Should I use floor self leveling compound or build up with thinset mortar for floor tile?

Question

Finishing a full bathroom addition in my basement and have a pretty uneven concrete floor. I've heard some horror stories about using self leveling compound... and I'm worried that if I use it, I'm going to have problems at the doorway (entrance) to the bathroom. I'm worried that the bath entry will be built up too much above the carpeted hallway immediately outside.

Can I use thinset mortar to build up areas that need to be built up? Or will the thinset not be as durable as a self leveling compound?

Answer 1

Certainly with all due respect to you, and my Peers here; I'd do 1/4 concrete backer board after thin set leveling. Transition moldings where needed (pancake).

I want to assume you'll FINISH that part or all of the floor at some point anyway.

The only issue in this regard I might consider or have to modify might be for a floor drain or sump pump somewhere in the basement.

Again, and with no offense; we can't strictly know how you define uneven? Is it in an across the floor "UNLEVEL" situation, or a poorly floated floor initially; or degradation in pockets over areas of the floor?

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Should I use floor self leveling compound or build up with thinset mortar for floor tile?
Finishing a full bathroom addition in my basement and have a pretty uneven concrete floor. I've heard some horror stories about using self leveling compound... and I'm worried that if I use it, I'm going to have problems at the doorway (entrance) to the bathroom. I'm worried that...

Answer 3

Self Leveling Thinset

Answer 4

The self leveling compound is only for filling in "holes" or dips in the floor. Your floor can still be slanted in any direction when you tile. If you are trying to totally level the floor, then you would have a problem at the door. How big are the dips in the floor? Are you trying to level the floor? The only real Level space you will need is going to be under the tub and toilet, otherwise, your floor can be slanted. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

The way my subcontractors did that in the past was...
They mixed a little portland cement with sand, this will make a good filler, I think their mix was one large square shovel load of portland to about 160 pounds of sand (2 Large bags)
Use some small diameter piping as leveling guides...
This should be cheaper and just as hard as thinset.

Answer 6

use thinset,