Dealing with a Not Level Concrete Floor for Laminate Installation

Home renovation is an exciting project to undertake, but it can be stressful when things don’t go as planned. One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is dealing with an uneven concrete floor when installing laminate flooring. While it may seem like a daunting task, with the right tools and techniques, you can level your concrete floor and install a beautiful laminate floor.

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of leveling a concrete floor for laminate installation, it’s essential to understand why an uneven concrete floor can be problematic. Concrete floors can settle, crack, or become uneven over time, creating a lumpy surface that can make it difficult to install laminate flooring. Additionally, if a concrete floor is not level, it can cause the laminate flooring to buckle, warp, or create gaps, which can be costly to repair.

Using a Self-Leveling Compound

One of the most popular ways to level a concrete floor for laminate installation is by using a self-leveling compound. A self-leveling compound is a cement-like mixture that is poured onto the floor and levels itself out. The compound fills the low spots and creates a smooth, level surface for the laminate floor to be installed on.

Here’s how to use a self-leveling compound:

1. Clean the floor: Remove any debris or dirt from the floor, and ensure that it is dry.
2. Prepare the compound: Mix the self-leveling compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Pour the compound: Pour the compound onto the floor and spread it evenly using a trowel or a squeegee.
4. Let it dry: Allow the compound to dry for at least 24 hours before installing the laminate flooring.

Grinding the Concrete Floor

If the unevenness of the concrete floor is minor, you can use a concrete grinder to level the floor. A concrete grinder is a power tool that uses diamond blades to grind the concrete surface. By grinding the concrete floor, you can remove the high spots and create a level surface for the laminate flooring.

Here’s how to grind a concrete floor:

1. Clean the floor: Remove any debris or dirt from the floor, and ensure that it is dry.
2. Mark the high spots: Use a marker to mark the high spots on the floor.
3. Grind the floor: Use a concrete grinder to grind the high spots down until the floor is level.
4. Clean the floor: Clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
5. Install the laminate: Proceed with installing the laminate flooring.

Using Plywood Subflooring

If the unevenness of the concrete floor is too severe to level with a self-leveling compound or concrete grinder, you can use plywood subflooring. Plywood subflooring creates a level surface for the laminate flooring to be installed on, even if the concrete floor is uneven.

Here’s how to use plywood subflooring:

1. Measure the room: Measure the room to determine the amount of plywood subflooring needed.
2. Cut the plywood: Cut the plywood to fit the room, leaving a 1/4 inch gap around the edges of the room for expansion.
3. Install the plywood: Lay the plywood subflooring on top of the concrete floor and secure it in place using construction adhesive or screws.
4. Install the laminate: Proceed with installing the laminate flooring.

Conclusion

An uneven concrete floor can be a challenge when installing laminate flooring, but with the right tools and techniques, you can level the surface and create a beautiful, level floor. Whether you choose to use a self-leveling compound, concrete grinder, or plywood subflooring, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. By doing so, you’ll have a stunning, level laminate floor that will last for years to come.