How to Level Walls Yourself

You just need to put in a little effort, apply some dedication, and follow specific guidelines.

Methods of Wall Leveling

Walls can be leveled in two ways. The wet method uses construction materials like primers, putty, and plaster. The dry method involves installing gypsum boards into various structures.

The most important requirement for a DIYer, whether using the wet or dry method, is strict adherence to step-by-step instructions. Only then can you achieve a perfect result. Additionally, regardless of the chosen method, special attention must be paid to leveling wall corners, as even the smallest irregularity here can disrupt the entire subsequent workflow.

Use the wet method when surface height differences are small, ranging from 30 to 60 mm. For larger irregularities, plastering is possible but not cost-effective, as it requires significantly more materials, effort, time, and financial investment.

If your apartment walls are wavy and you can't find a single flat corner, the second method—gypsum board structures—is better. Only this way can you guarantee a perfectly flat wall surface and correct angles.

Leveling Walls Using Gypsum Boards

Gypsum board leveling is used when surface irregularities exceed 5 cm. The first step in this process is measuring the irregularities. This is done simply: horizontal irregularities are checked using a taut string along the wall, and vertical ones with a plumb line.

Next, install concealed wiring and mount junction boxes for outlets. Then, build a framework from galvanized metal profiles on the wall.

After all measurements are precise to the millimeter, you can begin attaching the gypsum boards. Use standard construction screws to firmly secure the boards to the metal profile tracks.

Once the wall is fully assembled, apply plaster to the gypsum board panels to achieve a flawless flat surface. Only after the plaster has completely dried can you proceed with wallpapering.

Gypsum boards can also be attached using a special adhesive. In this case, all substances that could impair adhesive performance must be thoroughly removed. Residual construction mortar, oil, wax, and dust must be carefully cleaned off. Then, prime the wall surface before applying the panels.

The advantage of this method is that you can install sound and thermal insulation layers beneath the gypsum boards. A disadvantage, however, is the reduction in usable room space, plus the gypsum boards will support less load than walls treated with traditional construction mixtures.

Wall Leveling by Plastering

Before starting, turn off the electrical supply, and thoroughly clean the wall surface of any remaining construction materials, old plaster, wallpaper, etc. Then apply a primer to the prepared surface before measuring the irregularities.

To do this, identify the most protruding point on the wall using a level and straightedge, then proceed to install metal control profiles (maya).

Step back about 20 cm from the adjacent wall, and apply small piles of quick-drying gypsum plaster along a vertical line on the wall. Then, fix the profile, aligning it properly using a builder’s level and a horizontal string stretched along the wall’s length.

Repeat this process to install the required number of profiles across the wall. Ensure the distance between adjacent profiles does not exceed the length of your straightedge.

After the gypsum plaster used to secure the profiles has fully dried, prepare the plaster mix. This mixture is made using cold water, following the proportions specified on the packaging of the construction material.

Apply the mixed plaster between the profiles so it slightly rises above the control profile level. Then, using a straightedge, move it from bottom to top and slightly side to side to level the surface. Gradually, process the entire wall.

After finishing the work and ensuring the plaster has completely dried, sand the wall surface using a construction float or regular sandpaper. Then, apply a final primer coat to improve adhesion with paint or adhesive-based wallpaper.

You can choose either the dry or wet method for leveling walls—your choice depends only on your preferences, experience, and resources. In any case, your apartment walls will become perfectly flat and remain smooth and straight for years to come.