spreader or squeegee for smoothing the compound
• Finishing trowel
• Spiked shoes for walking on poured compound during final troweling
• Concrete surface primer and applicator (brush, roller, or broom)

You can find floor leveling kits in most home improvement stores or online. For instance, the 7-piece Kraft Tool self-leveling tool kit with a 15-gallon barrel is available at Home Depot for $149, excluding the drill.

The amount of compound needed varies based on the size and depth of the dips you’re filling. Here’s a general guide for leveling 100 square feet to different depths:

• 1/8" – 100 to 120 lbs of mix
• 1/4" – 200 to 240 lbs of mix
• 1/2" – 400 to 480 lbs of mix
• 1" – 800 to 960 lbs of mix

Always buy more mix than you think you need to ensure you don’t run out while the compound is still wet. Initially, the mix may seem thin, but it will thicken and cure to a durable finish.

Many good video tutorials online demonstrate how to pour, spread, and finish floor leveling compound. Follow the included directions carefully, typically including these steps:

1. Clean the area to remove dirt and debris.
2. Protect walls adjoining the floor you’re leveling.
3. Seal seams in plywood or OSB subfloor to prevent leakage.
4. Use cardboard collars around vents and drains to keep the liquid out.
5. Install dams at doorways if leveling an entire room.
6. Prep dry mix bags by cutting an opening for fast pouring.
7. Add the prescribed amount of water to your batch.
8. Mix the compound thoroughly using the drill and paddle.
9. Pour the compound into lateral strips for small areas, or the low area for large spaces.
10. Use a spreader or squeegee to smooth the compound into place.
11. Finish the surface with a trowel.
12. Allow the surface to cure as indicated on the packaging, typically for at least 6 hours.
13. Clean your tools immediately after use.
14. Use a level to check the surface and add more compound as necessary.

If you are using a self-leveling compound, be mindful not to pour out more compound than needed. Excess can be scooped up and reused.

Types of compound and pros & cons

Floor-leveling compound can be either conventional or self-leveling. Consider these aspects:

• Pros: Superior for smooth, acid-stained or stamped finish layers, and can also serve as underlayment.
• Cons: Requires more skill and tools, making it less appealing for DIY projects.

Self-leveling compounds offer easier application, commonly used as underlayment, and may require minimal tooling:

• Pros: Easy for DIY application, especially good for covering radiant heat tubing.
• Cons: The surface may not be as smooth and crisp without additional tooling.

Best floor leveling products, cost, and where they’re sold

Here are some popular floor leveling products, their costs, and where to find them:

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• LevelQuik RS Self-Leveling Underlayment: $32 per 50lb bag. Available at Home Depot, ACE Hardware, and Amazon.
• MAPEI Self-Leveler Plus: $30 per 50lb bag. Available at Lowes and some local flooring stores. Ready for tile in 24 hours and wood in 48 hours.
• TEC Gray and Silver Indoor Leveler: $37 per 50lb bag. Available at Lowes. Not self-leveling, but can be used as finished flooring and covered in 16 hours.
• Henry 555 Level Pro: $37 per 40lb bag. Available at Home Depot. Usable over wood, tile, and concrete.
• Akona Self-Leveling Floor Underlayment Cement: $35 per 50lb bag. Available at Menards. No primer required, usable over plywood and concrete.
• Rutland Floor Level: $11 for 3.5lbs at Amazon, $57 for a 25lb tub at Wal-Mart.