The 8 Best Self-Leveling Concrete in 2024 + Buying Guide

Table of Contents

Are you planning a floor renovation but are concerned about the condition of the subfloor and the associated costs? Self-leveling concrete makes it possible for even the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer to smooth out their flooring.

On the Linquip website, among the many options available to you, you will find all the information you need to know about the Self-Leveling Concrete, as well as information regarding this marketplace. You can count on Linquip to provide you with as much general and reliable information about this topic, whether you’re a professional or a customer looking for a proper company. We recommend you review a list of all Self-Leveling Concrete available in Linquip.

We would be delighted to provide you with more information on how we can help you generate revenue within your industry. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions! With Linquip’s Solutions for Each Company Level, you will be able to upgrade the capabilities of your organization in order to gain a competitive edge by taking advantage of a wide range of options to enhance your organization’s performance. If you are looking for the simplest or the most sophisticated marketing and advertising package for your business, we can help you ensure that your company gets as many customers as possible to grow your business.

List of 8 Best Self-Leveling Concrete in 2024

According to the factors that we will mention in this article, Here is the List of 8 Best Self-Leveling Concrete in 2024:

Ardex Feather Finish Self-Drying Cement Buy Now
Henry Pre-Mixed Floor Patch Buy Now
Quikrete Fast-Setting Self Leveling Floor Surfacer Buy Now
Bostik Self Leveling Cement Buy Now
Henry, W.W 12167 565 Underlayment Adhesive Buy Now
Sakrete Self-Leveling Underlayment Buy Now
Mapei Self Leveler Plus Buy Now
Laticrete NXT Level Plus Buy Now

How We Picked Best Self-Leveling Concrete in 2024

Self-leveling concrete is an important material for flooring, as it can be used to smooth down concrete, tile, or plywood before putting down LVP, tiles, or wood flooring on the inside of your home. It’s true that self-leveling concrete makes construction simpler, but that doesn’t imply anything can go wrong. It’s not simple to acquire the ideal mixture, pour it in time before it sets, or choose the best possibilities for a certain setting. Many things may go wrong with this kind of do-it-yourself endeavor.

As for how we picked the best self-leveling concrete for 2024, we analyzed more than 10 webpages and consulted with our experts to select the best self-leveling concrete available in 2024. You can count on Linquip to provide you with as much general and reliable information about this topic as possible, whether you’re a professional or a customer looking for a proper company.

Performance and Durability Tests: To ensure the quality of the self-leveling concrete, we conducted various performance tests. This included assessing the leveling properties, curing time, and the final strength of the material. Durability tests were also conducted to evaluate how well the concrete withstands wear and tear over time, including resistance to cracking and shrinking. This step was crucial in determining the long-term reliability of the products.

Customer and Professional Feedback: We scoured numerous customer reviews and sought feedback from professionals who regularly use self-leveling concrete. This approach provided us with real-world insights into the ease of use, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction with various products. Customer experiences, especially from DIY enthusiasts, were particularly valuable in understanding how user-friendly and forgiving each product is, especially in less controlled environments typically found in home projects.

These additional steps complemented our initial research and expert consultations, providing a well-rounded and comprehensive evaluation of the best self-leveling concretes available in the market. This rigorous approach ensured that the products we recommend are not only top-performing in controlled tests but also highly regarded by the end-users and professionals in real-life applications.

What Is Self-Leveling Concrete?

Polymer modifications to concrete create an extremely viscous material called self-leveling concrete. Like a thick liquid, it is poured over the floor and let run into corners and across the room to produce a smooth, uniform surface with little to no work on your part.

Use it to smooth down concrete, tile, or plywood before putting down LVP, tiles, or wood flooring on the inside of your home.

It’s true that self-leveling concrete makes construction simpler, but it doesn’t imply anything can go wrong. It’s not simple to acquire the ideal mixture, pour it in time before it sets, or choose the best possibilities for a certain setting. Many things may go wrong with this kind of do-it-yourself endeavor.

