A Top Guide on How to Level a Concrete Floor That Slopes

So you are wondering how to level a concrete floor that slopes. Luckily, this is the right place to discover a complete guide on the issue.

Whether you want to lay hardwood, tile, or other types of flooring, it is always significant to make sure that the foundation is level.

Ensuring that the base is even can allow you to have a sleek and smooth surface perfect for another material.

Before you get started, read the following guide for further reference on leveling a concrete floor that slopes.

Step-by-Step on How to Level a Concrete Floor That Slopes

In the past, many homeowners built their houses over sloping concrete floors. As a result, when they want to install laminate or hardwood on their flooring, some issues tend to come up.

This makes knowing how to level a concrete floor that slopes matter since you will be able to remove the uneven floor with the knowledge.

These steps will guide you to make the most of your project.

1. Plan the project

Before you begin, planning first is always crucial. Start with examining the situation and determine the circumstances of the concrete.

You will want to know how much budget this project may need and how long it will take as well. Then, is also important to determine how much concrete leveler is required.

It is possible to self-level cement, but this method will not be easy. Besides, fixing the structure too much can increase your bills.

Keep in mind that you can ruin the entire project effortlessly without any planning and measurement. Hence, take this first step seriously to avoid such trouble.

2. Clean the flooring appropriately

Start with removing furniture, appliances, and other objects. Make sure your floor clear before cleaning the concrete area with the right cleaner.

Apply a special cleaner on the concrete and use a brush to scrub it slowly. This way will remove oil excess and any dirt on your floor.

In this step of how to level a concrete floor that slopes, you will need to leave the cleaner sit on the concrete area for about an hour and a half.

Depending on the cleaning product, you may need to wait for more or less. Thus, check the package label beforehand.

This step is pretty crucial as well since the bonding agent must stick to a clean surface in the next procedures.

3. Dispose of any reside debris

There can be a time when knowing how to level a concrete floor that slopes being vain. One of the examples is if you skip this step once executing the project.

Your cleaner may not remove everything. In this view, you will need a metal scraper to scrape any remaining linoleum or tile.

Do not forget to scrap it slowly with light pressure. Then, sweep and remove it carefully. You may consider vacuuming the entire area as well to make sure that there are not any particles missed.

Get the best vacuum cleaner that is particularly designed for such a job if you wish for a perfect result. Otherwise, pick one that can deal with cement and heavy debris.

This kind of vacuum cleaner is often available for rent, so you do not need to buy one if not possible.

4. Get the uneven areas marked

The next step on how to level a concrete floor that slopes is to mark the uneven areas. To identify whether your floor is uneven, utilize a level bar.

Alternatively, you can use the marble method for measuring. Start with placing some marbles on the surface of the floor.

If the marbles are moving on one side of your floor, this means that the surface is not even. In case they roll to another area and stop there, that area typically dips.

Then, what should you do to execute this step on how to level a concrete floor that slopes if there are no marbles available?

You can always count on a leveling bar for measuring. Simply drag the floor and take a look under the tool’s flat edge against it as you move to find any signs of unevenness.

Once you discovered indications of high points on the surface of your floor, mark them and get ready for grinding.

5. Grind down the uneven spots

Grinding down the uneven high points can help to even out your concrete floor. You can use a special grinder made for this flooring material to get the job done.

How to level a concrete floor that slopes by using a concrete grinder? First of all, wearing gloves, goggles, and other protective equipment is a must.

After that, put the machined disc flatly against the uneven points that you have marked in the previous step.

Begin to grind from front to back until the area is consistently leveled with the rest of your flooring. If you have smoothed out all the spots, take your vacuum to clean the debris.

6. Fill in any hole or crack

If you find any large hole or crack while examining the floor, consider filling them first with concrete filler and sealer before proceeding to the next step.

This step on how to level a concrete floor that slopes will help to minimize any issue later when you prime the floor or pour the leveler.

