How to Level a Concrete Floor Before Tiling

Concrete with Tile Adhesive

A concrete floor provides a great surface for laying tile, as long as it is clean and level. It can be difficult to notice by eye how level a concrete floor is; however, if you try to install tile on the floor without leveling, you will see the problem areas immediately. Fortunately, with the help of some concrete leveling compound, you can have your floor level and ready for tile in a few hours. Read on to learn how.

Things You'll Need

• Straight-edge
• Marker
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Grinder
• Bucket
• Floor leveling compound

Instructions

1. Use a straight-edge such as a long, flat board to check your floor level. Alternatively, you can use a string if you have a helper to hold the other end. Push the board over the floor while looking for low or high spots. Mark any that you find.

2. Take care of any substantial high spots with a hammer and chisel. A hand-held grinder will work well on those spots which are slightly above level. Use a grinder with a vacuum attachment if possible, as the grinder will generate a lot of dust.

3. Bring low spots up to level with leveling compound. Pour the recommended amount of water into your bucket, then pour the compound in and mix.

4. Pour the compound into the low areas and pass your leveling board over it to smooth it out.

5. Wash the compound off your tools immediately. When the compound has dried, check the floor for level again to see if you missed any spots.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to raise a large low spot and are worried about compound running where it shouldn't, cut furring strips of the proper thickness and tape them around the edge of the area to make a form that will contain the compound.

• Do not use cement to level your floor--it will not dry fast enough.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish