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Level a sub-floor.
Self-levelling compound poured to fix uneven concrete or screed — ready for tile, LVT or wood.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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02 · Read the brief
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any flooring starts on floor Levelling Compound.
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Itemised quotes from up to 3 local floorings on floor Levelling Compound — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.
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Top tips
Hiring a flooring, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Not primed
Cement compound on dusty concrete doesn't bond — lifts within weeks. Always prime with acrylic primer first.
Air bubbles
Compound traps air during pour — surface gets pitted. Always spike-roll to release bubbles.
Cracking from movement
Existing concrete cracks telegraph through compound. Address the underlying crack first.
Wrong product depth
Feather-finish at 10mm cracks; standard at 30mm cracks. Use the right grade for the depth.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Compound supply per 25kg bagCovers ~3 m² at 5mm
£15–£35
Primer per litreCovers 5–8 m²
£10–£25
Self-level 3–5mm fittedPer m²
£10–£22/m²
Self-level 5–10mm fittedPer m²
£15–£30/m²
High-build 10–25mm fittedPer m²
£22–£40/m²
Feather-finish per m²0–3mm
£8–£15/m²
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Flooring briefing.
Infographic
Flooring quick-view
Video guide
Flooring explained
Self-levelling compound is a pourable cementitious mix that flows out flat to fix dips and unevenness in concrete subfloors. Expect to pay £10–£35 per m² for UK self-levelling depending on depth and grade.
What Does the Work Involve?
The substrate is cleaned, swept and primed (acrylic primer brushed on). Compound is mixed (3–4 litres of water per 25kg bag) and poured. Smoothed with a notched spreader or trowel, then spike-rolled to release air. Cures in 4–24 hours for foot traffic, 24–48 hours for the finish floor. Maximum pour depth depends on product: feather-finish 0–10mm; standard 3–15mm; high-build 10–50mm.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compound supply per 25kg bag | 15 | 35 | Covers ~3 m² at 5mm |
| Primer per litre | 10 | 25 | Covers 5–8 m² |
| Self-level 3–5mm fitted | 10 | 22 | Per m² |
| Self-level 5–10mm fitted | 15 | 30 | Per m² |
| High-build 10–25mm fitted | 22 | 40 | Per m² |
| Feather-finish per m² | 8 | 15 | 0–3mm |
| Hire spike roller | 10 | 20 | Per day |
How Long Does It Take?
20 m² self-levelling: 3–4 hours work, 24 hours cure to walk on, 48 hours for finish floor. The work itself is fast — drying time is the bottleneck.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-friendly for small areas (under 15 m²). Larger areas need two people working continuously — once mixed, the compound has to be poured within 15–25 minutes. Cracking the timing means an uneven finish.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any flooring fitter or general builder. The skill is in the priming and the timing — quality fitters spike-roll to remove bubbles. Brands: Mapei, Ardex, Sika, F. Ball are the UK leaders.
UK Regulations
No specific regulations. Cement-based products are slightly alkaline — wear gloves and eye protection.
Common Problems
- Not primed: Cement compound on dusty concrete doesn't bond — lifts within weeks. Always prime with acrylic primer first.
- Air bubbles: Compound traps air during pour — surface gets pitted. Always spike-roll to release bubbles.
- Cracking from movement: Existing concrete cracks telegraph through compound. Address the underlying crack first.
- Wrong product depth: Feather-finish at 10mm cracks; standard at 30mm cracks. Use the right grade for the depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can I pour self-levelling?
Depends on the product. Feather-finish 0–10mm; standard 3–15mm; high-build 10–50mm. Always check the bag spec.
Can I self-level over tile?
Yes — with the right primer (Ardex P82 or similar). Avoid loose tiles which lift the compound.
Can I self-level over timber?
With a flexible compound (Ardex K28 fibre-reinforced or similar) and a primer. Standard self-levelling cracks on timber.
How long before I can walk on it?
Foot traffic: 4–24 hours depending on product. Finish floor: 24–48 hours.
Will it crack?
Quality self-leveller, properly primed, at the right depth: no. Cracking is almost always wrong product depth, no primer, or compound mixed too dry.
What's feather-finish?
A very thin (0–3mm) levelling compound for cosmetic smoothing. Won't fix structural unevenness — use over already-flat subfloors only.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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