Should we grind down the raised and cracked concrete on our basement floor ourselves or hire out the job to level it before installing LVP?
Asked by Cindy Carr 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I’m getting ready to put down some LVP in the basement, but the concrete floor has some raised and cracked spots. Do you think we should grind down the concrete or would self-leveling be enough to even it out? Should we give it a shot ourselves or hire someone to do it?
Remove any loose concrete before applying self-leveling material to save time on preparation. Be sure to review the instructions as some products may require a bonding agent.
Insufficient details to provide a clear answer
Self leveling compound may not address the root issue, but it’s a quick solution that can be effective temporarily. The key is to determine if the surface below is stable.
If I were a contractor, I would definitely outsource the job. Leveling concrete requires a specific skill set and experience. LVP flooring demands a completely flat and even surface for proper installation.
Do the bumps on the floor really make a difference? Have you tried using a laser to check for any unevenness? The key is to ensure the floor is flat so the LVP can interlock properly. It might not be feasible to make it perfectly level, especially in basements with sloped floors. There are patching compounds available to flatten sloped floors, although they are pricey and tedious to apply. If the floor is relatively flat and even, you might be able to grind and self-level it. However, for older floors, it could turn into a major project.
Gypcrete seems like a good option here. I’ve recommended it to clients for both residential and commercial projects. The cost of installation typically ranges from $2.50 to $6.00 per square foot, with smaller pours costing more.