Mixing and Pouring Self-Leveler: A Crucial Step in Basement Bathroom Construction

In our last video, we covered the importance of preparing the concrete floor on a basement bathroom before applying self-leveler. Today, we're going to dive into the process of mixing and pouring self-leveler, and explain why this step is essential for setting up the bathtub and tile installation.

To begin with, it's crucial to use the proper amount of water when mixing the self-leveler. The NXT leveler requires 4 to 1/2 quarts of water per bag, so it's essential to measure out exactly what you need. We're using a bigger barrel that will allow us to mix two bags at a time, and we're measuring out double the amount of water for each bag. Make sure to wear a Silica Dust respirator and follow the instructions on the packaging.

Mixing the self-leveler is also important, as it needs to be mixed for the proper amount of time. The NXT leveler requires 2 to 3 minutes per mixing, so make sure to mix it for that period of time. Use a bucket with markings to ensure you're using fresh water and pouring it into the larger container where you'll mix up the self-leveler.

We're using a Milwaukee mud mixer in this video, and we're pouring the leveler over top of the primed floor. If you haven't primed the floor yet, make sure to do that before applying the self-leveler. As you can see, we're still far away from the top of where it needs to be, so we're going to mix another batch and pour it on top of the first one. The leveler is spreading out onto the floor as we go.

One of the key benefits of using self-leveler is that it makes setting up the bathtub incredibly easy. Everything is level, which means you can set the tile with confidence. This is especially important when it comes to the tile around the surround, as a level floor will help ensure a professional-looking installation.

In addition to making tile installation easier, a level floor also makes setting up the vanity and closet flange much simpler. We had to put in place this 2x4 that was framing the doorway, but once we removed it, we were able to set the vanity with ease. And finally, the level floor allowed us to set the closet flange right on top of the tile without having to worry about the toilet being unbalanced and needing shims.

As you can see from this video, mixing and pouring self-leveler is a crucial step in basement bathroom construction. By following the instructions and taking your time, you'll be able to achieve a professional-looking installation that will last for years to come. In our next video, we'll be covering how to install the bathtub in this basement bathroom, so stay tuned!

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enIn our last video, we gave you tips on howto prep the concrete floor on a basement bathroomin preparation for the self-leveler.So we went over how to use concrete screwsas height indicators, how to put a foam alongthe perimeter of the bathroom wall for anexpansion and contraction joint, and alsohow to prime the concrete bathroom floor.Now, in today’s video we’re going to giveyou tips on the self-leveler that we used,how to mix that up and how to pour it overtop of the prime to concrete floor.We’re also going to explain why this isso important as it relates to the bathtuband the tile that we’ll be setting in thisbathroom.Okay, so we’re going to go ahead and mixthis NXT leveler, and it’s really importantto use the proper amount of water that thebag specifies.The NXT requires 4 to 41/2 quarts of water.Be sure you measure out exactly what you needfor each bag.I’m going to be using this bigger barrel,which will allow me to mix two bags at a time.So I’m going to be putting double the amountof water for each, a bucket for each.Just pay attention to the specs on it.Make sure you mix it for the proper amountof time.It says 2 to 3 minutes per mixing.Mix it for that period of time.So you can pick up one of these buckets atHome Depot or in other home store that hasall the markings on it.You definitely want to measure out fresh waterinto the bucket and pour it into the largercontainer that you’re going to mix up theNXT self-leveler.So again, this is Laticrete Self-Leveler.Make sure you wear a Silica Dust respiratorand mix it per the instructions.Here, we’re just using a Milwaukee mud mixer,and then we’re pouring it over top of theprimed floor.So if you haven’t primed the floor, makesure you do that before you pour the leveleron top.As you could see, we’re pretty still reallyfar away from the top of where it needs tobe.So we’re going to go ahead and mix anotherbatch, and we’re not even going to touchany of this for right now.As you can see, the leveler is spreading outonto the floor.This was our first batch.It’s nowhere close to the screw indicatorsthat we embedded into the top of the concrete.This is our second batch, and then we actuallyhad to mix up about 6 different bags of theNXT leveler.As you can see here, Steve is using a Squeegeeto move the NXT around.You’re going to have to do that.It’s not going to level per se on its own.And it’s good to push it into the area wherethe tub is going to rest.If you want this to work per the directions,you’re going to have to mix it to the rightspecifications, and you’re going to haveto work it into the corners so that it willeventually level out.As you can see here, it’s a nice monolithicleveler on top of the concrete floor.We let that set up overnight, and then weremoved the 2x4 that was in the doorway.So we just used a Sawzall here to cut that2x4.Everything was actually framed in place withthe 2x4 there, so that’s why we had to usea Sawzall to tear it out.And we removed the foam as well.The self-leveler makes setting the tub supereasy because everything is level.And the reason why the tub having that levelis important is because when you go to setthe tile, that will set you up for successin terms of the tile layout and design.So getting the tub level is super importantfor the tile around the surround.And also, as you can see here, we’re using12x36 inch wood plank tiles.We couldn’t have set those had the floornot been level.Even with the use of T-lock, it would’vebeen really difficult.The other thing is, setting the vanity isa lot easier once the floor is level.We just had to put this in place and screwit into the studs.And then finally, the level floor allowedus to actually set the closet flange righton top of the tile and not have to worry aboutthe toilet being unbalanced and needing shims.In the next video, we’re going to give youtips on how to install the bathtub in thisbasement bathroom.That’s going to be a great video, and wethink that you’ll really enjoy it.Now in the meantime, you can sign up to ouremail list.You’ll get our free guide to building basementbathrooms.There’ll be 7 pro tips in that guide.Secondly, we’ll keep you posted on our onlinecourse.So we’re building an online course that’llwalk you step-by-step how to build the basementbathroom that we’re working on in thesevideos.And then thirdly, I’ll email you directlyand touch base with you on your own project,and we can talk about what are some of thechallenges there and how we can help you outwith that.So click right here to sign up with our emaillist, and I’ll be in touch with you.Thanks for watching today’s video.If you got any questions, ask them down inthe comments and we’ll try to help you out.Thanks so much, take care, and we’ll talkto you soon.\n"