What follows is a comprehensive guide on the usage and application of self-leveling concrete. You may also be interested in reading our evaluations of other self-leveling concretes.

Advantages Of Self-Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete has several benefits beyond merely saving you money compared to hiring a professional to level your floor using regular concrete. To complete the job, your expert builder may even employ self-leveling concrete.

Since water isn’t needed to set self-leveling, there’s less of a chance that it will get overwatered.
Strong and smooth, self-leveling concrete is a popular construction material. The floor is smooth and sturdy enough to be used on its own, but it also works well as an underlay for other types of flooring.
Not only is self-leveling concrete useful for leveling concrete, but it may also be used to cover other, less forgiving surfaces, such as ceramic tile, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), wood, or plywood.
Even inexperienced users can effectively utilize self-leveling concrete to create perfectly flat floors.
Reinforced concrete is ideally suited to the increased strength that self-leveling concrete provides.
The likelihood of an allergic reaction to self-leveling concrete is quite low. Contrast this with the risk of occupational asthma caused by exposure to chromium in traditional concrete.
Mold development in damp environments is also reduced in self-leveling concrete.
Because of how quickly self-leveling concrete dries, you may move on to the next phase of the project much sooner (with fewer chances for anyone to put a footprint in your work).

Disadvantages Of Self-Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete offers many benefits, but like every product, it also has downsides and things to watch out for.

Work swiftly since self-leveling concrete dries quickly. In some cases, you may only have 20 minutes to mix, pour, and finish a surface before it dries or becomes unusable due to weather or other factors.
The sub-base is not strengthened in any way by the self-leveling concrete that is used for the base. Problems with the subfloor can cause the self-leveling concrete to loosen, which in turn damages any flooring that is placed on top of it.
It can adhere strongly when self-leveling concrete is splattered on tools or other surfaces. All of these things must be cleaned quickly to prevent lasting staining.

Different Types of Self Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete can be either acrylic- or water-based.

Acrylic Self-Leveling Compound

An acrylic self-leveling compound is created by combining a liquid acrylic polymer with cement powder. The finished floor is resilient (for concrete) and can withstand wear and tear without showing signs of wear and tear. The drying time is longer compared to the other self-leveling concrete.

Water-Based Self-Leveling Compound

Self-leveling compounds that employ water as a lubricant provide a surface with characteristics closer to those of regular concrete. As little as 20 minutes is all it takes for it to dry completely. Commonly, this is sold in dry powder form and then reconstituted with water.

The Best Self-Leveling Concrete in 2024

1. Ardex Feather Finish Self-Drying Cement

The Best Self-Leveling Concrete in 2022 — Ardex Feather Finish Self-Drying Cement (Reference: **amazon.com**)

Buy Now on Amazon for US$39.99

Pros & Cons

Pros

The cement is simple and fast to apply.
There is nothing quite like the cement’s extraordinary binding strength.
The flooring may be set up in less than 15 minutes.
Each bag covers a remarkable amount of ground.

Cons

Although using this cement requires no special skills, it is nonetheless a substantial project.
When compared to competitive offerings, this cement is astronomically priced.
The cement’s vulnerability to temperature changes is another issue.

Specifications

Brand	Ardex
Material	Limestone
Compatible Material	Vinyl, Wood, Ceramic
Item Form	Liquid
Color	Grey/Gray

Product Description

Ardex Americas is a leading manufacturer of specialty building supplies, including the Ardex Feather Finish.

In addition to the company’s other feather-finish patching chemicals, which are meant to prevent issues like staining, mildew, mold, cracking, and disbanding as a result of a shoddy installation job, the new self-drying feather finish is a welcome addition.

If you need a smooth surface before continuing with the installation procedure to cover various substrates, this cement is a self-drying, self-healing concrete product.

The product dries in 15 minutes and may be installed from a genuine feather edge up to a respectable depth in a specific region. Cement’s resistance to mildew and mold makes it ideal for use with castor wheels.

As one of the best repairing alternatives, Ardex feather-finish cement comes highly recommended. This self-drying cement is excellent if you’re in the market for anything of that caliber.

