When installing new flooring, a smooth, level subfloor is essential for a flawless finish. Uneven surfaces can cause creaking, cracking, or an unprofessional look. Self-leveling compound is the solution, ensuring your timber, vinyl, tiles, or carpet look stunning. This article explains what self-leveling compound is, why it’s vital, and how it elevates your flooring project. Follow us on X: @ElymentGroup | Visit elyment.com.au What is Self-Leveling Compound? Self-leveling compound is a cement-based, polymer-modified mix that creates a flat, smooth subfloor. Mixed with water, it flows easily, filling dips and leveling high spots via gravity. Once cured, it provides a strong base for any flooring type. Key Benefits Versatile: Works on concrete, timber, plywood, or tiled subfloors. Flexible Thickness: Applies from 1.5mm to 75mm in one pour. Fast-Drying: Walkable in 2 hours, fully cured in 24–48 hours. Durable: Up to 40MPa strength for heavy-traffic areas. It’s a top choice for Australian homes and businesses, delivering a professional finish. Why Use Self-Leveling Compound? Uneven subfloors, common in older homes or poorly built properties, can ruin flooring projects. Here’s why self-leveling compound is essential: 1. Achieves a Flawless Finish Uneven subfloors cause gaps under tiles or bouncy timber. Self-leveling compound ensures a smooth, polished look. 2. Prevents Flooring Issues Tiles: Stops cracking or lifting due to uneven surfaces. Timber/Laminate: Eliminates creaking or hollow sounds. Vinyl/Carpet: Avoids uneven wear or visible dips. A level base extends your flooring’s lifespan. 3. Saves Time and Costs Manual subfloor fixes are slow and expensive. Self-leveling compound streamlines prep, cutting labour and time, especially with pump-applied options for large areas. 4. Suits All Flooring Types From hardwood to ceramic tiles, it supports most materials, including wet-area or outdoor flooring with products like Cemimax DL59. 5. Boosts Structural Strength High-strength compounds (35–40MPa) handle heavy loads, perfect for commercial spaces like shops or warehouses. How to Apply Self-Leveling Compound Applying self-leveling compound is simple with the right steps: Prep Subfloor: Clean thoroughly, removing dust and adhesives. Apply primer for adhesion. Mix Compound: Blend with water per instructions, using a drill for a smooth mix. Pour: Start at the lowest point, spreading with a trowel or gauge rake. Smooth: Use a spiked roller to remove air bubbles. Cure: Let dry for 2–24 hours before flooring. Avoid walking on it. For large projects, hire a professional for best results. Choosing the Best Compound Select a compound based on: Subfloor Type: Confirm compatibility with concrete, timber, or tiles. Thickness: Use 1.5–10mm for minor fixes, up to 75mm for major leveling. Traffic: Choose high-strength (40MPa) for busy areas. Drying Time: Opt for fast-drying for quick projects. Conditions: Pick weather-resistant compounds for outdoor or wet areas. Elyment Group recommends brands like Cemimax and ARDEX for Australian conditions. Visit elyment.com.au for expert advice. Mistakes to Avoid No Primer: Leads to poor adhesion and cracks. Wrong Mix: Incorrect water ratios weaken the compound. Rushing: Allow full curing time before flooring. Ignoring Subfloor Issues: Fix cracks or moisture first. Key Takeaways Self-leveling compound smooths uneven subfloors for perfect flooring. Prevents cracks, creaks, and uneven finishes. Works with most subfloors and flooring types. Proper prep and application ensure success—consider pros for big jobs. Choose compounds based on subfloor, traffic, and drying needs. Start Your Flooring Project Right Get a flawless floor with self-leveling compound. Elyment Group offers expert advice and premium products for your project. Follow @ElymentGroup on X or visit elyment.com.au to learn more. Get Your Dream Floor Now! .cta-btn { background: linear-gradient(-45deg, #022b5f, #1d6fa5, #0e6251, #022b5f); background-size: 300% 300%; animation: gradientWave 6s ease infinite; color: white; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(2, 43, 95, 0.5); transition: transform 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease; } .cta-btn:hover { transform: translateY(-2px) scale(1.03); box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(22, 70, 138, 0.7); } @keyframes gradientWave { 0% { background-position: 0% 50%; } 50% { background-position: 100% 50%; } 100% { background-position: 0% 50%; } }