How to Level Concrete for Tile Installation
How flat a concrete slab needs to be depends on the sheen of the tile finish, the size of the individual tiles and your personal standards. Filling an occasional low spot in a slab is a simple task. If the slab is just plain rough or irregular, however, you should call in a professional slab finisher. A professional slab finisher can apply a skim coat of new concrete to make the floor perfectly smooth so you can get the results you want when you install the tile. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Straightedge
- Tape measure
- Marker
- 2-inch brush
- Latex primer
- Self-leveling mortar
Instructions
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1
Locate and mark the deepest points of all the hollows and valleys in the slab. Use a straightedge that is at least 4-feet long.
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2
Mark the perimeter of each hollow by swinging the straightedge around the deep points. Make a mark at each perimeter point and then connect the markings to draw a circle that fully contains the hollow.
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3
Clean the slab by sweeping away all dust. Make sure there is no oil or wax on the concrete slab.
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4
Use a brush to apply the latex primer to the hollows. Cover the entire area of the hollow.
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5
Pour self-leveling mortar at the center of the primed area. Pour enough so it spreads on its own nearly to the edges of the area. After it stops spreading, use a straightedge to feather the edges.
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6
Allow the mortar to dry before continuing to prepare the concrete slab for tiling.
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Tips & Warnings
If the tile faces are polished, the slightest waviness will show up in reflected light. However, if the tiles themselves are rough and irregular, then slight variations in the level of the floor will be masked by the variations in the tile.
Make sure the latex primer meets the recommendations of the self-leveling mortar manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
