Fine concrete instead of self-leveling compound

[simpa81]

Hello and happy new year!

I need to even out the concrete floor in the laundry room before laying tiles. Approximately 10-20mm.

Is it possible to do this with fine concrete instead of self-leveling compound? I'm thinking of mixing the concrete a little looser. The result isn't super important as it is a basement and just a laundry room. Fine concrete is significantly cheaper.

 

[term]

The concrete will detach from the substrate with such thin layers, unlike self-leveling compound. So, not a good idea.

 

[simpa81]

Aha, thanks for the answer!

Can I use the cheapest possible leveling compound or does it have to be something super expensive that can withstand rising moisture?

 

[hempularen]

The concrete also has a very long drying time compared to self-leveling compound. Don't know which compound is suitable for your situation.

But it's a relevant question, many self-leveling compounds "absorb moisture", i.e., they continue to chemically react with moisture that is added later, and eventually become porous and swell. There are moisture-resistant variants.

 

[Pagno]

ARDEX K 301 works well for you, cheaper alternatives might be a gamble, discuss with your hardware store about your requirements.
Good luck!

 

[Pagno]

It seems like byggmax has a product that might work
Article number 18251, cement-based floor leveling compound.

 

[simpa81]

Thanks for the tip! I'm counting on needing about 20 bags, so 169:- feels better than 750:-

 

[ensamresande]

Hope you haven't started using the Byggmax filler, because I'm fairly certain it doesn't withstand incoming moisture...

 

[simpa81]

I emailed Byggmax customer service and they couldn't guarantee that it would work.

I'm considering skipping the self-leveling compound. The ceiling height is quite low. Thinking about renting a machine and grinding down the worst unevenness and then just accepting it.

 

[ensamresande]

I emailed Byggmax customer service and they couldn't guarantee it would work.

I'm considering skipping the self-leveling compound. The ceiling height is quite low. I'm thinking about renting a machine to sand down the worst uneven spots, then just accept the situation.

According to this, Kiilto Plan Rapid should withstand penetrative moisture, and it only costs 150 SEK/bag. However, sanding down the worst peaks might still be a good idea, if for no other reason than to save on compound.

 

[simpa81]

Interesting! Great tips, thank you so much!