How to Level a Concrete Surface

Are you looking to level an uneven concrete floor? Whether it's for an existing concrete floor, a garage floor, or a driveway, leveling a concrete surface is an important step in creating a durable and even structure.

This guide will provide an overview of the steps necessary to level your concrete surface.

What is a Concrete Surface?

First things first, let's define what a concrete surface is and isn't.

Concrete and cement are often used interchangeably, but cement is actually an ingredient in concrete. In concrete, aggregates are mixed with paste. A paste made from water and cement is applied over aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone and creates concrete.

Why Do You Need to Level a Concrete Surface?

Leveling a concrete surface ensures that the structure will be sturdy and durable. It also ensures that the weight of the material is evenly distributed.

Without proper leveling, the surface will be uneven and may not support the weight of whatever material or structure you are building on top of it. This could lead to cracking or shifts in the structure, which can cause damage over time.

What Can Happen If You Don't Level a Concrete Surface?

If you don't level a concrete surface, the structure built on top of it could become unstable and unsafe. Uneven surfaces can cause cracking in materials such as wood, brick, or stone and can lead to further damage over time.

Additionally, if the weight of the structure is not evenly distributed due to an uneven concrete surface, it could create a dangerous situation.

Preparation

Preparation is an important step in any process, but this is even more true with concrete leveling. This is because it's hard to go back and change any mistakes made during the process.

Before beginning the leveling process, it's important to clear away any debris or dirt from the surface of the existing concrete. This will ensure that nothing gets in the way or interferes with a smooth level.

Once everything is cleared away, you'll want to make sure that there are no large cracks in the surface of your concrete. If there are, you'll want to fill them in and allow that material to dry before continuing.

How to Inspect the Existing Surface for Unevenness or Defects

To properly level a concrete floor or surface, you'll first need to inspect it for any unevenness or defects. This is an important step in the process because it will help you identify any areas that need extra leveling.

To do this, you can use a concrete leveler or a tool such as a laser level. A laser level will provide an accurate reading of how even the surface is and will help you identify any areas that need extra attention.

Gathering the Essentials

Once the surface is cleared and inspected, it’s now time to gather the materials needed to level your concrete surface. You’ll need the following materials:

Concrete Mix of Choice

This is the base material that will be used to level the concrete surface. It is important to choose a concrete mix, such as self-leveling concrete, that is suitable for your project. Do note that some mixes may not be strong enough for certain applications.

What Is Self-leveling Concrete, Is It the Same As Regular Concrete?

Self-leveling concrete is a type of concrete mix which has been specially designed to level itself when poured. This makes it much easier to use than regular concrete, as you don't have to worry about troweling or compressing the material into place as much.

Self-leveling concrete should be used for applications such as indoor floors, countertops and other flat surfaces where a perfectly even finish is desired.

Trowel

A trowel is a tool used to spread and level out the concrete mix on the surface. It's important to choose the right size trowel for your project, as too small of a trowel can create an uneven surface, while a tool that is too large will take much longer.

Leveling Compound

As mentioned before, a leveling tool such as a laser level is essential when it comes to making sure that your concrete surface is even. It's important to be precise when leveling a concrete surface, because small imperfections can add up quickly.

Shovel

You’ll need a shovel to help spread the concrete mix around the surface. It's important to choose a shovel that can reach the corners of the area you are working on.

Rake

Once the surface has been leveled, it’s important to use a rake to remove any excess concrete mix and create an even surface. This will help ensure that your newly leveled surface is ready for whatever application you need it for.

Finishing Tools

Once the surface is level and even, use finishing tools such as a trowel or straight edge to smoothen out any bumps or ridges. 

Applying the Concrete Mix

Now that you have all of your materials, it’s time to start applying the wet concrete mix. Start by pouring some of the concrete mix into the area and use your shovel to spread it around evenly.

Once you have spread out the mix, take your trowel and start leveling it out. Make sure that you are going in one direction and not moving back and forth, as this can create an uneven surface.

As you level with your trowel, use your laser level to check the surface for any imperfections and make sure that it is even.

Once you have finished leveling out the concrete mix, use your shovel to spread out the excess material and create a smooth finish.

Curing Time

Now that you have leveled your concrete surface, it’s important to give it enough time to cure before using it. Depending on the mix, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

What is Curing?

Curing is the process of allowing wet concrete to set and harden so that it can reach its full strength. It involves keeping the concrete wet for some time (usually between 3-7 days). This helps ensure that the structure built on top of the surface will be sturdy and durable.

Is There Any Way I Can Speed Up the Curing Process?

Yes, there are some things that you can do to help speed up the curing process.

First, you can cover the concrete with plastic sheeting or a tarp and mist it periodically with water. This helps keep moisture in the mix and will help it cure faster.

Second, you can use an accelerator such as Calcium Chloride to help speed up the process. An accelerator will reduce the curing time by as much as half, allowing you to get back to using your newly leveled surface that much sooner.

Finally, you can use an admixture in the concrete mix. Admixtures are special chemicals that are added to concrete mixes to improve their strength and durability. They can also help the mix cure faster.

Finishing Touches

Once you have finished applying the concrete mix and leveling it out, use your finishing tools to smooth and shape the surface.

If you’ll be painting the concrete afterward, this is also an ideal time to apply any concrete primer. Additionally, this is also the time to start polishing your concrete floors with a quality concrete polisher if needed.

What Are Some Risks with Levelling Concrete?

When leveling concrete floors, there are a few risks to be aware of. First, working with concrete can create dust particles that can be hazardous if inhaled or if they come in contact with your skin. It's also possible for tools and materials to break during the process, which could lead to injury.

Additionally, leveling concrete incorrectly can result in uneven surfaces, which may not support whatever project you are working on. Lastly, moving heavy tools and materials can lead to strain or injury if done incorrectly.

With all that being said, it is important to exercise caution and take all necessary safety precautions when leveling concrete.

Safety Tips

Be sure to wear gloves, goggles, and other protective gear when handling concrete materials. It’s also important to make sure that you are not working in an area where there is a chance of slipping or tripping over any loose debris. Lastly, be aware of your surroundings, and always work in a well-ventilated space.

If you’re finding that dust has become an excessive problem, investing in a high-tech dust vacuum might be one of the best things you can do for your own health.

What are Some Top Mistakes People Make When Levelling Concrete?

When leveling concrete, it’s easy to make mistakes. Common mistakes include not using a leveling tool such as a laser or concrete leveler compound to check for any imperfections, not giving the material enough time to cure, and using the wrong type of mix for the project.

Additionally, some people may rush through the process or try to skip steps, which can lead to an uneven surface or weak structure. It’s important to take your time and make sure that each step is done correctly to ensure a successful project.

Conclusion

Leveling a concrete surface is an important step in any construction project. It’s important to take the necessary steps and precautions to ensure that your newly leveled surface is ready for whatever application you need it for.

Although the leveling process can seem intimidating, with the right tools, materials, safety precautions, and leveling compound, leveling a concrete surface can be a straightforward process!