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b3ta_max t1_jdfr77x wrote

Pour some self-levelling cement first. Maybe even two pours. Then a thinner cork layer/underlay for sound deadening, then your laminate.

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Material_Community18 t1_jdgf7vx wrote

This is a good answer (upvoted!) but self-levelers are not easy. For any sizable pour it takes multiple people, preparation, coordination, and skill. Correcting mistakes are difficult.

If the floor is already level but just needs to be raised 3/4” or so then some kind of plywood or cement board underlayment is easier to DIY.

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Enginerdad t1_jdhr568 wrote

I hear that. I think self leveler is such a cool product. But the one time I installed it in a very small bathroom project, was one of the most stressful things I've ever done. I only needed three bags, but mixing the three bags and getting it poured and squeegeed out in the 10 minutes it takes to set up too much to level itself anymore was awful. In the end I did end up with one small section that wasn't perfectly level, but I was able to deal with that. I'll never do even a small pour on my own again, and I definitely won't do a big pour at all. I don't have that many competent friends.

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QuadMedic21 t1_jdhq35o wrote

I just finished learning this mistake. 80sqft is not fun to remove with a sledgehammer.

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dewayneestes t1_jdk3zw5 wrote

We raised our lanai (this was in Honolulu) and enclosed it, had to raise the floor about 2 inches for it to match the rest of the living area. We hired some guys to do it.

8am Sunday a full sized cement truck pulls up and 11 Philippino guys gather, one of them was about 70 and his job was to crack open Heinekens.

They run the cement to the back of the house using a big half pipe and get the whole thing laid in about an hour. 2 guys stayed and watered it and kept it smooth as it set up. It was vey noisy, a helicopter flew over and circled for a bit, our neighbors were not thrilled.

Turns out there was a gigantic development burn built about a mile from us, the cement guys would skim loads and do peoples small projects on their way to the big development.

Far as I’m concerned we got an experienced crew to do a top notch job for a really good price.

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FirstForFun44 t1_jdiub1t wrote

I poured self leveler two days ago. It was easy enough except I used water from the tub and the second batch was slightly warmer so it set up WAY faster and I ended up having to angle grind a little. If I didn't do that i'd say it was easy, especially with two people.

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codenoggin OP t1_jdnvyno wrote

Thanks for the heads-up! Yeah, this isn't a tiny room so it might be out of the question for the scope of work I can take on at the moment. I like the idea of the cement board!

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codenoggin OP t1_jdft09n wrote

Thanks! That's incredibly helpful, I hadn't considered self-leveling cement. We were originally talking about a floating floor so I guess I was stuck on that idea.

So the self-leveling cement should bring the whole floor up to near-level with the rest of the house (minus the thickness of the cork and laminate)?

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mawktheone t1_jdgu7ro wrote

You could do well to combine two recommendations on the thread.

Put down a layer of duroroc or cement board, which will fill up a good chunk of the height for cheap. Then some self leveling compound for the remainder, which means a safer cheaper single 3/4 inch pour.

Then, instead of laminate, get wood effect tiles. Not much more expensive but totally waterproof

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Enginerdad t1_jdhrjdh wrote

3/4" is pushing the limit of a single pour, depending on the specific product you use. Also, that shit ain't cheap. I'd avoid using self leveler unless the floor is so out of flat/level that you can't address it with the Duroc and a mortar bed

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5degreenegativerake t1_jdg2fuc wrote

The ones I have used have a maximum thickness of 1” per pour. If the porch is sizable, that will take a whole lot of bags of self leveler but it will give you a near perfect substrate. It is a lot easier to get it level when you pour it in a higher thickness as it flows better. I would probably just do the 1” and then feather in the doorway over 4’ or so to make a smooth transition to the existing floor.

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FirstForFun44 t1_jdiui8n wrote

In that case a layer of cement and then a final sheet of leveler might be best.

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b3ta_max t1_jdfv891 wrote

That's correct, glad I could help! Good luck

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FirstForFun44 t1_jdiukcn wrote

Make sure you use COLD water. I poured two days ago. Learn from me.

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