Advice
Floor levelling for PVC: costs and when it is needed
A sleek PVC floor starts with a flat subfloor. Read on to find out when levelling is needed, what it costs and how we approach it.
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Levelling makes an uneven subfloor flat using a hardening levelling compound. It costs on average €10 to €25 per m² and is always required under glue-down PVC flooring, after removing tiles, or if the subfloor is not flat enough for the chosen floor. On a wooden floor, we use dry levelling with sheet material. A flat subfloor prevents imperfections from showing through in your new floor.
How much does levelling cost?
- Light levelling (thin layer)€10 to €15/m²
- Standard levelling€15 to €20/m²
- Heavy levelling (large height difference)€20 to €25/m², thicker layers priced after measuring
- Removing old flooring€8 to €12 per m², including disposal
Indicative prices. The exact price follows after an assessment of your subfloor. Telephone advice and video consultations are free of charge. An on-site assessment is free if you purchase the floor from us. If you decide not to go ahead with us, the visit costs €150.
When is it needed?
- When the flatness does not meet the manufacturer's requirements
- After removing old tiles or adhesive residue
- Pits, cracks or a rough screed
- Always required under glue-down PVC flooring and glued herringbone
How we approach it
Assessment
During an on-site assessment, we check the flatness, condition and residual moisture of your subfloor. An on-site assessment is free if you purchase the floor from us. If you decide not to go ahead with us, the visit costs €150.
Preparation
Old residue and dust are removed and the subfloor is pre-treated with primer.
Levelling
The levelling compound is applied evenly and smoothed out to a flat, sleek surface.
PVC fitting
Once cured, we fit your PVC floor onto a perfectly flat subfloor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does floor levelling cost per m²?
Levelling a subfloor has an indicative cost of €10 to €25 per m², depending on the layer thickness, the product used and the condition of the subfloor. Telephone advice and video consultations are free of charge. An on-site assessment is free if you purchase the floor from us. If you decide not to go ahead with us, the visit costs €150.
Is levelling always necessary for a PVC floor?
For glue-down PVC flooring, yes: it requires a smooth, even subfloor, otherwise every imperfection will show through. Click PVC flooring also requires a flat subfloor. Unevenness puts strain on the click joints, which can cause them to open up or break. We measure the tolerance allowed by the manufacturer during the intake.
When do I need to have my floor levelled?
When the floor is not flat enough for your chosen flooring, after removing old tiles or adhesive residue, on a sand-cement screed with pits and cracks, and always under glue-down PVC flooring. Over time, an uneven subfloor will show through in the PVC floor.
How long does levelling compound take to dry?
Levelling compound can usually be walked on after a few hours. Fitting can only take place once the layer is dry enough; how long that takes depends on the layer thickness and the product. We measure the residual moisture before fitting and schedule this in.
Levelling on a wooden floor?
On wooden joists or floorboards, we do not use wet levelling compound: it can crack and is heavy for an older floor. Instead, we screw sheet material onto the floor for dry levelling. First, we check the joists for deflection and moisture. We determine the price after measuring up.
Can I level the floor myself?
You can, but it requires precision: incorrect mixing or an uneven layer will show through in the finished floor. For a sleek result, especially with glue-down PVC flooring and herringbone, we recommend professional levelling.
Wondering if your floor needs levelling?
We discuss the condition of your subfloor. Any assessment and preparation are agreed in advance and included in the quotation.