How to Screed a Floor Using Traditional Screed
Floor screed—it might not be the most exciting of projects to complete, but this essential task lays the foundation for many a floor in both residential and commercial settings. From creating a level and stable base for wooden floors and carpets to helping you get the best performance from underfloor heating, floor screed is a critical component in many building and renovation projects.
If you’re wondering how to screed a floor using traditional sand and cement screed and what’s required to get the perfect finish, this article is for you. We’ll tell you about the tools, materials, and techniques that go into getting the best results.
Of course, when you choose Screedafloor to carry out your floor screed installation, you won’t need to worry about how to apply floor screed and can leave it to our team. Speak to us today to find out more.
Do I Need to Screed My Floor?
Concrete floors can be uneven, cold, and rough. Therefore, placing laminate flooring or carpet directly on top could leave your floor looking less than perfect and feeling uneven underfoot. To ensure a good quality finish and an even surface that lasts for years, a floor screed will need to be installed.
Laying a Floor Screed
The great thing about concrete screed is that it can be poured directly into asub-base containing plumbing, heating, and electrical components, or onto a bonding agent or damp-proof membrane. It’s a fairly quick and easy process as the screed consistency is fluid and light. This consistency ensures the screed quickly covers the floor and allows you to manipulate it into place to create an even surface. In larger areas, you might opt for a self-leveling screed that makes the job even easier.
Preparation Before Screeding a Floor
As with many building projects, preparation is key to success. While traditional screed is fairly easy to mix and apply, there are some important points to note that will ensure you get the best finish.
Basic Floor Screeding Tools You’ll Need
Floor screeding is a technique that has been around for decades, and the installation technique has barely changed in that time. After all, why change something if it works so well? The tools required for screeding a floor will depend on the type of screed being installed. However, the most basic floor screeding tools include:
- Brush
- Bucket
- Mixing tool
- Straight edge
- Trowel
- Tamper
Safety Precautions
Here is a list of recommended safety equipment you’ll need:
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Overalls
- Dust mask
Materials to Screed a Floor Using Traditional Screed
If you plan to screed a floor yourself, here are the materials you’ll need:
- Bonding agent
- Water
- Cement
- Sand
Measurement and Calculation of the Screed Area
Before you can screed a floor, you’ll need to know how much screed is required for the job. It’s essential that the calculation is as accurate as possible – too little screed can lead to uneven surfaces or a delay in completion while too much can lead to wasted materials and money. A good screed calculator will determine exactly how much sand and cement you’ll need for the project. You’ll need to know the length and width of the area to be screeded and the thickness of the screed.
Getting the Screed Mix Right
Traditional sand and cement screed is typically made up using four-part sand and one-part cement. The consistency of the mix is quite dry and almost powdery. This type of screed requires minimal preparation and can be easily applied using a straight edge and trowel, as the step-by-step guide below shows.
How to Screed a Floor Using Traditional Screed: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Divide the Floor Area into Sections
Before you start the screed process, you will need to divide the floor area into sections. You can do this with special dividers designed for this job, or long, straight pieces of timber that are cut to the height of your planned screed layer. Use these to divide the room into strips.
2. Apply a Layer of Screed
Starting on the section that is farthest from the room’s entrance (unless you want to be trapped in the room as your screed dries!) use a trowel to spread a layer of the screed mix. Use a screed board or straight edge to compact the layer. Use a tamper to tamp the edges and complete the first section.
3. Level the Floor
Sand and cement screed isn’t self-leveling and so you’ll need to use a straight edge to level the floor. Place the straight edge over the timber dividers and push it forward. As you push forward, tilt the straight edge and use the corner as a cutting edge. Move it side-to-side in a sawing motion to level the screed layer. Flowing or liquid screeds have an agent mixed into them that ensures the screed compacts by itself when poured.
4. Continue the Rest of the Floor
Now you’ve completed the first section, it’s time to complete the rest of the floor. Keep going until you have filled all the sections you have created. Once complete, you can remove the timber dividers and fill in any gaps that are left.
5. Curing the Screed
The time it takes to complete the entire floor will depend on the screed used and the size of the area to be screeded. Screed curing is one of the most important parts of the project and possibly the most important. Curing will ensure the final finish is level, free from defects, and offers the most durable performance. To cure the screed, lay polythene sheets over the surface and leave them for several days. This will prevent excess moisture from evaporating and cracks from developing.
6. Drying the Screed
After the floor has been cured, the floor should be left to dry. Screed drying times can range from days to weeks depending on the screed used. For example, the typical setting time for a traditional screed is 24-48 hours. The typical drying time is around 1mm a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does floor screed take to dry?
If you’re wondering how long does screed take to dry, the answer will depend on the type of floor screed and the thickness of the screed. For example, traditional screed has a drying time of 1mm a day. Typically, most floor screed types will reach their fully cured strength within around 28 days.
How do you mix floor screed?
Traditional floor screed is made up of four-parts sand and one-part cement. You’re aiming for a fairly dry mix. Add small amounts of water to your mix and keep testing the consistency. To do this, grab a handful of screed mixture and squeeze it. The mixture should stay in one firm lump with very little liquid coming from it.
Should I use a professional screed company for my floor screed?
If you are only screeding a small area using traditional screed, this should be a fairly easy job for somebody with basic DIY experience. However, larger areas may be tricky, especially if you choose to use liquid or fast drying screed products.
How much does floor screed cost?
The cost to screed a floor will largely depend on the materials used, the thickness of the screed, and whether you choose to have your screed installed professionally. Traditional screed typically costs £18 – £20 per m2.
Get the Best Finish By Hiring the Professionals
Floor screed is an essential part of creating a new floor. Get the best possible finish for your project by hiring the professionals at Screedafloor. We offer a wide selection of screed systems, including traditional screed, fast drying screed, and liquid screed. We’d be delighted to help you with your project and help you to get exceptional results. Speak to us today to find out more about our services and to obtain a competitive quote.