A thin layer is usually levelled with self-levelling compound, a thicker one with screed. The work costs from €6.50/m², and the price changes most with the thickness of the layer.
When a floor is levelled and why it matters for the covering
For each floor covering the manufacturer sets how level the base must be. For example, the Quick-Step laminate instructions say that irregularities greater than 2 mm per 1 m must be levelled before installation. The covering is laid on the base, so its dips and steps can still be felt in the finished floor.
You can also check this yourself: place a long straight spirit level or profile on the floor and see how big the gap is underneath. Check in a few places, especially at thresholds and in the middle of the room, and write the size of the gap in your request. This helps to work out how thick the layer will need to be.
Self-levelling floor or screed
Self-levelling compound is a liquid mortar that spreads across the floor and sets level. Each compound has its own permitted layer thickness. For example, the manufacturer of Ceresit CN 76 specifies layers from 4 to 50 mm.
If the height difference is larger, or the floor has to be raised throughout the apartment, the solution is usually a floor screed: a thicker layer of cement mortar or concrete, which can later be levelled further with a thin pour. Levelling a concrete floor with compound is suitable when the base is stable and only a level surface is needed.
Order of work
- Removing the old covering The old coverings, adhesive and loose parts are removed until a firm base is left. This work is calculated as demolition work in the apartment.
- Setting the level The missing height is measured in different places, together with the level the finished floor will be at in all rooms, including at the doors.
- Filling cracks and priming Cracks and holes are filled, the surface is cleaned of dust and primed. The manufacturer states that the Ceresit CT 17 primer dries in about 2 hours.
- Movement joints The Ceresit CN 76 instructions give a single indoor area of up to 36 m² with a length-to-width ratio of up to 1.5. Joints must also be left at room thresholds, and the joints of the base are repeated in the levelling layer.
- Pouring The compound is mixed and poured according to the manufacturer's instructions, observing the layer thickness that the particular compound allows.
- Drying The covering is laid when the moisture of the base meets the requirements of the covering manufacturer.
How long to wait before the covering can be laid
Drying time depends on the compound, the layer thickness, the temperature and the air humidity. The manufacturer of Ceresit CN 76 states that the floor can be walked on after 3 hours and tiled after 3 days. A layer of up to 1.5 cm dries at about 4 mm per day and a thicker one at about 3 mm per day, at +23 °C and 50% air humidity in the room.
Under parquet, laminate, wood and resilient coverings, the same manufacturer's data requires the moisture of a cement base not to exceed 2.0% (1.8% with floor heating), and 0.5% for a gypsum base (0.3% with heating). The laminate manufacturer may require a different limit, so check the instructions for the particular covering. More on this on the page drying times in renovation.
Manufacturer data: Ceresit CN 76 and CT 17 technical data sheets, Quick-Step laminate installation instructions. Checked 11.11.2026.
What to decide and what to write in the request
- What covering will be on the floor: laminate, tiles, vinyl flooring or parquet. This determines how level the base must be.
- Whether the floor will have underfloor heating. Then the order of the heating elements and the levelling layer is planned together.
- Whether the rooms must be at one level without thresholds. Then the whole apartment is levelled together, not each room separately.
- Whether the doors will stay the old ones. If the floor rises, the door leaves may have to be shortened or replaced.
- The area in m², the building series or year, the condition of the floor and how big the gap under the spirit level is.
Floor levelling price
Floor levelling, pouring or screed: from €6.50/m². Prices are for labour. Materials are calculated separately in the estimate. The price changes with the layer thickness, the condition of the floor (cracks, loose areas), the area and whether one room or the whole apartment must be levelled.
| Example | Calculation | Labour |
|---|---|---|
| Room of 18 m² | 18 m² × €6.50 | from €117 |
| 2-room apartment, floor of 45 m² | 45 m² × €6.50 | from €292.50 |
If the old covering has to be removed before levelling, demolition of walls, floors and finishes costs from €6/m². All prices are on the page renovation prices.
What is included in the price
What this work includes
- Floor levelling with self-levelling compound on a prepared base
- Work that is charged per m² of floor area
- The price rises with the layer thickness
What is calculated separately
- The compound, primer and other materials
- Demolition of the old floor covering
- Laying the floor covering (laminate, tiles, parquet)
Sources
- CN 76 layers 4–50 mm, walking after 3 h, tiling after 3 days, moisture under coverings, movement joints, drying rate checked 11 November 2026
- CT 17 primer dries in about 2 hours checked 11 November 2026
- Quick-Step: irregularities over 2 mm per 1 m must be levelled checked 11 November 2026
