Levelling a Workshop Floor

[AncientMariner2]

Hi - I am converting part of a double domestic garage to a woodturning workshop. To maximise space I have my lathe, bandsaw etc., on castors. The existing concrete floor is dry but very rough so am looking for a method of levelling/smoothing it. Don't want a wooden floor as the lathe and other machines need to be on concrete to avoid vibration.

Was looking at Level It Concrete Floor Leveller by Watco and marketed by Floorpaint Express. This claims to be a high performance leveller which can take heavy traffic without the need for a top covering.

Before committing to this I wondered if anyone had any experience of using this product or could suggest a cheaper alternative?

Any advice gratefully received.

Tim

 

[HH1]

Hi,
Have used products similar to the one you specify, it was an “IFS” product, the company doesn’t exist anymore, actually think Watco could have bought it out as their products look to be very similar. Think it was called “Floorsaver”
Also used Kingfisher product, but this was more expensive than the one you have found. Doubles as a DPM.
Looks like a good price, btw.
Both products were used on, generally, small areas. Largest area was 12’x10’ with the IFS product.
I was quite happy with the strength and finish of the product. No further products were required on top. Although if you do drag heavy items across the floor it will mark.
I didn’t personally use a spiked roller as finish wasn’t critical but if I was doing a garage for example then this would be a major concern and would have used one.
Although it doesn’t look like there are air bubbles present, they are and will rise during curing.
Spiked shoes are generally used by installers as well.
This type of product would be the material of choice for myself at the present time if/when doing garage floor. I have a garage floor to do at some point in the future (after all the other jobs are done around the house etc)
Perhaps consideration to slipping hazards when wet?
With the larger areas I wouldn’t want to attempt it myself, would have a few helpers, or bite the bullet and get a company in to do it. With the 12’x10’area there was two of us. One mixing, one pouring/levelling and it seemed to work quite well. We weren’t hanging around as pot life wasn’t great. (Forget the actual stated times though, but seemed shorter than those published).

 

[AncientMariner2]

Thanks very much for your useful comments. The area I am covering is about 7' by 12' so quite similar and I will follow your advice as regards a team of two.

My hand has been forced inasmuch as I bought the spiked roller from them last month and was automatically entered into their weekly prize draw. I had a notification yesterday that I had won and was entitled to £100 discount from my next order. I have now ordered three packs of the leveller from them at a total cost of £9-25 so am well pleased!

I will report back after I have used and evaluated the product.

Thanks again

Tim

 

[dazlight]

Alright Tim
This screed is great for garage floors.

http://www.f-ball.co.uk/product_detail.asp?product=800 Wearcoat&catID=smoothing

But level it screeds will be cheaper and are top quality. Make sure you prime the floor 1st mate.

 

[AncientMariner2]

Many thanks Darren - I had not come across the F Ball product, but thanks for your endorsement of Level It. Level It comes with sealer and primer so should be straightforward.

Tim

 

[dazlight]

I have just brought a pallet of level it 2 which we have been using for amtico and Karndean jobs with no issues. Flows well when screeding too.

 

[dazlight]

Just looked at your link. Good job you got the money off.
Not used that screed before, think its more for DIY market. Let us know how you get on mate.

 

[AncientMariner2]

Let us know how you get on mate.

Will do - many thanks

Tim