What is the best floor leveler to use?

Floor leveling compound is a versatile product with numerous applications for leveling and finishing concrete floors. While there are two types of products commonly referred to as floor leveling compounds, they differ slightly:

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• Floor-leveling compound requires finishing with tools.
• Self-leveling floor compound is a type that does not require tooling.

Below, you will find a discussion of the types of floor leveling compounds suitable for use in kitchens or main living areas.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand these materials, how to use them effectively, and what the best floor leveling compound is to purchase from local home improvement stores.

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Hardwood Floor Installation

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

Carpet Installation

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

Laminate Floor Installation

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

Floor Leveling Compound and Its Uses

This material combines strength with the level of liquidity necessary for minimal or no tooling during application.

While each type of floor leveling compound available has a unique mix, they typically contain two common ingredients: Portland cement and polymers/plasticizers. This combination provides the compressed strength similar to traditional concrete while maintaining stability when poured in a thin layer. These compounds are used in various situations:

• Creating a consistent, level subfloor for wood, tile, vinyl, and other flooring materials.
• Lifting low areas of a concrete floor to match the level of surrounding flooring.
• Covering tubing for in-floor radiant heating systems.
• Forming a smooth, level topping over existing concrete or plywood.

Preparing, Pouring, and Finishing

Each bag of leveling concrete you purchase will include clear instructions. Here’s a list of tools and supplies you may need:

• A shop vacuum and mop.
• A 15-gallon mixing barrel is ideal for DIY applications, but a 5-gallon pail can suffice if you're willing to mix more frequently.
• A measuring pitcher for adding the mix to your barrel before adding water.
• A mixing paddle with a shaft of at least 20 inches and an oval mixing head.
• A standard drill for small batches and a mixing drill for batches of 10 gallons or more.
• A spreader or squeegee for smoothing out the compound.
• A finishing trowel for creating a refined surface.
• Spiked shoes for walking on the freshly poured leveling compound during finishing.
• Concrete surface primer to ensure good adhesion between the existing floor and leveling material, applied with a brush, roller, or broom.

You can find floor leveling kits at most home improvement stores or online. One popular option is the 7-piece Kraft Tool self-leveling tool kit with a 15-gallon barrel, available at Home Depot for approximately $149 (drill not included).

The quantity of floor leveling compound required largely depends on the size and depth of the areas you're filling. For leveling approximately 100 square feet, consider the following rough estimates:

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

While this guide features TEC brands, other leveling compounds are similar in terms of coverage.

It’s advisable to buy more bags than the calculated amount to ensure you can finish while the compound remains wet. Many DIY installers are often surprised at how thin the mixed compound appears, which is normal. However, the material thickens and cures to be quite durable.

Many good video tutorials are available online for pouring, spreading, and finishing floor leveling compounds.

Always read and follow the directions meticulously. Most instructions include these basic steps:

1. Sweep and mop the area to remove dirt and debris.
2. Tape craft paper or plastic to any adjoining walls.
3. Seal seams in the plywood or OSB subfloor.
4. Create a barrier around vents and drains to keep liquid out.
5. Add barriers at doorways when pouring throughout a room.
6. Prepare dry mix bags for fast pouring into your mixing barrel.
7. Add the recommended water for your batch.
8. Use a drill and paddle to blend thoroughly.
9. In small areas, pour the compound in 12-24 inch strips, starting from the furthest point; in large areas, pour an entire barrel into the low area.
10. Use the spreader or squeegee to position and smooth the compound.
11. Finish with a concrete finishing tool.
12. Avoid walking on the new surface for the time recommended on the packaging (usually at least six hours).
13. Clean all tools immediately to prevent hardening of the compound.
14. Use a level to check the surface; mark low areas and apply more material as needed.

If you’re using self-leveling compound, your primary concern should be to avoid pouring excess compound. Any surplus can be easily scooped up and stored away.

Types of Compound: Pros & Cons

We are discussing two products, one of which is a subset of the other:

Floor leveling compounds are any mixtures used to fill low areas and imperfections or to provide a topcoat for existing flooring. Unless labeled as self-leveling, these compounds require tool application.

• Pro: Provides a smoother finish suitable for acid-staining or stamping and can be used as underlayment.
• Con: Requires more skill and tools, making it less appealing for DIY projects.

Self-leveling floor compounds are easier to use, as they typically require no tooling for application and minimal tooling for finishing.

• Pros: User-friendly as DIY underlayments and better for covering radiant heating.
• Cons: The results may not be as smooth and precise without using tools.

Best Floor Leveling Products

Here are some of the leading floor leveling products, their prices, and where to find them:

• LevelQuik RS Self-Leveling Underlayment: a water-based product for use under various floor types, costing approximately $32 per 50 lbs at retailers like Home Depot, ACE Hardware, and Amazon.
• MAPEI Self-Leveler Plus: a water-based product ready for tile in 24 hours and wood in 48 hours, priced about $30 per 50 lbs at Lowes and local independent stores.
• TEC Gray and Silver Indoor Leveler: not self-leveling; can be poured up to 1.5 inches thick, available for around $37 per 50 lbs at Lowes.
• Henry 555 Level Pro: a water-based self-leveling underlayment compatible with wood, tile, and concrete, costing about $37 per 40 lbs at Home Depot.
• Akona Self-Leveling Floor Underlayment Cement: a water-based mix for plywood and concrete, no primer required, available for about $35 per 50 lbs at Menards.
• Rutland Floor Level: a premixed floor-leveling compound, costing around $11 for 3.5 lbs on Amazon and about $57 for a 25 lb tub at Walmart.

Floor Leveling Products: Suggestions?

I have never used it, so I am not sure how it tapers out. For that thickness, I typically shimmed with scribe-cut 2x4s before relaying floor sheathing, but this raises the floor at least 3/4 inch around the perimeter. It's considerable work, but I appreciate your instructional videos, Kenton.

This product will set to a feather edge and is rock-solid. Ensure your underlayment is secure, as adding fasteners later will be difficult.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for mhec powder uses. Our experienced sales team can assist you in identifying the best options for your needs.