--- title: "How to Level a Concrete Floor" description: "Leveling a concrete floor is a key step before installing other flooring on top. This guide explains how DIYers can level a concrete floor for best results." date: "2014-07-07" modified: "2025-02-19" authors: - name: "Bob Vila" job_title: "Founder" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-level-a-concrete-floor/" categories: - "Basements" - "Flooring" - "Interior" tags: - "concrete" - "How To" - "News" --- # How to Level a Concrete Floor ![Worker wearing yellow overalls uses a trowel to spread concrete floor leveler on floor surface.]() *Photo: enigma\_images via Getty Images* ## Q: We plan to finish the basement in my house, and there are going to be a couple of sump pumps, so we no longer need the old drain in the middle of the floor. What's the best way to level a concrete floor? **A:** There is no one way to level a concrete floor. Of all the methods available to do-it-yourselfers, which should you employ? That depends on how level you want to make the concrete. And that question, in turn, hinges on a related but different question: What type of flooring do you plan to install in your basement once the floor is level? ## Leveling a concrete floor for carpeting ![A bird's eye view of a concrete grinder on a concrete floor.]() *Photo: Nikita Sobolkov / Depositphotos* If you envision carpeting or another type of floor that forgives minor variations in subfloor grade, such as engineered wood or click-and-lock vinyl, then you can probably opt for the least labor-intensive method for [leveling a floor](). Here, a concrete grinder would do the bulk of the work. (You can [rent a concrete grinder]() from your local home improvement center.) You'd use it to grind down the most prominent ridges in the floor. To finish the job, you would then [mix a batch of concrete]() and use it to fill in any dips or depressions. Need help leveling concrete? Get free, no-commitment project estimates from concrete specialists near you. [Find Pros Now]() [+]() ## Leveling a concrete floor for tile ![Pouring self-leveling compound from a black bucket onto a concrete floor. ]() *Photo: Anna Koldunova / Depositphotos* If you want to install vinyl tile or ceramic tile, things get a bit trickier. For a successful installation, the concrete floor beneath the tile needs to be more or less perfectly level and smooth. That's true for compact tiles and even more critical for larger ones, including the popular 1-by-2-foot size. With small tiles, the maximum differential between the lowest and highest point on the floor is 1/4 inch per 10 feet; with larger tiles, the acceptable differential is a mere 1/8 inch per 10 feet. To achieve such flatness, use a self-leveling compound, such as Rapid Set Concrete Leveler Self-Leveling Underlayment. These products come in powdered form and are mixed with water and a fortifying agent. You end up with a thin liquid that when poured from a bucket flows across the existing uneven concrete. Gravity will bring the liquid to a level, but you can help the process along with a broom or trowel. ## Mixing and applying self-leveling compound Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions, because every product differs slightly. Generally speaking, no matter which compound you choose, you'll need to take prepare the basement beforehand: - It's important to remove any flaking paint or loose adhesive from the floor to ensure that the compound will grip to the concrete. - So you don't need an excessive quantity of compound, it's a good idea to grind down any spots on the floor that are especially high. - Floor drains must be capped and sealed around the seams. **Pro tip:** Wear cleats or rubber boots in case you need to walk across the compound while it's still wet. Once the self-leveling compound has set, you can install your chosen flooring. Another option is to eschew a finished floor, and opt instead to [stain](), [paint](), or [polish]() the compound that now forms the top layer of your concrete basement floor slab. ## Author Bob Vila is America's Handyman. As a TV host, author, spokesperson, builder and historic preservationist, he has been heavily involved in construction and remodeling for the better part of a half century. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [Pinterest]() [Facebook]() [Instagram]()