Flooring
Floor Leveling
Floor leveling addresses uneven subfloors using self-leveling compounds or mechanical methods to create flat surfaces suitable for finished flooring. Modern self-leveling products flow naturally to find level, dramatically simplifying what was once labor-intensive work.
Uneven floors cause problems from aesthetic (visible waves in flooring) to functional (rocking furniture, uneven tile) to material (premature wear, broken tiles). Proper leveling before flooring installation prevents these issues and extends flooring life.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Creates flat surface
- ✓Self-leveling compounds
- ✓Mechanical leveling options
- ✓Essential for tile/vinyl
- ✓Various thickness capabilities
- ✓Prepares problematic subfloors
Types & Variations
Self-leveling underlayment (thin)
Self-leveling topping (thicker)
Feather-edge (very thin)
Skim coat (smoothing)
Mechanical grinding (high spots)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Calculate square footage and depth needed to order correct quantity. Seal porous concrete before pouring self-leveler. Work quickly as compounds set rapidly.
💡 Pro Tip
Self-leveling compounds are self-leveling, not self-spreading—use a gauge rake to distribute material to appropriate thickness before it flows level. Under-mixing or over-mixing affects performance.