It’s a combination of high-quality Portland cement and other types of cement that allows for exceptionally strong bonds.

To use, simply dilute it with water and spread it on. Each bag of cement can easily cover 300 square feet, making it an extremely cost-effective option.

Cement, however, must be kept exclusively in a dry and cold place. Cement may be damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

2. Henry Pre-Mixed Floor Patch

Buy Now on Amazon for US$12.98

Pros & Cons

Pros

The Henry 12064 is uniform and pleasant to the touch.
The product’s implementation is straightforward and effortless.
The cement and polymer will adhere strongly after they have cured.
It’s easy to clean up if you spill it by mistake.

Cons

Plenty of other superior alternatives are available at this price point.
Some reviewers have claimed that Henry 12064 does not hold up for very long.
This is not the finest coverage by any means, but it is enough.

Specifications

Item Weight	12.5 lb
Country of Origin	United States
Brand name	Henry, W.W. Co.
Item Dimensions	7.6″L x 7.6″W x 7.8″H
Color	Gray
Water Resistance Level
Shape

Product Description

If you need a tool to fix and smooth wood, masonry, or concrete within your home, the Henry 12064 is a perfect choice. Easy to make and effective, this floor patch is a no-brainer.

The item is absolutely pure and sturdy. You can purchase this item in single, double, triple, or quadruple quantities.

In a nutshell, all you need is dry, clean wood and the Henry 12064 to get the job done. In addition, it may be used to repair fractures in the concrete that do not move.

But it can’t be used on cracks or joints that move. The 12064 can be used as a final finish over brick and concrete. Simply apply this superior patch across the entire affected area.

Henry 12064’s geographical coverage is equally outstanding. Covering an area five square feet in size with a thickness of one-eighth of an inch requires a quarter of a gallon, but covering twenty square feet with the same amount of paint requires just one gallon.

In order to postpone the floor patch’s hardening, just scrub the area with warm water and a moist sponge.

The Henry 12064 floor patch is very easy to store. A dry, cold environment is all that’s required for storage after the container has been sealed.

It is important, however, to keep the temperature above freezing. It also has a respectable shelf life, lasting for up to a year if not opened. In addition, Henry 12064 has a full year of warranty coverage.

3. Quikrete Fast-Setting Self Leveling Floor Surfacer

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros & Cons

Pros

The concrete’s aesthetic value will be raised with the help of this resurfacer.
The product extends the service life of the concrete by a few years.
It is possible to restore the concrete’s original condition with the help of Quikrete resurfacer.
Used and endorsed by the industry

Cons

Cracked or disintegrating concrete is not repairable with the resurfacer.
Only perfectly smooth and level concrete may be utilized with the surfacer.

Specifications

Manufacturer	‎THE QUIKRETE COMPANIES INC
Item Weight	‎50 pounds
Product Dimensions	‎4 x 20 x 12.5 inches
Color	‎Gray

Product Description

In both topping and underlayment capacities, the Quikrete Fast-Setting floor surfacer impresses. It’s great for finishing flooring and ceramic tiles since it creates a very smooth surface.

The Quikrete surfacer is adaptable since it may be used in a variety of settings. If the finish on your floor is damaged, whether it’s an older floor, a floor made of modern concrete, or an industrial floor, it may be readily repaired.

The surfacer’s adaptability makes it useful in many contexts, although its application is challenging compared to other resurfacers.

This surfacer, however, takes only a few seconds to prepare after being combined with water. Whether you want a thin or thick combination, adjusting the amount of water used is a simple way to get your desired consistency.

Repairing cracks and holes, resurfacing existing concrete, and even the shower floor are all simple projects using the Quikrete surfacer.

Additionally, this is one of the resurfacing with the shortest setting times, taking only around four hours to harden completely. It is possible, however, that the resurfacer will settle in less than four hours, depending on the surface on which it is applied.

In addition, you must moisten the concrete before applying the surfacer mixture since the mixture will not adhere to damp material.

