If you’re about to have new wood, LVT or any other type of flooring laid, you want to make sure the surface is level and protected from damp to get the most out of your investment. Screeding your floor is a great way to do this.

Screed refers to a thin layer of a mixture of cement, water and sand that is spread across your concrete floor to give it a level and supportive surface for your new flooring to sit on top of. You can also use it to cover underfloor heating.

But how much does it cost to screed a floor? We’ll go into all the details in this guide.

How much does it cost to screed a floor?

The cost of screeding a floor in the UK varies based on factors like the type of screed, the size of the area, and how much labour costs. On average, you can expect to pay £18 per m² for fast-drying screed, with labour costs ranging from £12-16 per m² depending on your location. For a typical room of 20 m², the total cost, including materials and labour, could range from £510-£1,000.

Factors affecting the cost of floor screeding

There are a few factors that can affect the cost of floor screeding, including the type and depth of the screed, where you lie and whether you are having underfloor heating:

• Type of screed: Fast-drying and mesh-reinforced screed costs more than traditional options, but you may save money on labour costs and get a better finish on your floor.
• Room size: While the cost will be higher for a larger room than a small one, the cost per m2 often goes down due to your builder being able to get a cheaper rate on materials for a higher volume.
• Depth of screed: The thicker the screed needs to be, the more it will cost in materials. It may take your builder slightly longer to apply, too.
• Preparation work: If you need your builder to remove old flooring materials or repair any very uneven sections before they screed, this will cost more.
• Special requirements: Underfloor heating installations may require specialist screed which is more heat conductive. This is usually more expensive.
• Labour costs: Labour costs vary by region, with higher rates in London and the South East.

At HaMuch, we use our database of hourly and daily builder rates from across the UK to give you an estimate of how much screeding will cost. Take a look at our floor screeding cost table and find your nearest town or city to get a better idea of how much screeding will cost in your area.

What is screed and why is it needed?

Screed is a mixture of cement, sharp sand and water, used to create a smooth, level surface on top of a cement floor for laying flooring like tiles, carpet or laminate. It’s essential for:

• Providing a durable and even base
• Protecting underfloor heating systems
• Ensuring stability and longevity of your final floor covering

You may technically be able to go without screed in some cases, but it’s a good idea to do it. Cracks or holes can form over time, which may make your flooring uneven and unsightly.

Is floor screed self-levelling?

Floor screed is not self-levelling. Most screeds will need to be levelled manually using trowels, special brushes and other equipment. 

Many people think that screed is the same as levelling compound. However, they are both different products. While screed is not self-levelling and is made from cement, levelling compound is usually made from latex and will spread out naturally to level itself. 

Levelling compound may be all you need if your floor is not very uneven or it is being applied over the top of plywood or other materials. Speak to a flooring specialist if you’re unsure. 

How long does screed take to dry?

How long screed takes to dry depends on the type of screed and a few other factors:

• Traditional screed: 1mm per day for the first 40mm, then 0.5mm per day for additional depth
• Fast-drying screed: 10-15mm per day and can be ready for light foot traffic in 1-2 hours
• Liquid screed: 1mm per day and can tolerate light foot traffic within 24-48 hours

Other factors that can affect how long screed takes to dry include:

• Temperature: The warmer it is outside, the less time the screed will take to dry - but extreme heat can make it crack
• Thickness: Naturally, the thicker the screed is, the longer it will take to dry
• Ventilation: Good airflow and humidity control will speed up the drying process
• Underfloor heating: If you have just installed underfloor heating under the screed and it is already working, switching it on can reduce drying times

Why is screed so expensive?

Some people consider screed expensive because they’re comparing it to traditional concrete. Traditional concrete pouring usually costs less per m2 than screed, but it is not suitable for creating a level and stable base for flooring.

Labour costs for screeding are usually higher because it takes longer to create the perfect smooth finish that you need for laying your chosen floor covering on top. Combine that with the added cost of specialist screeds, for example fast-drying or mesh-reinforced, and screed can be more expensive than concrete.

However, not using screed could increase the long-term cost of your project. Simply laying a floor covering over the top of a concrete floor could lead to uneven spots over time that will need repairing, or you could end up with damp issues if you don’t have adequate insulation.

So while screed may seem expensive up front, in the long term it could save you money. 

What is the alternative to screeding?

Although screeding is suitable for most properties and has its benefits, there are alternatives to screeding that may fit your project better.

Alternatives to screed include:

• Plywood or OSB sheets: Plywood or OSB can be used as a ‘floating’ floor covering, installing it over the insulation layer without nailing or glueing it to the subfloor
• Concrete topping: In industrial or commercial buildings, you could choose to just have a concrete topping instead of screed
• Levelling compounds: Ideal for small areas where traditional screed isn’t necessary or the subfloor isn’t very uneven

Can I screed my own floor?

Yes, screeding a floor yourself is possible, but it’s a complex job that shouldn’t be underestimated. If you’re confident with DIY and you have the right tools, you could give it a go, but we’d always recommend consulting a professional. 

To give you an idea of what’s involved in screeding a floor, here are the general steps:

1. Choose the right screed: Traditional sand and cement screeds are easier to work with than self-levelling compound. Choose the right one for your project, such as fast-drying or liquid.
2. Prepare the area: Remove any old flooring and debris. Ensure the base is clean and dry. For unbonded or floating screeds, you’ll need to apply a damp-proof membrane. For bonded screeds, you’ll need to rough the entire subfloor then apply a bonding agent, such as PVA, after cleaning the surface.
3. Measure and mix: Follow the manufacturer's instructions based on how much screed you need to mix it, ensuring a smooth consistency. A 20kg bag of ready-mixed screed typically covers 1-2m² at a thickness of 10mm. If you’re not using a ready-mixed bag, you can use a ratio of 1:4 cement to sand. 
4. Lay and level the screed: It’s easiest to work in sections, using straight timber battens to guide you. Apply a layer of screed to the section, then level it out using a screed board. Repeat until you’ve covered the whole floor, and remove the battens.
5. Allow to dry: Protect the screed from foot traffic and ensure it dries evenly, keeping the temperature as consistent as possible. It’s best not to let the temperature dip below 10ºC as this will increase the drying time. 

So the process of screeding a floor isn’t a simple one! If you get it wrong, you could end up with cracks or holes and an uneven surface. In the long run, hiring a builder to screed your floor may save you money.

Is screeding worth it?

Screeding provides a solid foundation for your flooring, ensuring durability and giving you a professional finish. While it may seem costly, it’s a worthwhile investment that enhances the lifespan and quality of your floors.

When you’re spending a lot of money on a new floor covering, there’s no point scrimping on the prep work and getting a poor finish. You want your floor to look perfect and last for years to come, so it makes sense to spend the money on having it screeded.

Ready to get quotes for floor screeding? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with reliable builders in your area.

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