how do I level my basement?

Question

It is made of concrete and is uneven.I want even level floor.

Answer 1

You can either bust the floor out and pour a new concrete floor or you can pour more concrete on top of the floor. One thing is for certain, you are going to need to buy a level. Build a square frame out of 2x4's or 1x4's and raise or lower the corners of the frame till it is level on all sides. Make sure the frame is secure, then you can pour the concrete in. The concrete can be leveled by drawing a board across the frame. Use a concrete float and a trowel to smooth the concrete out. You'll need to work from the back of the basement to the front so you'll have a way out. You'll also need to work on sealing the floor so water doesn't get under it and start buckling it up. It won't be an easy job.

Answer 2

i am going to assume that u live in a house that has a full basement and is habitable. need to know just how uneven the floor is? u can repour over the old but takes much work. i think what u have, with out more info, is that the finish is uneven, not floated smooth!

its a long process to tell u how to fix it right, short version:

set up a transit and shoot a level line:
install expanding board around the walls u will be pouring against:
according to the width, u may need to install a "secrete board" in the center:
( secrete board is a board in the middle that is the same height as the expansion board u nailed to walls)
drill holes 2' on center around the room and install 5/8" rebar in the holes, sticking up 2" from old concrete but below the level line of ur secrete board and expansion boards:
pour ur concrete and use the expansion board and the secrete board to work off of, and work a level 2x4 across the 2. this will even out ur concrete u just poured:
when all poured, bull float the area:
then use a whirly bird on the area; ( looks like a large fan upside down with handles)


u can figure ur concrete u'll need by taking ur length x width and divide by 81. this will give u 4 " of concrete.

figure about $150.00 per yd installed if u sub it out, plus the drilling.





lic. gen. contractor

Answer 3

If it is poured unlevel, make sure that it's not supposed to be that way. If you have drains in the middle of the floor, it will slant towards the drain so that water runs into the drain.

If it is cracked and unlevel, you can buy self leveling compounds that you pour onto the floor, and as it hardens, it will level itself to the surrounding floor. Ask someone at a home improvement store, and they can take you right to it.