How to level concrete floor before installing carpet?

Blues

Can someone assist with what materials and tools would be needed to fill in a small area of a concrete floor that needs to be made level prior to putting down carpet in a residential unit.

The area is less than 400mm x 200mm and need to bring it up about 10mm in height. I understand I should prime the area first before putting down a self levelling compound.

MitchellMc

Hi @Blues,

For an area around 400mm x 200mm and roughly 10mm low, a floor leveller should be suitable provided the concrete is sound, clean and free from dust, paint, loose material or old adhesive. You’re right that priming first is important, as it helps the levelling compound bond properly to the concrete.

I’d suggest cleaning the area thoroughly, marking the finished height, then applying Dunlop 1L Multipurpose Water Based Primer as directed. Once the primer is ready, you could use a product such as Dunlop 20kg Ardit Floor Leveller. Mix it exactly to the water ratio on the bag, as adding extra water can weaken the repair.

Because the area is quite small, you may need to help the compound into place with a trowel and feather the edges so there isn’t a lip under the carpet. Let it cure fully before the carpet underlay goes down, and check the carpet or underlay installer’s requirements for flatness and drying time.

You might also find this similar discussion useful: How to level a depression in concrete?, where @TedBear raised a helpful point about checking that a low spot is not caused by an ongoing issue before covering it.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Mitchell