You can simply stick the nozzle of your filler bottle into the hole and press it out until the crack is sealed. It is possible to use a trowel to squeeze the sealer too. Then, leave to dry.

7. Get the concrete bonding agent ready

Make sure to dilute the bonding agent first before applying. You can use clear water to do so or simply follow the instruction.

Since not all bonding agents are created equal, have a look at the instructions carefully in the package. After that, you can apply the solution to the concrete.

8. Apply the bonding agent

The next step on how to level a concrete floor that slopes is to spread a coat of the bonding adhesive over your working surface. Thus, make full use of a nap roller to do so.

Leave the adhesive to dry and wait until it is not wet anymore. However, its stickiness should be at the level of a self-stick paper note’s back.

This adhesive solution will help to create a bond between your old concrete floor and the upcoming self-leveling compound.

As a result, you can have a brand new, level floor surface in the end.

9. Get the self-leveling compound ready

Now, you come to another crucial step on how to level a concrete floor that slopes. After all the previous stages have been done, it is time to prepare the self-leveling compound.

Similar to the bonding agent, you have to read the package instruction before execution. Make sure to follow the recommended mix ratio of the water and the self-leveling product.

Mix the leveling compound with water by using a bucket. Do not forget to pour everything slowly and stir them carefully.

To make it easier, consider using a drill to mix the compound. You may stop mixing once the consistency is pretty thick but still easy to pour.

10. Apply the self-leveling compound

If you want to know how to level a concrete floor that slopes, keep in mind that this step is among the most significant ones.

Remember to cover visible drains if any. You can utilize a plastic pipe and place it over the drain to conceal the drain completely.

Once done, you can continue by pouring the self-leveling compound on the floor and use a squeegee to spread it out uniformly.

It is recommended to get a squeegee that comes with a long handle to tackle this step on how to level a concrete floor that slopes.

Next, even out the layer of the mixture by using a leveler bar and the squeegee. Ensure that it reaches all the corners and edges.

Work on this step as fast as possible since the leveling compound tends to dry quickly. It typically takes around 20 minutes of applying for the mixture to start hardening.

Apply only a quarter-inch layer of the self-leveling compound to level your floor. Then, leave it to dry for the length of time suggested in the package instruction.

11. Let the self-leveling compound dry

After knowing how to level a concrete floor that slopes, you probably want to install tile or other hard-surface floorings to finish.

In this view, you just need to make sure that the concrete is dry enough to walk on before installing the same.

If you want to install humid-sensitive flooring like carpet, wait for minimally 16 hours beforehand. Keep in mind that the temperature and humidity of your space will influence the drying time.

Things to Consider before Leveling a Concrete Floor

You already know the basic steps on how to level a concrete floor that slopes. However, consider some essential things before proceeding with the techniques above.

Without a doubt, floor leveling can be something that you do either exceptionally well or very badly.

If you get it wrong, redoing it all over again is a must. Fortunately, a self-leveling concrete floor typically offers the most trustworthy results than others.

To make sure that this is the best project to do for the sake of your floor, read the following information.

Labor needed for the project

In case you are not confident with your capacity on how to level a concrete floor that slopes, there is no need to force it.

Rather than laying out a self-leveling floor inaccurately, you will want to get an experienced person to do the job on your behalf.

Remember that leveling concrete includes a lot of things from determining whether it requires primer or membrane to mixing the compound precisely.

Whether requiring a bonding agent or a moisture barrier, it should be taken into account as well. Thus, if you cannot tackle all these steps perfectly, hiring someone is highly reasonable.

If you already know how to level a concrete floor and have some experience in it, this should not be an issue. However, if you cannot help but hire a professional, the cost will be around $470 per 100 s.q. feet.

Materials used for the project

When it comes to a self-leveling concrete floor, the common material used is a polymer-based compound.

