Procedure To Level Wood Subfloor With Leveling Compound
Self-leveling compounds are very easy to use and prepare. The compounds are available in several formulations that can be used to prepare wood/plywood subfloors for tile, wood, and laminate flooring installation. The procedure to level wood/plywood subfloors with leveling compound is divided into two parts as mentioned below:
Prepare Subfloor For Leveling Compound
First, the user needs to prepare a wood/plywood subfloor for leveling compound by following the below-given steps:
- Sweep & Fill The Cracks In The Subfloor:
The first step will be to sweep the wood/plywood floor in order to remove any debris from it. If there are any cracks in the wood/plywood subfloor, the user needs to fill them with caulking compound or crack filler that is designed to be used on wood/plywood. Once the compound or filler dries in the cracks, the user needs to sand the area lightly in order to get even & flat surface. - Mop The Subfloor:
In order to remove the remaining particles and dust, the user needs to mop the entire subfloor with a damp mop. Once mopped, the user needs to let the subfloor dry completely before proceeding forward. - Apply Latex Floor Primer:
After that, the user needs to apply a latex floor primer to the entire wood/plywood subfloor with a paint roller. In order to reach out for small areas, the user needs to apply primer with a brush. The latex floor primer enhances the adhesion of the leveling compound to the wood/plywood subfloor. The user needs to apply a single coat of primer and allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding forward. - Locate Low Areas On The Subfloor:
The next step will be to locate low areas on the subfloor by moving long straight edge tool or a level over the wood/plywood subfloor. All the low areas should be marked with a pencil that should be used as a guide for applying a leveling compound.
Prepare & Apply A Leveling Compound
The steps to prepare and apply a leveling compound are as follows:
- Collect All Required Tools:
The first step will be to collect all the tools required for application & mixing at one place before preparing a leveling compound. The step is necessary as leveling compound set up quickly and cannot be reused by adding liquid to it. - Prepare Leveling Compound:
The next step will be to prepare the leveling compound in a bucket. First, the user needs to pour leveling compound into a bucket and add cold water on to it gradually while mixing. The water should be added as per the label instructions and the user needs to prepare the amount of mixture which he can apply within 10-20 minutes. The compound and water should be mixed for about 2-3 minutes with an electric power drill having to mix paddle or hook attachment. - Apply Leveling Compound:
After that, the user needs to pour the prepared leveling compound on to the marked areas. After pouring, the user needs to spread the compound with a shovel quickly. It has been recommended to feather the edges of the compound flat with wood/plywood surface by using a hand trowel. - Let The Leveling Compound Dry:
After applying the leveling compound, the user needs to let it dry completely for at least 24 hours before working further on to it.