You’ve chosen the perfect luxury vinyl planks. You can already picture that sleek, modern finish in your Sydney home. But there’s a major hurdle: your subfloor is supposedly "level," but it's not "flat." It’s a common, frustrating problem NSW homeowners face, and it’s the number one enemy of a flawless flooring finish. Why is this such a critical issue? Vinyl planks, especially the popular hybrid and luxury vinyl varieties, are thin. They are designed to "click" together perfectly, but they will follow every single lump, bump, and dip in your subfloor. An uneven base won't just look bad; it can lead to planks peaking, gapping, or worse, the locking systems snapping over time. So, what are the standards, and how do we fix it here in NSW? Let's dive in. What Does "Flat Enough" Actually Mean in NSW? This is where many projects go wrong. There's a big difference between a level floor (parallel to the horizon) and a flat floor (no peaks or valleys). For vinyl plank installation, we are obsessed with flatness. The Australian Standard (AS 1884-2012) is our guide. While specifics can vary by the vinyl plank manufacturer, the general rule of thumb is no more than a 3mm deviation over a 2-metre span. What does that look like in your home? High Spots: Bumps from old tile adhesive, concrete high points, or uneven timber joints. Low Spots: Dips, troughs, or divots in the concrete slab. General Unevenness: A gradual "wave" in the floor, common in many Sydney properties, both new and old. Ignoring this standard is a costly mistake. The manufacturer's warranty on your new vinyl flooring will almost certainly be voided if the subfloor isn't prepared to this specification. How Do We Rectify an Uneven Floor for Vinyl? Once we’ve identified the problem areas (often using a long straight edge or laser level), rectification isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The right method depends on whether we're tackling high spots or low spots. Option 1: Grinding Down the High Spots For concrete slabs with high spots, bumps, or old adhesive residue, our first line of attack is mechanical grinding. What it is: We use specialised concrete grinders equipped with diamond-impregnated discs to shave down the high points. Why it's done: This creates a smooth, flat, and porous surface that is perfectly prepped for the next stage. It's the only real way to "lower" a high point. The Process: This is a job for professionals, as it requires heavy machinery and advanced dust-extraction systems to protect your home and air quality. Option 2: Filling the Low Spots with a Levelling Compound For floors with dips and troughs, grinding isn't the answer. We need to "bring up" the low areas. This is where self-levelling compounds (or 'screeds') come in. This is not a simple DIY. A "feather finish" compound from a hardware store is not the same as a structural, cement-based self-levelling compound. What it is: A polymer-modified cement-based screed that is mixed and poured onto the subfloor. It flows into the low-lying areas to create a perfectly flat and smooth surface. The Process: The concrete must be primed first to ensure a strong bond. The compound is then mixed precisely and poured, then expertly smoothed with a trowel to blend seamlessly with the rest of the floor. Key Benefit: When cured, it provides a flat, durable, and reliable base that meets the strict tolerances required for vinyl plank installation. Why Is Professional Rectification Non-Negotiable in NSW? We see it all the time in the greater Sydney area: a homeowner or non-specialist attempts a "quick level," only to have the vinyl flooring fail within months. Here’s why expertise matters: Moisture Testing: In NSW, especially in coastal areas or new builds, concrete moisture can be a huge issue. A professional will test for hydrostatic pressure and apply a moisture barrier before levelling, preventing future issues like bubbling or adhesive failure. The Right Product: We know exactly which compounds are compatible with your subfloor (e.g., concrete vs. timber) and the adhesive for your new planks. The Right Technique: Grinding and levelling are skills. Our teams at Elyment Group are trained to achieve the 3mm in 2m standard every time, ensuring your warranty is protected. Don’t let a slightly uneven subfloor ruin your significant investment in new flooring. That perfect finish you see in magazines is 90% preparation and 10% installation. Key Takeaways Flat vs. Level: Your floor needs to be flat (no bumps or dips), not necessarily perfectly level. The Standard: The NSW industry standard for vinyl planks is a maximum deviation of 3mm over a 2-metre span. Two Main Fixes: We use grinding to remove high spots and self-levelling compounds to fill low spots. Warranty is Key: DIY or improper preparation will void your flooring manufacturer’s warranty. If you're in Sydney or greater NSW and your installer has flagged your floor as "uneven," don't panic. It's a solvable problem. For expert advice and precision floor rectification, get in touch with the team. 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