Leveling concrete and wood floors is a vital step before laying any new flooring. Proper leveling eliminates imperfections, ensuring your new flooring is solid, doesn't bounce, and there are no uneven gaps under baseboards. Whether you’re installing PVC, laminate, carpet, or tiles, a smooth and even surface is key to achieving the best results.
Interested in how to properly level both concrete and wooden floors? In this guide, we’ll explore different methods and materials, from preparation to execution, so you can confidently prepare your floor for a flawless finish.
What is Floor Leveling?
Leveling is the process of creating a smooth, even surface on your floor, which is essential before installing new flooring such as PVC, laminate, parquet, or carpet. The benefits of leveling include:
- Prevents imperfections: Eliminates bumps and dips.
- Provides an even surface: Ensures a stable base for the flooring.
- Increases durability: Extends the lifespan of your flooring.
For concrete floors, materials like egaline or leveling mortar are used to fill in imperfections, with mortar being ideal for deeper holes. Wooden floors often require special plates for leveling rather than liquid agents, which provides a flat surface without significantly raising the floor height.
Subfloor Preparation
Proper preparation of the subfloor is critical. This includes:
Cleaning the Subfloor
Thoroughly clean the floor, ensuring it's free of dust, dirt, and grease. Use a vacuum and degreaser if necessary, and dry the floor completely.
Repairing Cracks and Removing Nails
Fix any cracks or protruding nails. Use wood filler for wooden floors and concrete filler for concrete floors. Multiple layers may be needed for deeper cracks, with adequate drying time between applications.
Leveling a floor, whether it's concrete or wood, requires careful preparation and the right materials to ensure a smooth, durable surface for your new flooring.
Leveling concrete floors
When leveling a concrete floor, following the correct steps ensures a smooth, durable result.
The Role of Primer in Leveling
Primer is crucial as it prepares the surface and helps the leveling compound adhere properly, preventing issues like cracks from rapid drying. Apply primer to a clean, dust-free floor, and allow it to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
General Approach
Mix the leveling compound according to instructions, pour it, and use a trowel to spread it evenly. Work swiftly for a smooth finish, allowing it to harden properly.
Layer Thickness and Materials
The required thickness depends on the floor's imperfections. Thicker layers may need materials like liquid cement, while thinner layers are better with leveling compounds. Consider the floor’s expected load.
Optimal Drying Time for Leveling
Drying times vary based on layer thickness and materials, generally requiring 24 hours per few millimeters. Ensuring full curing is essential to avoid issues like cracking or sagging, so maintain good ventilation and avoid extreme temperatures during drying.
Leveling Wooden Floors
Specific Challenges with Wood Floors
Wooden floors can be tricky due to their sensitivity to humidity and temperature changes, leading to expansion, contraction, and resulting unevenness. Before leveling, it's crucial to check for loose planks and nails and secure them properly.
The Use of Fermacell and Underlayment
Fermacell panels are very suitable for leveling a wooden floor. They are stable, durable and provide a good basis for further finishing. Fermacell is also resistant to moisture, which is important for wooden floors.
Alternatively, underlayment creates a flat surface by placing and securing plates on the wooden floor, which can then be sanded smooth. Additionally, underlayment can help reduce noise, a benefit in busy homes or apartments.
Average Costs
Leveling floors can vary in price depending on the type of floor andthe height that needs to be levelled.
Concrete floors:
- The price for leveling a concrete floor is between €25 and €40 per square meter.
- These costs include VAT, materials and working hours.
Wooden Floors:
- You usually pay more for a wooden floor. The costs vary between €65 and €95 per square meter.
- This is due to the extra care and materials required for a wooden floor.
For a 50 m² floor, the costs for a concrete floor can vary between €1200 and €2000. For the same surface area with a wooden floor, the costs can vary between €3,250 and €4,750. The actual costs may differ depending on the specific circumstances of your project.
For an accurate price proposal, it is always advisable to request multiple quotes and compare them carefully.
