Self-leveling floors are frequently the preferred option when it comes to getting an extremely smooth and level floor. They produce a smooth surface that is perfect for many types of floor coverings or even used alone as a final finish. However, finding the ideal thickness is essential to their successful application.
A self-leveling floor’s thickness isn’t a universal measurement. It depends on a number of variables, such as the state of the current floor, the kind of self-leveling compound being used, and the particular requirements of the area. If the floor is too thin, flaws might not be adequately covered. If it’s too thick, you might be squandering money, time, and materials.
Determining the appropriate thickness for your self-leveling floor can be crucial in attaining a long-lasting and visually appealing surface. Understanding the fundamentals will help guarantee that your floor lasts for many years, regardless of your experience level with DIY projects or novice status with flooring.
- What determines the thickness
- Type of mixture
- Main component
- Starter mixtures
- Finishing compounds
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What determines the thickness
The necessary thickness of the apartment’s self-leveling floor is directly influenced by three factors:
- Load level. This includes the traffic in the room and the presence of vibration effects. The higher the requirements for impact resistance and wear resistance, the more material is needed.
- Minimum thickness of the self-leveling floor according to the manufacturer"s recommendation.
- Degree of surface curvature.
Type of mixture
There are three primary types of materials available in the modern construction market that require varying amounts of pouring:
- Thin-layer. Such self-leveling floors are most often used for decoration, but there are mixtures that significantly increase the mechanical stability of the treated surface. The maximum thickness of the self-leveling floor in this case is 5 mm, the minimum is 1 mm.
- Self-leveling. Here, the thickness of the material should not exceed 2 cm. Self-leveling bulk floors, as the name suggests, do not require special leveling procedures. The finished coating is strong enough to be laid even in garages.
- Highly filled. In this case, the dimensions range from 2 to 5 cm, making a larger layer is not economically feasible. It is better to first lay a regular screed, and then a self-leveling floor on it. The composition of these mixtures includes relatively inexpensive fillers, so the required layer thickness can be obtained without serious costs for the material.
Main component
There are various kinds of floor pouring mixtures, and each has a different set of ingredients:
- Methyl methacrylic. These are thin-layer materials, they are usually applied to concrete screeds or metal bases. They are distinguished by high mechanical strength. With a thickness of 0.6 cm, they can withstand a load of up to 15 tons per square meter.
- Polymer. The optimal figure in this case is 4 cm. If the surface is well prepared and the room does not have large foot traffic, then the size can be reduced to 2.5 cm. Subject to subsequent staining, another 0.5 cm can be removed.
- Acrylic-cement. Such mixtures are considered classic. With their help, surfaces with relatively small rubble are leveled, since the optimal layer thickness ranges from 1 to 2 cm.
- Frost-resistant compounds. These are also quite expensive mixtures, which are recommended to be applied in a layer of no more than 0.7 cm. Increasing the thickness will not affect performance, but will hurt your wallet.
- Cement-polymer. Such materials are ideal for leveling wooden surfaces. The maximum thickness of the layer is 5 cm.
Be aware of this! It’s important to consider the presence of large appliances and furniture, as well as a lot of foot traffic, when choosing a composition. In these situations, the material layer should be at least 1 centimeter thick.
Thickness of the floor under elevated loads
Self-leveling floors are frequently utilized in garages, industrial buildings, utility rooms, and warehouses—areas with heavy mechanical loads. It is advised to create combined floor cakes in this situation. Methyl methacrylic resin with a layer as thick as 1 cm should be placed on top of a regular cement leveling mortar that is 5 cm thick on the bottom. The latter material is also appropriate for rooms that are kept at low temperatures; in these cases, a 0.5 cm layer is adequate.
Starter mixtures
These materials are used in situations where covering a strongly curved floor with premium mixtures would be prohibitively expensive. Compounds based on cement are appropriate for leveling. Without reinforcement, the maximum thickness is 5 cm. It is possible to increase it to 8–10 cm if you intend to install a reinforcement mesh.
Experts advise laying a pie of two or three parts rather than one thick layer because it will take too long to dry.
Finishing compounds
These solutions are meant to strengthen the preceding leveling layer or produce a decorative coating, not to level large defects. Additionally, it is not advised to pour these compounds under parquet or laminate as this will negate their aesthetic benefits. There is a 0.1 to 1 cm range in the layer size.
| Type of Self-Leveling Floor | Recommended Thickness |
| Thin-layer self-leveling floors | 1.5 to 5 mm |
| Medium-layer self-leveling floors | 5 to 20 mm |
| Thick-layer self-leveling floors | 20 to 50 mm |
Take into account the particular requirements of your area as well as the kind of self-leveling compound you’re using when determining the thickness of your self-leveling floor. While thinner layers work best for smoother bases and faster installations, thicker layers offer greater durability and aid in leveling more uneven surfaces.
It’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions because every product has a specific recommended thickness range. Disregarding these suggestions may have an impact on the floor’s longevity and performance.
In the end, selecting the appropriate thickness will guarantee a sturdy, level surface that satisfies your functional and aesthetic needs. To get the best results, take the time to evaluate the needs of your project.
The self-leveling floors’ functionality, durability, and appearance are significantly influenced by their thickness. The thickness can vary depending on the kind of flooring and the state of the base, but it must be done correctly to guarantee a long-lasting, smooth, and even surface. Determining the appropriate thickness is essential to getting the best results for your project, whether you’re covering small flaws or building a strong foundation for high traffic.
