The Best Self-Levelling Compound: An Expert’s Perspective
After over 15 years of hands-on experience in the industry, I can confidently recommend the most reliable and user-friendly self-levelling compound available today. If you believe there are superior options, feel free to challenge me in the comments—I’m always open to learning and discussion!
Choosing the right self-levelling compound is crucial for a successful flooring project. This guide distills my extensive experience into clear advice, helping you avoid common pitfalls and achieve professional results. The key issues most people face include selecting the appropriate product and executing the job correctly. Fortunately, with the right product, the process becomes much simpler.
Warning: The Importance of Correct Selection
Using an unsuitable self-levelling compound can lead to cracks, uneven surfaces, and costly rework. To prevent this, ensure you pick the right type for your specific subfloor. For detailed insights on why certain compounds crack, check out our dedicated article. Remember, the foundation of a successful self-levelling project lies in choosing the correct product—this decision can mean the difference between an effortless, stress-free job and a messy, failure-prone disaster.
In my experience, I’ve spent hours poring over specifications, trying to determine which product suits which subfloor, and whether priming is necessary. But with the right product, such as Arditex NA, the process becomes remarkably straightforward: simply pour and let it do its magic. As you pour, it naturally levels itself, filling all gaps and creating a smooth, flat surface with minimal effort. It’s perfectly pre-mixed, eliminating the need for complex measurements—making the job accessible even to beginners.
Why I Recommend Ardex Arditex NA
Arditex NA is my go-to self-levelling compound because it offers simplicity, reliability, and excellent results. Here’s why:
- Suitable for all subfloor types
- No priming required
- Easy to spread due to the latex component
- Self-levels naturally
At just £59.90 for a 24.5kg bag, it’s an investment in quality. Plus, it’s available on Amazon with a straightforward purchase process. This product helps fund our projects, so your support is appreciated!
If you’re new to self-levelling compounds, I highly recommend Arditex NA because of its forgiving flow, minimal preparation, and professional finish. It contains a latex additive that keeps the cement particles suspended during drying, resulting in a flawless surface. Although it’s pricier than some alternatives, its ease of use and reliable outcome justify the cost. For larger projects or budget-conscious scenarios, you can use a cheaper base layer and apply a finishing coat of Arditex NA for optimal results.
Compatible Subfloor Types
Arditex NA can be applied directly over a wide variety of substrates without priming, including:
- Suspended timber floors, such as those in bathrooms and upper levels
- Old adhesive residues
- Bitumen, asphalt, and tile (porcelain, ceramic, quarry)
- Chipboard and plywood (even on upper floors with proper screwing)
- Concrete, cement, and sand screeds
- Prepared terrazzo surfaces
- Internal steel floors
- Damp proof membranes and low-porosity surfaces
Preparation: How to Mix
Use a 14-liter bucket—equivalent to one bag of self-levelling compound and one tub of latex. Mix thoroughly with a cordless drill until you achieve a smooth, liquid consistency.
Application Steps for Arditex NA
Applying this product is straightforward:
- Mix the entire bag with the full tub of latex in a bucket.
- Stir until well combined and liquid.
- Pour from the back corner of the room, progressing outward.
- Use a spiked roller to evenly distribute the compound and remove trapped air bubbles—this step is critical for a flawless finish.
- Repeat the process bucket by bucket until the entire area is covered.
Pro Tip
Utilize a spiked roller to ensure even spread and bubble removal, reducing the need for troweling and ensuring a level surface. This technique significantly simplifies the process and enhances the quality of the finish.
Additional Equipment Recommendations
To optimize your project, consider these tools:
- Spiked Screeding Roller (250mm x 21mm spikes): Approximately £20.49. Ideal for distributing and removing air bubbles during application.
- Set of 3 Plastic Builders Buckets (14L each): Around £12.89. Perfect for mixing large quantities efficiently.
Using these tools, combined with the right product, can elevate your flooring project from amateur to professional quality, with a success rate of over 95% based on my experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How thick can you pour self-levelling compound?
- Can you use self-levelling compound outside?
- Can you use self-levelling compound on asphalt flooring?
- Can self-levelling compound be built up in layers?
- What paint to use on self-levelling compound?
- Do I need to seal concrete before using self-levelling compound?
- Can you use out of date self-levelling compound?
- Does self-levelling compound need a spiked roller?
- Can you use self-levelling compound over chipboard?
- How long does self-levelling compound take to dry?
- Can you use self-levelling compound on bitumen?
- Does self-levelling compound smell?
- Does self-levelling compound contain VOCs?
- Does self-levelling compound contain ammonia?
For detailed answers to these questions, keep following our guides or leave a comment below. Remember, with the right tools and products, your flooring project can be much easier and more successful than you might expect.