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how to level thinset

6K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  Bud Cline 
#1 ·
I've noticed that my plywood floor has a gradual dip of to the side of the wall starting a foot away from the wall ending up 1/4" below level. It goes along the wall for several feet. It's as if the whole side of the trailer has dipped. The plywood is on joists with 16" and feels solid. To apply thinset, along the wall for several feet, a foot wide before laying my laminate flooring, I am wondering how difficult is this? I believe I understand that it does "not" trowel easily and smoothly like cement. So if it is not "willing" to be trowelled flat and level, but rather likes to resist and is sticky, then how do I get it to lay down flat? How is it done? With what? I am at the bottom of the learning curve.
 
#3 ·
when to use thinset as opposed to a patching compound

so at my home depot free in store workshop, they mention to level the floor with thinset but i suppose if it a minor dip. Any other tips on patching compound? got a good name brand? is it easy to apply or sticky and resistant like thinset has been mentioned to be?
 
#4 ·
so at my home depot free in store workshop,............
That advice is worth the price paid. In most cases those nice people have little idea of what they're talking about. Thin set is an adhesive for ceramic tiles. Although one could fill a small dip with it when installing tiles, it should not be used when there is no reason to have thin set on the job.

Do as Bud suggested.

Jaz
 
#5 ·
i've been busy googling to learn about thinsets and patching compounds and yes, thinset is not what i am to use. so having said that, i know i would like a patching compound/levelling compound, that has a slow cure to match my speed and has a consistency of buttermilk that somewhat pours even though i know i must help it with a trowel and spread it where it needs to go. it is an old but seemingly sturdy plywood floor but as mentioned before, it has such a gradual dip towards the side wall. Also how clean must the subfloor be? hands and knees with mineral spirits or a darn good sweeping and vacuuming?
 
#6 ·
i've been busy googling to learn about thinsets and patching compounds and yes, thinset is not what i am to use.
WHAT!!! You couldn't take our word for it?:(
You go straight to the bank with the information you get from some yo-yo at Home Depot then when you get advice from two real experts in the field you have to check up on them?

Now you want to "pour" a patch? Where on earth is this stuff coming from?

Okay...if you want to pour a patch go back to Home Depot and buy Level Quick, it mixes with water. But first you MUST use the primer that goes with it. That shouldn't cost more than $50.:yes:

Also how clean must the subfloor be?
"Broom-clean" is good enough.

However, something tells me you aren't likely to spend fifty bucks on products to patch that floor.

So now where are we?
 
#7 ·
Instead of using thinset as erroneously directed by Home Depot, I have read that there are "self leveling" compounds available to ready a plywood floor before applying my laminate. Also you mention a patching compound. Obviously, there are several options but perhaps ONE that is best. Now, can someone address my quest for information. Can someone point out the differences of patching compound, self leveling compound which they say to mix to a buttermilk consistency and pour on the low spots.
 
#8 ·
Level Quick (already mentioned above) is a Self Levelling Compound.:)

Now, can someone address my quest for information. Can someone point out the differences of patching compound, self leveling compound
Self Levelling Compound basically levels itself.
Patching compound does not level itself.

You don't mix Self Levelling Compound to a "buttermilk" consistency. You mix it precisely following the instructions on the package.:yes:
 
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