Slanted to Stunning: Floor Levelling Guide for Older Eastern Suburbs Apartments

There’s an undeniable charm to the older apartment buildings of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. From the Art Deco gems of Potts Point to the classic red-bricks of Randwick, these homes have character. But beneath that character, you’ll often find a common, hidden flaw: uneven floors.

If you’re planning a renovation—especially one involving new flooring—overlooking a slanted or uneven subfloor is a mistake that can cost you thousands. Before you lay that premium timber or those designer tiles, let's talk about the non-negotiable first step: floor levelling.

Why Are the Floors in My Older Sydney Apartment Uneven? It’s not just your building; it’s a hallmark of age. Older properties in suburbs like Double Bay, Paddington, and Bondi have had decades to settle.

Natural Settlement: Buildings move and settle over time, causing timber or concrete subfloors to shift. Original Construction: Construction standards from the 1930s to the 1970s weren't what they are today. A perfectly level subfloor wasn't always the top priority. Past Renovations: Previous owners may have done patch-up jobs, creating inconsistencies across the floor. Is Floor Levelling Really Necessary for My Reno? In a word: absolutely . Think of it as the foundation for your foundation. Laying expensive new flooring on an uneven surface is like building a luxury car on a bent frame.

Here’s exactly what you're risking if you skip it:

Cracked Tiles: Tiles are rigid. When the subfloor flexes or has low spots, pressure points are created, leading to cracks and failed grout. Warped Timber & Hybrid Floors: Engineered timber and hybrid planks are designed to "float" or be glued down flat. Gaps and slopes will cause them to warp, separate, or make a 'bouncy' sound. Voided Warranties: Most flooring manufacturers will void their warranty instantly if the product is installed on a subfloor that doesn't meet their flatness standards. The Obvious Look: Furniture will wobble, gaps will appear under skirting boards, and the finished look will simply feel 'off'. The Floor Levelling Process: What to Expect So, how do specialists like Elyment Group tackle a sloping floor? It’s a precise, multi-step process.

1. The Assessment First, we assess the subfloor. Is it concrete or timber? We use laser levels to map the entire area, identifying all the high and low spots to determine the exact scope of work.

2. The Preparation This is the most critical stage. The subfloor must be meticulously cleaned, debris-free, and often 'primed'. This ensures the new levelling compound will bond permanently to the old surface.

3. Application & Curing A high-quality, self-levelling compound is mixed and poured. It flows across the floor, filling the low spots and creating a perfectly flat, smooth surface. Depending on the depth required, this may be done in stages. This then needs to cure, which can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days before flooring can be laid.

Navigating Strata: Floor Levelling in Eastern Suburbs Apartments Here’s the part many renovators forget: strata. In apartment buildings, your floor is someone else’s ceiling.

Strata Approval: Almost all flooring changes require a strata application. Floor levelling is a structural preparation and is almost always part of this. Acoustic (Noise) Requirements: NSW strata bylaws, especially for apartments, have strict rules about noise transmission. Levelling can affect this. You must ensure your entire flooring system (underlay, levelling, and final product) meets these acoustic standards. Expert Guidance: Using a professional who understands NSW strata bylaws is vital. We at @ElymentGroup can help guide you through the requirements to ensure your renovation is compliant, preventing future disputes with neighbours or the owners' corporation. Key Takeaways Don't Skip It: Floor levelling is essential for any quality flooring installation in an older apartment. Protect Your Investment: It ensures your new tiles, timber, or hybrid floors last and that your warranty remains valid. Strata is Key: Always get strata approval before you start work. Understand the acoustic requirements for your building. Hire a Specialist: This is not a simple DIY job. It requires professional assessment and application for a guaranteed flat finish.

Ready to start your Eastern Suburbs renovation on the right foot? A flawless floor is the only place to begin. Find out more at elyment.com.au .