Gents,

I'm in a jam and would appreciate some advice. My 24 x 15 rec room is partially below grade, and I would like to install either a floating engineered or floating laminate flooring in there. The problem is that the slab is horrendously uneven and off-level, as much as 3 inches in some spots. What do you think would be the best way to deal with this? I don't know if pumping floor-leveling cement would work, as 3 inches is beyond maximum depth of most mixes. Should I jackhammer out the whole floor and re-pour, just remove the low areas, ????? I've talked with several masons, flooring companies etc and none of them had any idea of what to do. Also, I installed 1000 sq ft of white oak this summer, and realize that AC and dehumidifiers will have to be run 24-7 while the new slab is curing. Any input would be much appreciated, thanks.

Whoa, slow down there, Homer. You can use a SLC in conjunction with pea gravel to go as thick as 5 inches with some products. Durabond makes an excellent product called Duralevel 83p. Ardex makes another called k-15.

My advice would be to get yourself a 55gallon drum or a mixing pump.

A sleeper system might be an option as well. Less of a mess and it wont make your other floor cup.

As long as the area being poured is getting decent air exchange, the rest of the house will not be affected.