Self-levelling compounds are essential for creating smooth, even surfaces for flooring projects. Whether you’re renovating a home, prepping a commercial space, or diving into a DIY project, picking the right compound ensures a professional finish. This guide explores types, uses, and key tips to help you choose wisely, delivering durable and stunning floors. What Is a Self-Levelling Compound? A self-levelling compound is a cement-based mix that smooths uneven subfloors. Mixed with water, it flows to fill cracks and dips, creating a flat surface without much manual effort. It’s perfect for prepping subfloors for tiles, vinyl, carpet, or hardwood, ensuring a strong base that boosts your floor’s look and lifespan. Benefits of Self-Levelling Compounds Time-Saving: Applies quickly and dries fast. Versatile: Works on concrete, timber, or tiles. Smooth Results: Delivers a pro-level finish easily. Strong: Handles heavy foot traffic with ease. Types of Self-Levelling Compounds Choosing the right compound depends on your project. Here are the main types: 1. Cement-Based Compounds Best For: Indoor concrete subfloors. Features: Budget-friendly, easy to use, with solid strength (25-40 MPa). Use Case: Prepping a concrete slab for vinyl in a lounge room. 2. Polymer-Modified Compounds Best For: High-traffic or outdoor areas. Features: Flexible, strong adhesion, suitable for thick layers (up to 50mm). Use Case: Levelling a balcony or carpark subfloor. 3. Fibre-Reinforced Compounds Best For: Timber subfloors or heated floors. Features: Fibres add strength and resist cracks, ideal for movement-prone surfaces. Use Case: Smoothing plywood for heated bathroom tiles. 4. Acrylic-Based Compounds Best For: Small DIY projects. Features: Easy to mix with acrylic liquid, great flow for beginners. Use Case: Levelling a small laundry subfloor for tiling. How to Choose the Right Compound Consider these factors to pick the perfect self-levelling compound: 1. Subfloor Type Concrete: Most compounds work, but test for moisture. Timber: Use fibre-reinforced for flexibility. Tiles: Choose compounds for non-porous surfaces with primer. 2. Layer Thickness Most compounds cover 1.5–20mm; some polymer options go up to 50mm. Thicker jobs may need multiple pours. 3. Drying Time Fast-Drying: Walkable in 2–3 hours, great for quick turnarounds. Standard: Cures in 6–24 hours, depending on conditions. 4. Environment Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor compounds resist weather changes. Wet Areas: Pick water-resistant options for bathrooms or laundries. 5. Strength For busy areas like shops or warehouses, choose compounds with high strength (e.g., 40 MPa). Applying a Self-Levelling Compound: Quick Steps Get it right with these steps: Prep the Subfloor Clean away dust, grease, or debris. Fix cracks with filler. Apply primer for better adhesion. Mix the Compound Follow water-to-powder ratios on the pack. Mix with a drill for a smooth consistency. Pour and Spread Start in a corner, moving towards the exit. Spread with a trowel or gauge rake. Use a spiked roller to remove bubbles. Let It Cure Wait until walkable (check product guide). Allow 24–48 hours before laying flooring. Mistakes to Avoid Don’t trip up on these common errors: Poor Prep: Dirty subfloors ruin adhesion. Bad Mixing: Wrong water ratios weaken the mix. Rushing: Early traffic causes dents or cracks. Wrong Choice: Match the compound to your project. Key Takeaways Self-levelling compounds smooth subfloors for tiles, vinyl, or hardwood. Pick cement-based for indoors, polymer for heavy use, fibre-reinforced for timber, or acrylic for DIY. Check subfloor type, thickness, drying time, and environment before choosing. Prep well and follow application steps for a perfect finish. Avoid mistakes like poor prep or rushing to ensure durability. Start Your Flooring Journey Ready for flawless floors? Assess your subfloor and project needs. For top-quality self-levelling compounds and expert guidance, visit Elyment Group at elyment.com.au. We’ll help you nail the perfect floor! Source Inspiration: Adapted from FloorVenue’s Guide to Self-Levelling Compound, with original insights for Australian readers. 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