Uneven concrete flooring (for laminated and vinyl)

ToAoB

Hi

I have a dining room which is combined with kitchen in my leasehold flat.

Having removed all the carpets etc, and inspected the concrete flooring. The flooring is uneven in many places abt 1 - 1.5cm difference. I have read here about self levelling compound but they are designed for a abt 3 mm depth at a time aren't they?

I also have noticed that along middle of the room there is a raised 'bump' all the way so this may contribute to the big difference? Should I try to use some kind of machine to 'level' out this bump? How easy is it to do this?

I want to laminate the dining room and the kitchen possibly with vinyl (in case of any leak/flooding!)

Would I be better off getting a professional to level out the floor? What would the costs be? I am in the Thurrock area and if you can recommend anyone, do let me know thanks.

ToAoB

hi - does anyone have any information/advice relating to my query before this disappear down the list

littlereddevil

we got our kitchen floor screeded ( levelled with cement)
Think it cost about £300 .
We were putting ceramic tiles on top

dadrock

Get a bag of levelling compound from B&Q. Mix it up in a bucket with water so it is like a runny slurry. Pour it on your concrete floor. Push it with a float if necessary (it might not be).

I had to do it for the same reason - if I can do it then anyone can!

mellyp

Is your 1-1.5 measurement inches?

If so, that is way too deep for self-levelling compound.

Would definitely suggest screeding (as above poster advised).

If you want to have a go yourself:
Use a 4/1 sand/cement mix, semi-dry, and level the whole floor from the highest point, making sure that the highest point is at least 1-1.5 inch thick.

ToAoB

even though there is a big difference of 1 to 1.5cm ?
I already have the bag of levelling compound but think the 'uneven' is rather excessive?

My initial thoughts were to get a grinding machine to grind out the 'bump' which runs across the room? Hmm

I'm fairly ok with DIYing so if this is the best solution (using 1cm levelling compound) then so be it!

tru

Just asked mr troo, he says you can hire a grinder to flatten the bump but it's a horrible job to do.

It's best to use self-levelling compound at 3mm a time, but you can do 5mm if you want.

For the laminate flooring the floor needs to be dead flat, you don't need to be so fussy for vinyl.

If you wanna save cash (and time) you can buy vinyl with a laminate-effect pattern, apparently there's some good ones around now.

Err....he said something else as well but I've forgotten what it is and he's gone out now :rolleyes:

mellyp

sorry thought you were talking in inches :doh:

1-1.5cm should be okay to do with self-levelling compound, as mr troo says start with 3mm and build up

ToAoB

thanks all for the replies, I think I might give it a go!