Over time, your concrete slabs start buckling and shifting, creating uneven floors. It not only requires the cost but the time and effort spent too. Starting a new floor leveling project can be complicated and enervating. Not to worry, we'll help you know the cost and what to expect out of the entire process.
The floor leveling cost depends on the slab's size and the severity of the damage. It ranges from $3–$5 per square foot. So, for a 100-square-foot floor, it would generally cost between $300 and $500.
Depending on the circumstances, homeowners use concrete as the base for their hardwood or laminate floors. Others treat the concrete with epoxy, which is an expensive option.
Now that you have a rough cost estimate, it is all up to your preferences. The question is what kind of flooring to use and how to level it. Let's dig deeply into the topic and get an in-depth approach to the situation.
How to self-level a floor?
Whichever is your preference for the flooring, the main concern to a leveled floor is to make sure the subfloor foundation is level. It is critical to level floors to prevent structural complications leading to uneven and cracking floors. Any floor leveling project begins with taking measurements.
Take note to record the rises and dips. It's time to take away the debris and all other furniture. Flooring must be free from dust, dirt, moisture, oil, and other stains. All visible cracks and holes should be filled, and if possible the rises can be sanded or ground to level it.
Using A Self-leveling Compound
Cleaning and Bonding the Subflooring
- Remove existing flooring and check the level subfloor.
- Sand down humps.
- Clean and repair sub flooring.
- Secure subflooring with a bonding agent.
Application of the Leveling Compound
- Mix self-level compound to a creamy consistency.
- Pour the mixture over the subfloor.
- Smooth out inconsistencies.
Finish the Flooring
- Allow the compound to dry.
- Sand down the entire floor.
- Check the level again.
Check out this Bostik self-leveling compound on Amazon.
The Cost of Floor Leveling
Depending on the complexity, your choice, and the extent of the job, the price matters. Epoxy coating tends to be pricier, but it creates an excellent flooring finish, smooth and clean. Simple bases for hardwood and laminate still make up for their affordable cost.
Concrete patios, driveways, basements, or foundations may warp an area in your home, causing cracks and sagging floors. If left untreated, concrete can start to crack, splitting your surface area. Fixing such damage could either be through replacement or leveling.
Whatever the cost is, it can sustain your home for a long time. It creates durable and long-lasting floors.
How much does leveling concrete cost?
Including labor and materials to level a block of concrete, professionals charged homeowners $1.80 to $25 per square foot. The cost of a 100 square foot floor ranges from $500 to $1,700, with the average being $1,500. Regardless of the method, leveling concrete only takes an hour or two.
The labor fee includes mixing and pouring compounds costing around $350, including drilling or patching holes.
Self-leveling Concrete Price
Depending on the brand, the price for self-leveling concrete costs around $35 per 50 pounds. Here is a list of self-leveling formulas with their corresponding prices.
| Self-leveling Formulas | Cost (labor excluded) |
|---|---|
| Concrete Patch (premixed) | $10/20 pounds |
| Concrete Filler | $10/9 ounces |
| Concrete Overlay | $35/50 pounds |
| Foam | $35/50 pounds |
Cost of Concrete Leveling Products
The products sold vary for each method used. In simpler terms, a premixed formula, like a concrete patch, is added to water to create a mixture. There is also available self-leveling concrete in a tube wherein you can directly inject the solution into a hole or crack. The price varies depending on the brand, size, and formula, ranging from $10 to $50.
| Brand | Cost |
|---|---|
| Param 5500 (Duraamen) | $1 - $5 |
| Ardex Self-leveling Concrete | $2 - $3 |
| Gypcrete | $2 - $6 |
| RapidSet Concrete Leveler | $2 - $6 |
| Quikrete (Maxxon) | $3 - $6 |
Click this Ardex self-leveling concrete from Amazon.
How much does floor leveling cost by location?
Your options for leveling concrete don't limit it to indoors only. If you plan on laying flooring in your home and the concrete is uneven, the best option to do first is to level the surface.
Variations in location matter with the pricing of leveling concrete.
| Location | Price |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $360 - $5,000/200 square foot |
| Tiles | $360 - $5,000/200 square foot |
| Hardwood | $360 - $5,000/200 square foot |
| Patio | $360 - $5,000/200 square foot |
| Subfloor | $1,080 - $15,000/600 square foot |
| Basement Floor | $1,080 - $15,000/600 square foot |
| Driveway | $3,000 - $15,000/600 square foot |
Having new floors in your home may sound appealing, but getting them installed is more than what meets the eye. Installation of new flooring ranges between $1,491 and $4,553. For a 500 square foot of floor coverage, including the labor and materials, the cost averages $2,985.
Things to Consider in Installation of Flooring Cost
Professionals charge a 500 square foot floor area an average of $2,985. Depending on the space to cover, it could go higher or lower. The place you reside is another factor. Urban places tend to have higher labor and installation rates.
If you decide on high-end flooring, the cost may go up too.
- Floor Material
- Floor size
- Labor
- Home Location and Transportation Service
- Other Consideration (e.g moving furniture, subfloor replacement, etc.)
What kind of flooring is best for concrete floor?
After putting off work for the subfloor, consider the type of finished floor to install next. Each type of flooring has a specific characteristic that affects installation. It requires more tedious work to make sure the finished floor looks great.
Here are some floorings to consider:
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood flooring is equipped to handle water moisture. Its unique structure enables wood to remain rigid and resistant to contraction and expansion.
Vinyl
This flooring material can create a look of stone or wood without its price tag. It comes in numerous sizes, perfect for big or small rooms.
Laminate
Homeowners choose laminate flooring because the material floats, covering the uneven surface of the floor. It is scratch and scuff resistant making it easy to mop or vacuum.
Carpet
Carpet is one of the most ideal options to install as flooring. It is cheap, easy to install, and kid-friendly.
Tile
Tile installations are incredibly versatile and give many options for different sizes of your choosing. It is relatively low-maintenance and very durable, making it hard to crack.
Can you level an existing floor?
The answer is yes. Floors with existing problems need a little TLC. Most issues of replacing floors come from the subfloors or other underlying causes. Encountering such problems are from old houses or areas in your homes where cracks and uneven floors are evident.
The degree of damage and floor area are two factors to do on your own or seek a professional. Depending on the cause, leveling subfloors is a relatively inexpensive project that many can undertake. The most you can do is find the imperfections and figure out a strategy to solve the issues.
However, issues that require a bit more work need solutions from professionals. Keep in mind that it would cost your more if leveling the floor is improperly measured and treated.
In Conclusion
Deciding on changing your flooring or installing a new one is a matter of a big decision. The reason is not of concern as options to do it yourself or hire a professional are available anywhere. Knowing the factors in installing new floors will help you understand the cost and variety of flooring you want for your home.
The most efficient task you could do to install your new floors is to let professionals do the job. It gives you a sense of comfort and ease because it saves you time and the job done without fail. However, it doesn't come without a price.
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