This material offers a perfect solution as it can seek out slopes, gaps, and other areas that are not level. It typically hardens very fast, so you should spread it keenly.

In addition to the compound, certain additives are often required for the environment. This will usually affect the cost of your project.

At a basic level, the cost may run around $120 per 100 s.q. feet for buying the materials.

Other things to take into account

Depending on the environment, there can be other issues that arise when you are learning how to level a concrete floor that slopes.

For instance, if the slopes take place in a spot that is hard to work in, the rate of the material and the labor may increase.

Meanwhile, if the quality of your leveling is questionable because of a certain condition like the soil beneath it, different approaches may be needed to ensure its durability.

Considering all the above, the estimated cost for leveling a concrete floor runs from about $600 to $850 per s.q. feet.

The cost will depend on how large your area as well. You should expect the price to up accordingly if an additional finish and coat are involved.

17+ Ideas to Finish Your Leveled Concrete Floor

After knowing how to level a concrete floor that slopes, you will want to know the best way to finish your even flooring.

To get you inspired, this article also covers a few ideas to finish your leveled concrete floor. Without further ado, let us check them out!

1. Standard epoxy finish

For a highly trafficked spot like this living room, you will love to try a standard epoxy finish. It offers an attractive glossy look.

Besides, if you want your knowledge on how to level a concrete floor that slopes turning into something durable and chemical resistant, this option is perfect.

2. Acrylic sealer for kitchens

In this all-white indoor kitchen and dining room, the acrylic sealer makes a great complement with its uniformed color.

The lovely matte finish adds a calm color to the palette while providing a thin, shielding film for your concrete floor.

3. Acrylic sealer for living rooms

Not only for your kitchen, but an acrylic sealer also works well in a living area with a rich source of light like this.

However, you should be aware that acrylic sealer tends to wear more quickly than some other concrete finishing options.

4. Acrylic sealer for home offices

This white home office also enjoys a dash of textural beauty thanks to the concrete floor that is finished with an acrylic sealer.

5. Acrylic sealer for bedrooms

An acrylic sealer also works perfectly in this bedroom that features a ranch style. You can see how beautiful the concrete floor against the wooden wall.

6. Water-based stain

To go beyond the natural look of the concrete floor, you should take a water-based stain into account. It comes with many color options, including

7. Water-based stain

This is another idea on how to level a concrete floor that slopes and finishes it with a water-based stain. It is safe to apply and provides you with a somewhat consistent color.

8. Blue Stain

Looking for something unique? This blue-stained concrete floor should provide you with adequate inspiration to create a similar one.

9. Acid stain

You can also stain your concrete floor with acid to get a bold, glossy finish like this.

10. Blue-green acid stain

Apply this blue-green acid stain on your concrete floor and expect a highly durable color and peel resistance.

11. Tan acid stain

This open-floor area proves that knowing how to level a concrete floor that slopes and the way to stain it highly rewarding.

12. Dark gray acid stain

Instead of the usual vibrant earth tones, you probably love this dark gray acid stain to spruce up your bathroom’s concrete floor.

13. Metallic epoxy finish

Similar to the standard epoxy finish, this one will provide you with high durability. Besides, it offers a dazzling metallic effect in your home.

14. Dark metallic epoxy

To contrast the all-white hallway, this concrete floor is finished with dark metallic epoxy.

15. Quartz sand epoxy in grey

If you need a well-built surface for a garage, this quartz sand epoxy finish should be on the list.

16. Large quartz sand epoxy

Thanks to its great wear resistance and sanitation, this finish works well in a bathroom too.

17. Terrazzo epoxy finish

This finish idea on how to level a concrete floor that slopes introduces the unique look of terrazzo epoxy for your interior.

18. Granite epoxy

Add some texture and uniqueness to your home by stealing the look of this room’s concrete floor.

Now that you have known how to level a concrete floor that slopes, it will probably take less than 48 hours to finish the project. Therefore, enjoy your new flooring!