We just bought $2300 in laminate flooring at HomeDepot for use in our basement. Our contractor is concerned because the basement floor isn't level. In some areas it's just over an inch downgrade. You can't notice with the naked eye, but when he laid a straight 2x4 on it, you can see it in various areas. Is this going to be a big problem? Should we go with carpet or vinyl flooring instead? We just spent $7000 to have it waterproofed.

Not really that big of a deal. What he should do is use a leveling compound to level the floor out. Also he used a eight foot straight but the laminate floor much smaller then that. Just as long as you dont have any big differences in a smaller you will be fine. If he does know what he's doing your OK. But he really should have know about leveling compound, hint, maybe it would be a good idea to get a second opinion.

Regards... Dominick

He did mention leveling compound but one bag is $45 and it will take quite a bit he said with areas with a >1" difference. Thanks for your help!

Oh yes, another thing he said was that the leveling coumpound may be a problem since the basement floor had been painted and the leveling compound may not adhere properly. Your thoughts?

One inch is a lot for leveling compound just because of the price, but I would just use a Mortar mix (cement) that's about $10. per 80 lbs bag. As far as the painted floor, scrape any loose areas and you're more then fine. Also keep in mind your going on top of the paint, it's not holding upside down. I have been doing it this way for years without any issues.. I still would get a second opinion, hey it cant hurt..

Regards... Dominick

Thanks Dominick. If we use Mortar mix it will take 30 days to cure before we can put a moisture barrier and laminate flooring over it, yes?

Nope, it will take about eight hours before you can walk on it. It takes 28 days to be at what ever strength it may be. Concrete is around 3,000 lbs. It takes 100 years for concrete to dry. Believe it or not, LOL.

This is how I do it.

1)Day one - fill in low spots with Mortar.
2)Day two - i use a thin set (used for setting tile) to fine tune the mortar and level even more.
3)Day three install floor, trim, clean and get paid, LOL

Most of the time day 1 and day 2 can be only one day.

Thank you!