After 3 tries I finally realized I was wrong about floor leveling compound

I used to think the cheap self-leveling stuff from the big box store was fine for any job. But after watching two bathroom floors crack within a year I changed my mind completely. A guy at Santa Fe Tile Supply showed me the difference in polymer content and now I only use the Mapei Ultraplan stuff. It costs about $15 more per bag but I haven't had a single crack in 18 months since switching. Has anyone else noticed the cheaper brands failing around ABQ's dry climate?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_fisher243d ago

You're right about the polymer content, I used to grab whatever was cheapest and paid for it later.

grace_campbell17d ago

That polymer content makes a huge difference in dry climates like ours. I switched to the Ardex stuff after a buddy who does concrete work told me the cheap bags have way less binder and just don't handle the shrinkage here. The extra cost is worth it when you consider ripping up a cracked floor costs way more than $15. Did you notice the Mapei mixed up smoother than the budget brands too?

dixon.iris17d ago

I totally get what you mean about the Mapei mixing up smoother. I've used both the Ardex and the budget stuff, and the cheap bags always feel like they've got rocks in them or something. It's a pain to work with, especially if you're trying to get a nice, level finish. And @grace_campbell you're dead right about the polymer content being the real difference maker. I've seen too many floors crack because someone wanted to save a few bucks on the bag. At this point I just factor in the good stuff from the start, it saves the headache later.