Floor Screeding FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we’re asked most. Can’t find yours? Call 07725 746381 or send us a message.
Cost & Quotes
How much does floor screeding cost?
As a guide, sand and cement screed costs around £20 per m², fast-drying screed around £27.50 per m² and liquid screed around £30 per m², supplied and laid. These are based on a floor of about 150m² at 75mm. The price depends on the type of screed, the depth, the floor area and access. Try our screed cost calculator for a quick estimate.
Is your quote fixed?
Yes. Once we’ve confirmed the area, depth and access, the price we quote is the price you pay.
Is there a minimum job size?
We take on jobs from a single room upwards. Small areas have a minimum charge of £650.
Do you charge for quotes?
No. Quotes and site surveys are free and there’s no obligation.
Drying & Timing
How long does screed take to dry?
Standard screed dries at roughly 1mm per day, so a 50mm floor needs around seven weeks before most flooring goes down. Fast-drying screeds are ready much sooner.
When can I walk on new screed?
Light foot traffic is usually fine after 24 hours for sand and cement screed, or 48 hours for liquid screed. Keep heavy loads and trades off it until it has had time to harden.
How do I know when the screed is dry enough for flooring?
A moisture test is the only reliable way. Your flooring fitter will usually test it before laying, and we can advise on the right readings.
Can I speed up drying?
Good ventilation helps, and underfloor heating can be used to force-dry once the screed has cured. Fast-drying screeds are the best option when time is tight.
How long does it take to lay a floor?
Most domestic floors are laid in a single day. We can lay up to 500m² of liquid screed or 150m² of sand and cement in a day, and larger projects are scheduled around your programme.
Screed Types
What is the difference between liquid and traditional screed?
Liquid screed is pumped in and self-levels, so it’s quick, flat and ideal over underfloor heating. Traditional screed is mixed and laid by hand, suits almost any floor, and can be laid to falls.
Which screed is best for my floor?
It depends on the base, the depth available, whether you have underfloor heating and how soon you need to lay flooring. We’ll recommend the right one when we see your project.
What is the difference between screed and concrete?
Concrete contains coarse aggregate (stones) and forms the structural slab. Screed is a finer mix laid on top to create a smooth, level surface for flooring.
How thick should screed be?
As a guide for sand and cement: bonded screeds from 20mm, on a membrane from 40mm, and floating screeds from 50mm. Liquid screed is usually laid at 50–70mm.
Underfloor Heating
Can you screed over underfloor heating?
Yes. We lay the screed to fully encase the pipes at the correct depth, so heat spreads evenly across the room.
How deep should screed be over underfloor heating?
We leave 15–20mm of screed above the pipes, with at least 50mm total depth for a floating sand and cement screed.
When can I turn my underfloor heating on?
Once the screed has cured, following a gradual warm-up schedule. We’ll give you one for your floor.
Booking & Preparation
What do I need to do before you arrive?
Make sure the area is clear, the base or insulation is in place, underfloor heating is fixed down and pressure-tested, and we have access to water and a parking space for the pump or mixer.
Do you lay insulation and membranes?
It depends on the job. We always fit edge strip and membranes where the screed needs them, and we’ll tell you at quote stage whether we can supply the insulation too.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We can usually survey and start within about a week, and we can sometimes fit in urgent jobs. Get in touch early if you have a deadline.
What areas do you cover?
We’re based in Croydon and cover South London, Surrey, Kent and the wider South East, including Sutton and Bromley.
Still Have a Question?
Call us on 07725 746381 or send us a message and we’ll get back to you.