Gypsum concrete is a versatile underlayment option that is compatible with many flooring options, including hardwood, vinyl planks, epoxy, and carpeting. Commonly known as gypcrete, gypsum concrete is a mixture of gypsum plaster, cement, and sand and is more flexible than standard concrete. This underlayment product has faster application times than others because of its self-leveling properties. Here are some of thickness options when pouring gypsum concrete:
Minimum Gypsum Concrete Thickness
Gypsum concrete pours can cover several hundred to thousands of square feet per day, depending on your project type. The pour dries quickly, allowing you to resume work the next day. Each pour has a recommended thickness based on your subfloor’s construction. Concrete subfloors can have thinner pours than wooden subfloors because the materials are more compatible. The minimum recommended pour thickness over concrete is two inches, while wooden subfloors may need more product. You can feather-edge the gypsum concrete for transitional spaces.
Check the panel dimensions if you have a wood subfloor featuring veneer and non-veneer subfloor panels. Smaller panels can accommodate thicker gypcrete pours than wider options. Measure your panels to determine the minimum thickness based on manufacturer recommendations. Trusses, joists, and beam spacings in tongue-and-groove wood subfloors also affect your pour’s thickness. Consult an experienced contractor to determine the minimum thickness based on the subfloor material in new construction and renovation projects.
Maximum Gypsum Concrete Thickness
The maximum installation depth for gypsum concrete varies depending on your subfloor, top flooring selection, and application. Floors designed for increased foot traffic and abrasive elements require thicker underlayment. Concrete subfloors have the stability to hold thicker pours and top flooring materials. Wood subfloors and panels require thin-to-medium pours to avoid overloading the structure. The standard maximum thickness for gypsum concrete pours is three to four inches, which is enough to support most flooring options.
Three and a half inches is the standard maximum depth for wooden subfloors and projects with lighter floor covering like carpets. If you want deeper pours, consult a contractor to calculate the maximum thickness for your floor and project. A building conditions guide details the ideal pour depth for different subfloors, floor coverings, and uses. Not all installations require maximum gypsum concrete thickness, but this standard helps contractors avoid the mishaps of pouring thicker, heavier concrete on subfloors that can’t support the weight.
Calculating Gypsum Concrete Depth
A good way to calculate gypsum concrete depth is to work with an experienced contractor and installer. Subfloors are not always level, so contractors will vary the concrete’s depth to create a flat, even surface for the floor covering. Experienced installation teams know how to customize gypsum concrete pour depths to meet specific project needs. Gypsum concrete fill products have varying qualities and properties, which results in pours with unique weights. Some fills require thicker pours, while others are more resilient even at a minimum thickness.
Gypsum concrete suppliers usually provide information about their products’ minimum and maximum thickness, compaction pressure, mixing ratios, and dry weight. While this information is helpful, on-site adjustments may still be needed, especially in renovation and retrofitting projects. Each project requires customized approaches devised by experienced contractors who know how to work with gypcrete. Before beginning the pouring process, these professionals assess all project variables, including fill manufacturer recommendations, subfloor conditions, floor covering types, and floor usage.
Order Premium Quality Gypcrete
Gypsum concrete underlayment offers a solid base for installing different flooring options. The material is durable, heat-resistant, and low maintenance, making it a good choice for residential and commercial applications. Contact a reputable underlayment system supplier today to learn more about their gypcrete products and services.
