Floor Levelling Compounds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Smooth and Even Floors

Uneven floors can cause issues for your home or business. From cracked tiles to bouncing boards, floor issues affect more than just appearance they make daily life harder and can be a hazard. If you are planning to install tiles, vinyl, carpet, or hardwood, a floor levelling compound helps create a flat and strong base. This guide shows how trained professionals use floor screeding compounds to build smooth, solid surfaces that last a long time. 

What Is a Floor Levelling Compound? 

A floor levelling or floor screeding compound is a fast-setting mixture used to smooth out bumps, dips, and slopes on subfloors. It’s typically made from cement, polymer, and additives that allow it to flow and spread evenly. Once poured, it settles into low spots, creating a level surface that’s ideal for installing finished flooring. 

This product works on concrete, timber, and even tiled subfloors. Many professionals prefer it over manual methods because it's faster, more accurate, and reduces the risk of future problems caused by uneven surfaces. 

Benefits of Starting with a Level Subfloor 

Flooring materials need solid support underneath. If the subfloor is sloped or cracked, tiles can shift, laminate boards may buckle, and carpets may wear out quickly. By using a proper concrete floor leveling product, you ensure stability, comfort, and safety. 

For people installing radiant heating systems, self-levelling compounds are especially helpful. They flow around heating cables or pipes, covering them evenly and improving heat distribution. 

Tools and Supplies that Professionals Use 

Professional floor levelling experts rely on specific tools to ensure precise, clean, and long-lasting results. These aren’t just for convenience they help achieve a smooth surface and prevent common levelling issues like air bubbles, poor bonding, or uneven spread. 

Here’s what experienced installers keep on hand: 

• Self levelling compound or self levelling screed – Chosen based on the subfloor material and the required thickness. 

  
  

• High Speed Heavy-duty mixing paddle and \bucket – Ensures a lump-free, consistent blend that flows properly. 

  
  

• Graduated water container – Accurate water measurement is key to maintaining the right mix ratio. 

  
  

• Wide trowel or floor smoother – Used to help guide the compound evenly across the surface. 

  
  

• Spiked roller – Removes trapped air that can cause surface flaws or bonding failure. 

  
  

• Bonding primer – Applied before pouring to improve adhesion and prevent premature drying. 

  
  

• Edge damming materials (foam strips, painter’s tape) – Used to seal doorways and edges, keeping the product in place. 

  
  

• High-suction vacuum – Cleans dust and debris from the subfloor to ensure strong bonding. 

Professional Floor Levelling Process 

Step 1: Inspect and Clean the Subfloor  

Professionals begin by checking for cracks, moisture, or weak spots in the subfloor. Any damage is patched using approved fillers. The surface is then vacuumed thoroughly. Clean, dry, and solid subfloors are essential before applying any levelling compound. 

Step 2: Apply a Primer  

Primer is rolled or brushed onto the subfloor to improve grip. It prevents early drying and helps the compound bond without lifting. Experts choose the right primer for the surface type, timber, tile, or concrete, based on manufacturer instructions. 

Step 3: Mix the Levelling Compound  

Using a mixing drill, the compound is blended with the exact amount of water until smooth. Professionals mix in batches they can pour immediately. Timing is critical—most self-levelling compounds start setting in less than 20 minutes after mixing. 

Step 4: Pour and Spread the Compound  

The compound is poured onto the primed surface and guided using a wide trowel. It spreads evenly, filling dips and smoothing high spots. For large areas, teams work in sequence to keep a continuous, level surface while maintaining a wet edge. 

Step 5: Let It Cure  

After application, the floor is left undisturbed for the curing period. Most compounds are dry within hours, but professionals allow at least 24 hours before installing any flooring. Walking too soon on uncured areas risks dents, cracks, or uneven finish. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Skipping the primer: This weakens adhesion and leads to peeling. 

• Wrong water ratio: Too much water makes the mix runny and weak. 

• Working too slowly: These products set fast prep in advance. 

• Poor cleaning: Dirt, grease, or paint will prevent bonding. 

• Using the wrong product: Always match the compound to your subfloor. 

Choosing the Right Product 

There are many concrete floor leveling products available, and not all are the same. Some are made for thin layers, while others handle depths up to 50mm or more. Look for features like: 

• Quick-drying or rapid-set formulas 

• Compatibility with radiant heating 

• Low shrinkage to reduce cracking 

• Polymer-modified blends for flexibility and strength 

Creating Long-Lasting Results 

Using a floor levelling compound the right way can make your flooring last longer and require less repair over time. It helps prevent creaks, gives a smoother finish, and makes tiles or planks fit better. A level subfloor is always important before installing any flooring. 

In regions like Queensland, where climate and subfloor types vary, it's smart to partner with companies that understand local conditions.

Screedflow Australia offers both advanced materials and expert installation. With their team of screeding and levelling experts, you get high-speed service and lasting results for every kind of surface, catering from residential, commercial and industrial buildings.