How To Level Basement Floor (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Level Basement Floor » How To Level Basement Floor (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Level Basement Floor PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Leveling with a Concrete Grinder
    • |
  • Using a Self-Leveling Agent
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 72,509 times.

Before you finish your basement floor with tiles, wood, or carpeting, it's important that the floor is completely level. Fortunately, you can level an uneven basement floor using either a concrete grinder or a self-leveling agent.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Leveling with a Concrete Grinder

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Rent a concrete grinder from your local home improvement center. 1 Rent a concrete grinder from your local home improvement center. Most home improvement centers have concrete grinders you can rent out for a project so you don’t have to buy one outright. If you’re not sure whether a store near you rents them, call ahead and ask before you go in.[1]
  2. Step 2 Clear off your basement floor. 2 Clear off your basement floor. When using a concrete grinder, it's important that the floor is completely free of any obstacles or debris. Remove all of the appliances and furniture in your basement. Then, go over the floor with a vacuum to pick up any dirt or dust. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Put on safety goggles and a respirator before you start. 3 Put on safety goggles and a respirator before you start. When you’re grinding concrete, small particles of concrete can be thrown into the air. These particles can be dangerous if they get in your eyes or lungs. It’s important that you wear safety goggles and a respirator at all times when you’re using a concrete grinder.[2]
    • You can find safety goggles and a respirator online or at your local home improvement center.
  4. Step 4 Spray your basement floor with a hose if you want to wet grind the concrete. 4 Spray your basement floor with a hose if you want to wet grind the concrete. You can either dry grind or wet grind your floor. Wet grinding is preferable because the water on the floor soaks up the concrete dust and leaves less of a mess to clean up later on. You don’t have to wet grind your basement floor, just keep in mind that you’ll have a bigger mess to clean up if you don’t.[3]
    • Read the manual that came with your concrete grinder to make sure it’s compatible with wet grinding.
    • If you decide to wet grind, spray your basement floor with enough water that there's a visible puddle across the entire floor.
  5. Step 5 Plug in your concrete grinder and turn it on. 5 Plug in your concrete grinder and turn it on. Make sure all of the proper attachments are in place so it works effectively. You should also read through the user’s manual that came with the grinder before you turn it on.
  6. Step 6 Push the grinder back and forth from one side of the floor to the other. 6 Push the grinder back and forth from one side of the floor to the other. When you reach one side of the floor, move the grinder over next to the row you just made and then slowly push it back to the other side to make a new row. Continue doing this until you’ve gone over the entire surface of the floor.[4]
    • When you encounter a raised spot on the floor, hold the grinder over it for a few seconds so it grinds it down.
    • Make sure you’re pushing the grinder in a straight line.
  7. Step 7 Repeat going in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern. 7 Repeat going in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern. Once you’ve gone over the floor once with the concrete grinder, it’s important that you go over it a second time in the opposite direction so that the floor is even. Do the same thing you did the first time you went over the floor, only this time push the grinder perpendicular to the rows you just made.[5]
  8. Step 8 Let your basement floor dry if necessary and then vacuum up any dust. 8 Let your basement floor dry if necessary and then vacuum up any dust. If you wet ground the floor, you’ll need to let it completely dry before you clean it. Otherwise, you can start vacuuming up the dust right away. Once your floor is clean, you can move any furniture and appliances you took out back into the room.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Using a Self-Leveling Agent