Putting the mixture on a highly reactive surface will cause it to harden in no time. Continue adding water on a regular basis to avoid this issue. The addition of water will help the mixture keep its form.

4. Bostik Self Leveling Cement

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros & Cons

Pros

There is 21% recycled material in the Bostik SL-175.
There aren’t many types of cement as sturdy as this one on the market today.
Both stowing away and using the item are breezes.
Within an hour or two, service can be restored.

Cons

The coverage is poor in that regard.
The cost of this item is really high.

Specifications

Manufacturer	‎Lumber Liquidators
Item Weight	‎50 pounds
Item Package Quantity	1

Product Description

The Bostik SL-175 is a premium cement-based self-leveling underlayment that is widely utilized in commercial settings. In preparation for laying flooring, it can make the ground flat, level, or smooth.

Bostik SL-175 is ideal for those seeking difficult applications because of its high leveling qualities, minimal shrinkage, and long drying time.

In addition, it has a very sturdy wear layer, so you may enjoy the concrete’s original aesthetics while still protecting them. Surface treatments, dyes, and topical stains will all add to your palette of potential embellishments.

In just two hours after application, the Bostik SL-175 will make any surface walkable.

Application ranges from tidy (1/8 inch to 2 inches) to appropriately stretched (up to 5 inches), which is satisfactory. The product’s excellent blending and healing effects can be preserved for up to 20 minutes after application.

This Bostik SL-175 is great for pumping since it resists mildew and mold. It can also function as an underlayment or wear layer.

It can remain accessible during regular construction hours. Bostik SL-175 may also be used on “green concrete” during the early stages of construction.

The Bostik SL-175 is an extremely effective product because of its calcium aluminate composition.

Underlayment is composed of 21% recycled materials, which is great news for eco-conscious consumers. When working with preexisting heights, the Bostik SL-175 may also be feather-edged.

5. Henry, W.W 12167 565 Underlayment Adhesive

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros & Cons

Pros

A water-based compound means quick and simple mixing.
Within six hours, ceramic tiles will be completely dry.
Good coverage in most areas
The product’s price is reasonable.

Cons

After 16 hours, most other flooring types will be dry.
A dedicated primer is not included with the 565.
It can be a hassle to clean up the mess.

Specifications

Brand	Henry, W.W. Co.
Color	White
Item Package Quantity	1
Package Information	Pouch

Product Description

Henry 565 is one of the best-powdered compounds you can get, and it’s water-based. Simply empty the contents into a bowl and add water to activate. The next step is to evenly distribute the mixture.

Quick-drying underlayment concrete such as Henry 565 allows tile installation to begin nearly six hours after installation. Wait times for alternative flooring kinds average 16 hours.

Henry 565 may be installed up to a thickness of five inches, making it the ideal option for filling up larger cracks in any style of flooring. The 565 is versatile enough to be utilized on a wide variety of substrates, including wood, ceramic tile, and concrete.

No primer is included with your Henry 565 purchase. Primer is a necessary step before beginning the layering process. For this, the manufacturer suggests using the underlayment primer it offers.

The low price of the Henry 565 is one of its outstanding features. Having a thickness of only 1/8 inch, one bag is sufficient to cover a 44-square-foot area. Depending on the weather, the 565 should be ready to go in 30–45 minutes.

6. Sakrete Self-Leveling Underlayment

Pros & Cons

Pros

Ease of Use: Simple mixing and pouring process, user-friendly for both professionals and DIYers.
Quick Setting: Sets quickly, allowing for faster completion of projects and subsequent flooring installations.
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of substrates, including concrete and wood.
Leveling Efficiency: Excellent for smoothing and leveling uneven floors effectively.
Depth Application: Can be applied from featheredge to 1 inch thick in one pour.

Cons

Working Time: Limited working time due to quick-setting nature, requiring efficient application.
Preparation Required: Substrate needs to be properly prepared and primed for optimal results.
Moisture Sensitivity: Like many cement-based products, it may be sensitive to moisture and requires proper sealing.
Thickness Limitation: For depths over 1 inch, multiple applications or a different product may be needed.
Coverage Variability: Actual coverage may vary based on substrate conditions and application thickness.

