How to Ensure an Even Floor When Finishing Your Basement

An uneven basement floor can prevent the completion of a basement upgrade, or can undo your hard work when tiles crack or water collects where you don't want it. Concrete basement floors tend to settle out easily because of their proximity to the foundation of the house and the natural tendency of the materials. Before you can add tile or carpeting to you basement floor, you must level the surface. This task is relatively easy and can be done with inexpensive materials.

Step 1 - Clean the Floor

Remove all boxes, furniture and other objects from the floor of your basement. Having done that, sweep all debris out of the area and collect it in a dustpan for removal.

Step 2 - Fill Holes

If your concrete floor has cracks or chips, use a caulking gun with concrete caulk to repair any abnormalities. Follow the instructions according to the caulk manufacturer for application, and be careful to properly trowel off any excess caulk that protrudes from the surface of the concrete. Allow for plenty of time for the caulk to dry.

Step 3 - Seal the Perimeter with Expansion Tape

Use expansion tape to lay out a perimeter around the basement floor. The tape should lie at the edges of the concrete floor, where the ground meets the wall at a right angle. This tape is helpful both in leveling out the compound in the next step and in strengthening the new surface of the floor.

Step 4 - Mix and Pour the Self-Leveling Material

Using a wheelbarrow or large bucket, mix the self-leveling material according to the instructions. In most cases, manufacturers advise mixing the material with water and stirring it carefully. Having mixed the compound to the appropriate consistency, carefully pour it as evenly as possible in straight lines along the entire surface of the concrete floor.

Step 5 - Trowel and Dry

Use a concrete trowel or rake to clear out any inconsistencies in the self-leveling material and to spread it around. As the name suggests, this material will create a level surface with the help of gravity. Be sure to allow several days for the compound to dry completely, and ensure that no pets or children have access to the basement during this time.