A screeding floor is a mixture applied as a top layer over concrete or insulation and can be used for both decorative and practical reasons. It has no structural integrity but it does provide a level surface on which flooring can be installed. It can be bonded directly to the base (bonded screed) or separated by a polythene/ damp proof membrane (unbonded screed).

There are several different types of floor screeds and they all have their own advantages and benefits. The most common consists of sand, cement and water. However there are also gypsum based screeds, free flowing screeds and those that have an insulating effect (anhydrite flow screeds).

The thickness of the floor screed is important. If it is too thin the surface may bleed and this can cause problems when installing the final flooring. It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Mastering the Art of Screeding Floors: Tips and Techniques

There are pre-mixed sand and cement screeds that can be purchased ready mixed for quicker installation. These can save you time on-site and offer a better quality product than site mixed screeds. However, it is still advisable to visit the site and mix the screed mix yourself so that you can be sure of the consistency.

Liquid screeds are becoming increasingly popular as they are self-levelling and self curing. They can be laid bonded or unbonded and are generally available in thicknesses of up to 50mm. However, they need to be installed by an approved contractor due to the specialist machinery required.

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