Specifications

Brand	Sakrete
Material	Cement-based compound
Compatible Material	Concrete, wood, ceramic, terrazzo tiles, and more
Item Form	Powder
Color	Typically gray after curing

Product Description

Sakrete Self-Leveling Underlayment is a versatile and easy-to-use solution designed to create a smooth, level surface on a variety of substrates. Ideal for preparing uneven floors for flooring installation or repairs, this underlayment is known for its strong bonding properties and ease of application. It is formulated to provide a quick setting and durable surface that can be used in both residential and commercial settings. The product is suitable for use over concrete, wood, ceramic, terrazzo tiles, and other surfaces, making it a go-to choice for a wide range of renovation and construction projects.

This self-leveling underlayment by Sakrete is especially popular due to its ability to level surfaces quickly and effectively. It can be poured to depths from featheredge to 1 inch in a single pour, making it a flexible option for various project requirements. The quick-setting nature of the product allows for the installation of floor coverings in a relatively short period after application, which is a significant advantage in time-sensitive projects.

7. Mapei Self Leveler Plus

Pros & Cons

Pros

Rapid Setting: Allows for quicker installation of floor coverings, typically within 16 to 24 hours.
High Flow and Leveling: Excellent at creating a smooth, flat surface with minimal effort.
Versatility: Suitable for a variety of substrates, including concrete and plywood.
Ease of Use: Can be easily mixed and applied, making it user-friendly for both professionals and DIY users.
High Strength: Offers a durable surface, ensuring a solid foundation for floor coverings.

Cons

Preparation Requirements: Substrates must be properly prepared and primed for optimal results.
Moisture Sensitivity: Like other cement-based products, it is sensitive to moisture, requiring proper sealing.
Limited Thickness: Not ideal for very deep fills without aggregate or multiple applications.
Working Time: Fast setting time requires quick application and may not be ideal for beginners.
Cost: Can be more expensive than some other self-leveling underlayment options.

Specifications

Brand	Mapei
Material	Cement-based compound
Compatible Material	Concrete, plywood, and other approved substrates
Item Form	Powder
Color	Gray

Product Description

Mapei Self Leveler Plus is a high-strength, cement-based underlayment designed for evening out, smoothing, and leveling interior floors. This product is highly regarded for its superior flow and leveling properties, making it an ideal choice for preparing surfaces prior to the installation of a wide variety of floor coverings, including tile, stone, and wood. It is specifically formulated to produce a smooth and flat surface with high durability, which is essential for ensuring the longevity and aesthetics of the flooring installed over it.

This self-leveling compound is suitable for both residential and commercial applications, and it can be used over a range of substrates, including concrete and plywood. Mapei Self Leveler Plus is known for its rapid setting time, which allows for the installation of flooring in as little as 16 to 24 hours after application, significantly reducing downtime. Its ease of use and consistent performance have made it a popular choice among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

8. Laticrete NXT Level Plus

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros & Cons

Pros

Excellent Leveling: Provides a smooth, flat surface suitable for a variety of floor coverings.
Rapid Setting: Allows for quicker installation of floor coverings, reducing project time.
Fiber Reinforcement: Offers enhanced stability and durability of the underlayment.
Versatile Use: Compatible with a wide range of substrates, including concrete and plywood.
Easy to Apply: Superior flow characteristics make it user-friendly and consistent.

Cons

Preparation Requirements: Requires proper substrate preparation for optimal performance.
Cost Consideration: May be more expensive than some other self-leveling underlayments.
Moisture Sensitivity: As with many cement-based products, it requires proper sealing against moisture.
Limited Thickness Range: May require multiple applications for very deep leveling.
Working Time Constraints: Quick setting nature demands efficient application, which can be challenging for beginners.

