tasandiks

Tasandiks is a term used in the Estonian construction industry to refer to floor leveling compounds applied to subfloors to create a flat, smooth surface before installing final flooring materials. The word derives from tasand, meaning level or flat, with the translative suffix -iks indicating a change of state. In practice, tasandiks products are self‑leveling mortars or coatings designed to fill minor irregularities and produce a uniform substrate for tile, wood, vinyl, or carpet.

Composition and types: Most tasandiks products are cement‑based blends enhanced with polymers to improve flow, workability, and adhesion. Epoxy and polyurethane variants are available for industrial or chemical‑resistant applications. These products are intended for thin applications, typically a few millimeters in thickness, and are chosen based on substrate, moisture conditions, and desired finish.

Application: Surface preparation is essential and includes cleaning, repairing cracks, and addressing laitance or contaminants. Primers or bonding agents are often used to improve adhesion. The leveling compound is mixed to a pourable consistency and applied by pouring or pumping, then spread with a gauge rake or trowel to achieve a uniformly flat surface. It cures by hydration or chemical reaction, depending on formulation, and reaches a workable hardness within hours and full strength over a few days.

Advantages and limitations: Tasandiks provides a rapid method to achieve flatness and improve the durability and appearance of finished floors. Limitations include sensitivity to substrate moisture and temperature, potential for cracking if joints are not properly prepared, and the need for correct primer and curing conditions.

See also: self‑leveling underlayment, floor leveling compound, tiling.