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Buy a self-leveling agent from your local home improvement store. 1 Buy a self-leveling agent from your local home improvement store. A self-leveling agent is a powder that can level an uneven surface when it’s mixed with water.[6] The exact amount of self-leveling agent you need depends on the size of the floor you're leveling.[7]
  2. Step 2 Choose a quick-drying leveling agent if you're in a rush to get the floor done. 2 Choose a quick-drying leveling agent if you're in a rush to get the floor done. Quick-drying leveling agents dry a lot faster than regular leveling agents, so they're a good option if you need to get the floor done quickly. However, they don't leave a lot of room for error because of how fast they dry. If you're new to using self-leveling agents, you may want to go with one that has a longer drying time.[8]
  3. Step 3 Get enough self-leveling agent to cover the entire floor. 3 Get enough self-leveling agent to cover the entire floor. To determine how much self-leveling agent you need, start by calculating the floor's square footage. Then, check the label on the self-leveling agent you want to buy to see the number of square feet it covers. Finally, divide the floor's square footage by the number of square feet listed on the self-leveling agent to get the number of bags you'll need.
    • For example, if the floor's square footage is 100, and the self-leveling agent covers 25 square feet, you would need 4 bags.
    • Get more self-leveling agent than you think you need so you don't accidentally run out.
  4. Step 4 Clear off and clean your basement floor. 4 Clear off and clean your basement floor. Before you apply a self-leveling agent, it’s important that your basement floor is free of any furniture, appliances, and debris. Once everything is cleared off your basement floor, vacuum and mop the floor to get rid of any dirt and dust.
  5. Step 5 Block areas you don’t want leveling agent to go into with strips of wood. 5 Block areas you don’t want leveling agent to go into with strips of wood. Measure any doorways or other parts of the basement you don't want the self-leveling agent to spread into. Then, cut strips of wood that will fit in these spots. The strips of wood should be at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) tall so none of the leveling agent goes over them. Use duct tape to secure the strips of wood in place.[9]
    • When you’re finished leveling the floor and it’s hardened, you'll be able to easily remove the strips of wood.
  6. Step 6 Mix the self-leveling agent and water in a large bucket. 6 Mix the self-leveling agent and water in a large bucket. First, pour the water into the bucket — read the instructions that came with your self-leveling agent for exactly how much water to use. Then, pour in the self-leveling agent. Use a cement mixer or high speed drill to mix the powder and water together until the powder is fully dissolved.[10]
    • You can find a cement mixer online or at your local home improvement center.
  7. Step 7 Pour the self-leveling agent over the floor. 7 Pour the self-leveling agent over the floor. Start pouring at the furthest point from the exit — that way you won’t have to walk through the self-leveling agent as you work. If you run out of liquid to pour, you’ll need to mix another bucket and then continue covering the floor. You want the layer of self-leveling agent to be thick enough that it covers the highest point on the floor.[11]
    • If you need to walk through the self-leveling agent, wear cleats so you’re only leaving tiny holes behind with each step. The leveling agent will spread out to fill in the holes.[12]
  8. Step 8 Use a squeegee or trowel to spread around the self-leveling agent. 8 Use a squeegee or trowel to spread around the self-leveling agent. The leveling agent should be thin enough to spread out on its own, but you may need to help it reach the edges and corners of the room. Use the squeegee or trowel to push the leveling agent in the direction you want it to spread.[13]
    • When you’re finished, look around and make sure the entire floor is covered with leveling agent.
  9. Step 9 Let the self-leveling agent fully dry. 9 Let the self-leveling agent fully dry.[14] The amount of time it will take the leveling agent to dry depends on what kind you used. If you used regular self-leveling agent, it can take 1-3 days for the floor to fully dry. If you used a quick-drying leveling agent, your floor may be dry after several hours.[15]
    • To test if the leveling agent is dry, try standing on it. If your feet leave any kind of depression in the floor, it’s not dry enough yet.
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How hard is it to use a self-leveling agent? Ryaan Tuttle Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. Ryaan Tuttle Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Expert Answer Not hard at all! All you have to do is mix up the product and pour it over the sloped surface. Like the name suggests, the product levels itself out on its own. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You’ll Need

Leveling with a Concrete Grinder

  • Concrete grinder
  • Safety goggles
  • Respirator
  • Hose

Using a Self-Leveling Agent

  • Self-leveling agent
  • Plastic bucket
  • Vacuum
  • Wood strips
  • Duct tape
  • Squeegee or trowel
  • Cement mixer

You Might Also Like

Level Concrete FloorsThe Best Way to Level Your Uneven Concrete Floors Level a FloorThe Best Way to Level High or Low Spots in Your Floor Latex a FloorHow toLatex a Floor Lay Tile on ConcreteHow toLay Tile on Concrete Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on ConcreteHow toInstall Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete Polish ConcreteHow toPolish Concrete Sand ConcreteHow toSand Concrete Level GroundHow to Level Ground: An Easy Guide for Beginners Do Epoxy FlooringAn Expert-Approved Guide to Epoxying Floors Yourself Repair a Concrete FloorHow toRepair a Concrete Floor Fit Carpet GrippersHow toFit Carpet Grippers Level Ground for a PoolHow to Level Your Yard for a Pool Add Concrete to Existing ConcreteHow toAdd Concrete to Existing Concrete Level Your YardHow toLevel Your Yard Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-level-a-concrete-floor/#.WoRc8pM-euU
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2nEBQyCUII&feature=youtu.be&t=83
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2nEBQyCUII&feature=youtu.be&t=138
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2nEBQyCUII&feature=youtu.be&t=150
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2nEBQyCUII&feature=youtu.be&t=170
  6. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-level-a-concrete-floor/#.WoRluZM-euV
  8. ↑ https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/how-to-pour-self-levelling-cement/
  9. ↑ https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/how-to-pour-self-levelling-cement/
More References (6)
  1. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/how-to-pour-self-levelling-cement/
  4. ↑ https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/how-to-pour-self-levelling-cement/
  5. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/how-to-pour-self-levelling-cement/

About This Article

Ryaan Tuttle Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 72,509 times. 6 votes - 80% Co-authors: 5 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 72,509 Categories: Floors and Stairs Article SummaryX

To level a basement floor, start by removing any furniture and appliances on it and then thoroughly cleaning it. Then, mix a self-leveling agent with water in a large bucket and pour it over the surface of the floor. Use a squeegee or trowel to spread the self-leveling agent around until the whole floor is covered. Once the floor is covered, let it dry for 1-3 days. To learn how to level a basement floor using a concrete grinder, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 72,509 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ryaan Tuttle Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Co-authors: 5 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 72,509 80% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

Am I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Level Concrete FloorsThe Best Way to Level Your Uneven Concrete FloorsLevel a FloorThe Best Way to Level High or Low Spots in Your FloorLatex a FloorHow toLatex a FloorLay Tile on ConcreteHow toLay Tile on Concrete

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereHow Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Best Personality TestBest Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizCompatibility TestCompatibility Test10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

What Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksKiss PassionatelyHow toKiss PassionatelyWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Which Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family TestToxic Family TestDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧Daily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧

Quizzes & Games

What's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizShould I Hire a Housekeeper QuizShould I Hire a Housekeeper QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Home Maintenance
  • Floors and Stairs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --610

Tag » How To Level Basement Floor