Self-leveling compound, for example, is an easy way to level and flatten out a vinyl floor before laying laminate planks over the top. Keep in mind, though, that installing new flooring over the old means that you are increasing the overall height of the floor.
A faster solution that works for all types of flooring on both wood and concrete subfloors is to use a self-leveling underlayment. Available as either pre-mixed or a dry mix, it's a cement-based material meant to be mixed (if required), poured, then troweled into low spots.
There are self-leveling coatings designed to fill gaps and cracks. You could also try using vinyl floor tiles to make the transition more gradual. Probably the easiest (and cheapest) thing to do would be to get a big diamond grinding wheel and bevel down the lip.
Best Self-Leveling Concrete for a Flat Surface—HENRY 565 FloorPro. The HENRY FloorPro is a great floor leveler that can get a flat and smooth surface. This is due to how easy it is to use this self-leveling compound.
Sand Mix, Portland Cement & Gypsum-Based Compound are practical alternatives to the self-leveling compound. These options are cost-effective materials that are ideal for smoothening up your floor. At the same time, you can also try Drywall Compound and Foam.
Average Cost to Level the Floor in a House
On average, you are looking at about $3 – $5 per square foot.
Many people choose to level their floors themselves using a self-levelling compound (also known as a self-levelling screed), a product that can be picked up from most DIY warehouses or builders' merchants. They can be used over concrete, timber, plywood, ceramic floors and more.
Also, any vertical surface won't be a candidate for self-leveling concrete. The reason for this is because polymer-mixed, self-leveling concrete is much more of a slurry-like substance, and it doesn't cure that well on any surface that isn't horizontal and flat.
Coverage: One 50 Lb. bag will cover approximately 40 Sq. Ft. at 1/8 In.
No subfloor is perfectly level, but any signs of unevenness and high or low spots must be remedied. Please follow these requirements: Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span. Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m)
A good rule of thumb to estimate is that a self leveling concrete floor will cost around $600-850 per 100 square feet.
Mix the self-levelling compound
In a bucket, mix the bag of concrete leveller with water according to the instructions on the packet. The thickness of the floor levelling product will vary from brand to brand. Mix it thoroughly with a drill mounted mixing paddle until the consistency is even.
The easiest way is to use a self-leveling compound, also called liquid floor underlayment or floor resurfacer, within sections of level-cut rails. The material flows out like thick syrup, then hardens into a smooth, perfectly level surface, sometimes in less than an hour.
Cracking and Crumbling
If the self-leveling compound is poured onto a concrete surface that has not been properly prepared, it will not be able to fully bond to it, and will instead cure as a layer separate from the slab, which will be prone to chipping away from the surface or crumbling.
QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer (No. 1249-51) can be installed from 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) thick to a feather edge, although a ¼ inch (6.3 mm) minimum thickness is required for heavy traffic areas.
Self-leveling concrete is quick and easy to install and is therefore quite DIY-friendly. Use self-leveling concrete to repair slightly uneven floors in your home. Use a spirit level to accurately measure the degree of unevenness, then pour the compound and spread it out.
In some cases, a slight slope may be normal and not cause for concern. However, if the slope is severe or getting worse over time, it could be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate attention. One potential risk of sloping floors is damage to the structural integrity of the home.
The floor needs to be primed before adding the floor leveler and you'll want the primer to soak into the floor, not the dirt and dust sitting on top of it.
The Solution
If the cause of your uneven floors is structural, you'll need to have a professional assess the problem and make any necessary repairs. This may involve adding additional support to load-bearing walls or beams, as well as replacing damaged or weakened floor joists.
QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Underlayment and QUIKRETE® Self- Leveling Floor Resurfacer are used for repairing and leveling pitted and rough concrete or wood floors prior to installing carpeting, resilient flooring, or tile.
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.
LevelLite® is 40% lighter than other self-leveling underlayments, making it easy to handle, pour, and carry. It helps level floors prior to the installation of ceramic tile, natural stone, resilient flooring, carpet, wood, and other floor coverings.
Sagging or bouncy floors problems are often caused by a weak floor joist that has sagged under the load of people walking on the floor above. If the issue is caused by just one or two joists, you can probably handle it yourself by attaching a “sister joist” to the original ones.