Tips for Preparing and Leveling Basement Floors for Remodeling Projects

Leveling a basement floor is an important task prior to installing flooring, or carrying out any other construction work in the basement. It is relatively easy to undertake this project, with a few helpful tips to ensure success.

Carefully prepare the basement before beginning to level the basement floor. Move all furniture and other items to another area of the home, and remove any floorboards and baseboards in place. Clean the floor of any debris, and fill any cracks or holes in the concrete with caulk, smoothing off any excess with a damp rag.

When leveling a basement floor, it is best to use self-leveling compound. This compound can usually be purchased in powder form and must be mixed with water before it is poured. Mix the compound in a wheelbarrow, with a stirring stick, ensuring that it is not too runny. Start at the furthest corner of the basement and pour the compound into a strip approximately a foot wide, along the length of the room. Use a rake to spread out the compound evenly over the floor, and a trowel for small or awkward corners. Expansion tape should also be applied to the lower edges of the wall where it meets the floor to allow for the compound to expand.

When pouring the compound, ensure that it is spread as even as possible as this will allow gravity to take over and level the floor. Leave the compound to dry for at least three days before installing any floorboards or baseboards over the top.

Overall, leveling a basement floor is an achievable task for many DIYers, given the right preparation and tools. With the above advice, it should not be too difficult for most people to complete the task following a few tips. Additionally, it is important to remember to use self-leveling compound and ensure that it is left to dry for a minimum of three days so that it is completely secure before any further construction can take place.