Specifications

Brand	Laticrete
Material	Cementitious blend with fiber reinforcement
Compatible Material	Concrete, exterior glue plywood, non-water-soluble adhesive residue on concrete
Item Form	Powder
Color	Typically gray after curing

Product Description

Laticrete NXT Level Plus is a premium-grade, self-leveling underlayment designed to deliver a smooth and flat surface for the installation of a wide range of floor coverings. This product is renowned for its exceptional leveling capabilities and robust performance. It is engineered to provide a quick and effective solution for smoothing and flattening interior substrates. NXT Level Plus is particularly suitable for situations where high quality and performance are essential, such as in commercial, retail, and residential flooring installations.

The formulation of Laticrete NXT Level Plus is designed to offer superior flow characteristics, making it easy to apply while ensuring a consistent, high-quality finish. It’s suitable for use over various substrates, including concrete, exterior glue plywood, and non-water-soluble adhesive residue on concrete. Its rapid setting time facilitates faster installation of subsequent floor coverings, thereby reducing project turnaround times. The product’s fiber reinforcement enhances its performance, providing additional stability and durability to the underlayment.

Best Self-Leveling Concrete: A Buying Guide

Whether you’re looking for a product with high compressive strength or a quick drying period, it can be difficult to sort through the plethora of self-leveling concrete options on the market and choose which one will work best.

Self-leveling concrete is convenient since it’s easy to select the proper mix. If you only follow this handy buyer’s guide:

When attempting to correct a lack of flatness, it is usually a good idea to measure the concrete and note both the lowest and maximum thicknesses.

Self-leveling concrete comes in a wide range of thicknesses, from 1/16 inch to 5 inches. However, a thin self-leveler cannot be applied thickly. To get the desired thickness, you must specify the number of layers you are ready to merge.

Flow

If the self-leveling concrete is pouring at a good rate, you’ll have less trouble getting the job done. The concrete will automatically position itself in the region if the flow rate is increased.

The rate at which the self-leveling concrete repairs itself is likewise dependent on the flow. If you want an even coating of concrete, you won’t have to force yourself or work too hard.

Curing Time

How long does it take for self-leveling concrete to dry? This may be the most crucial factor. This is another case where the answer is conditional on the specific self-leveling concrete product in the issue.

You should search for a product that dries in under 90 minutes if you require a fast turnaround.

If you’re willing to wait, you may find a product that dries in only two or three days. Your personal tastes should prevail in the end.

Stress in a Compressed State

The self-leveling concrete’s durability will change depending on its intended use: home, office, supermarket, or industrial warehouse. There is a unique compressive strength associated with each variety of self-leveling concrete.

Some may reach 7,500 psi or even higher. The self-leveling concrete’s capacity to support weight and traffic will increase as its compressive strength increases.

FAQs about Self-Leveling Concrete

To What Extent Should Self-Leveling Concrete Be Applied?

The self-leveling concrete should be applied at a thickness that is appropriate for the purpose and the particular product being used. The typical range for thickness is between 1/8 and 1 inch. It’s possible to have a thickness of as little as 1/25 inch or as much as 6 inches.

How Much Space Can Be Covered by a Single 50-Pound Bag of Self-Leveling Concrete?

One-eighth of an inch of self-leveling concrete should be enough to cover 50 square feet, therefore a regular 50-pound pack should be sufficient.

The Mechanism of Action of This Self-Healing Concrete Needs Clarification

Since self-leveling concrete is so thick and sticky, you won’t need a trowel to spread it. Similarly, to a viscous liquid, concrete will flow into empty spots and fill them as you work. The cement will cure quickly and evenly, creating a smooth surface. The structure and the setting are more durable than regular concrete.

Must A Primer Be Applied Before the Leveling Procedure Can Begin?

The surface should be primed before the self-leveling concrete is applied. You may not need to prime the surface if you get a self-leveling concrete product from a company that also sells a primer or one that mixes the two together.

Do You Think the Second Layer of Self-Leveling Concrete Is Required?

There is the option to add a second coat of self-leveling concrete, but only after the first layer has fully cured and set. Before painting the second coat, you can also use a primer.