Floor screed is a top layer that can be laid over a concrete base to create a flat, bump-free surface for other flooring to be placed on top. It’s typically a mix of sharp sand and cement and is a great way to improve a floor as well as lengthening the life of its concrete subfloor base. Typical flooring that can be laid on top of floor screed includes laminates, tiles, carpets and even floorboards.

There are a number of different types of floor screeds available and they are generally suitable for different applications. A professional will be able to advise on what the best option is for your specific project.

Traditional sand and cement screeds

Sand/cement screeds are the most popular and cost-effective option for many applications. They can be bonded directly to the base (bonded) or used in conjunction with membranes or insulation layers (unbonded). They need to be applied at a minimum thickness of 25mm for a bonded finish and up to 65mm for unbonded/underfloor heating use.

Pumpable/flowing screeds

Flowing or pumpable screeds are pre-mixed and delivered to the site on a mixer truck, often with a hose that pumps out the screed mixture from a large black bucket until it reaches marker tripods set up on the ground. They can be pumped out at up to 2,000m2/day and are ideal for fast-track building projects. They’re also much quicker to lay than a traditional sand/cement screed and they are based on anhydrite, meaning that they won’t re-absorb moisture like calcium sulphate, making them faster to dry out.