I have an old house with a basement floor that I want to level in order to put down vinyl flooring. Its uneven and is pocked with small holes. Can I mix a batch of sand/portland cement and just pour it down and smooth it out? If so, what is the best ratio of sand to cement? If its liquid enough will it simply level itself or do I need to trowel it smooth?
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To get it to level itself, you'd have to add too much water to have any strength left in the mix. Better to clean the slab, apply a bonding agent, and use a self-leveling product like Gypcrete or Ardex. QUikcrete just came out with a new concrete resurfacer (meant for driveways and patios) which "might" work- it appears to be somewhat self-leveling, and should be pretty durable, since it's meant to be used outside. Just check to see what the maximum recommended thickness is.
Bob
Bob--
Thanks for the info. The Ardex product looks perfect base on the web site. However, it doesnt provide distributor info. Who carries this product?
Ben
Most commercial tile distributors will have it- it's used a lot under tile installs. Of a larger drywall supplier could probably point you in the right direction.
Bob
Thanks. Appreciate the info.