Sand-cement and liquid screed floors, including underfloor heating
Floor Screeding
Screeding is the application of a level layer of material — either traditional sand-cement or fast-drying liquid (flowing) screed — over a concrete floor or insulation to provide a flat, even surface ready for flooring, tiling or underfloor heating.
Definition
What Screeding covers
A floor screed is the layer laid over a structural slab or insulation to bring the floor to a true, level surface. Traditional sand-cement screed is hand-laid and levelled; liquid (anhydrite or cement-based) screed is pumped in and self-levels, and is commonly used where underfloor heating pipes are embedded, due to its good thermal contact and faster laying time.
Suitable for
- New floors over a concrete slab or insulation layer needing a level surface
- Underfloor heating installations needing screed embedment or coverage
- Extensions and new-build ground floors before final flooring is laid
- Renovation projects replacing an uneven or damaged existing floor
Not suitable for
- Floors with unresolved damp issues, since moisture affects screed drying and can cause flooring failures later
- Very tight drying-time deadlines without specifying a fast-drying liquid screed system upfront
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Substrate preparation
Checking the concrete slab or insulation layer is sound, level and, where relevant, that underfloor heating pipes are correctly laid and pressure-tested.
- 02
Perimeter and levels
Setting perimeter insulation strips and screed depth levels around the room.
- 03
Laying the screed
Pumping (for liquid screed) or hand-laying and levelling (for traditional screed) to the specified depth.
- 04
Drying
Allowing the screed to cure and dry to the point it's ready for flooring or tiling, following the manufacturer's drying guidance for the depth laid.
Typical timescale
Screed can usually be walked on within a few days of laying, but full drying before flooring or tiling can be laid takes longer — traditional screed dries at roughly 1mm per day, while liquid screed is generally faster; exact timing depends on depth, ventilation and time of year.
Cost guidance
Screeding typically costs £15–£30 per m² in our area, with the type of screed, thickness and whether underfloor heating is being embedded affecting the price. We provide an itemised quotation after survey.
Limitations and exclusions
- Screed must be allowed to dry fully before flooring, tiling or adhesives are applied, or the finish can fail — drying times are confirmed for the specific product and depth used
- Underfloor heating pipes are checked and pressure-tested before screed is poured over them, as they cannot be accessed afterward without breaking out the floor
- Damp-proof membranes and insulation beneath the screed are specified separately according to the build-up required
Areas we cover
Screeding across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for screeding in each town we work in.
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FAQs
Screeding FAQs
What's the difference between liquid screed and traditional sand-cement screed?
Liquid (flowing) screed is pumped in, self-levels and typically dries faster with good thermal performance, which suits underfloor heating. Traditional sand-cement screed is hand-laid and levelled, and remains a reliable option where a liquid screed isn't practical or needed.
How long before I can walk on a new screed floor?
Most screeds can take light foot traffic within a few days, but this depends on the type and depth laid — we confirm timings for your specific job before laying starts.
Can screed be laid over underfloor heating?
Yes — this is one of the most common uses for screed, particularly liquid screed, which flows around the pipework and gives good thermal contact. The heating system is tested for leaks before the screed is poured.
Discuss your screeding project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.