Floor Screed
Cement-sand layer laid over a base slab to give a level surface for the final floor finish
A floor screed is a relatively thin layer of cement-sand mortar (or fine concrete) applied over the structural base slab to bring the floor to the correct level, falls and surface regularity ready to receive the final finish (tile, stone, vinyl, epoxy, carpet) or, in the case of a wearing screed, to act as the finished surface itself. Types include bonded screed (thin, ≥25-40 mm, bonded to a prepared slab), unbonded screed (over a membrane, ≥50 mm) and floating screed (over insulation, ≥65-75 mm).
Typical mix is 1:3 to 1:4 cement:sand; thickness, mix and curing are critical — under-thick or poorly cured screeds crack, debond and become 'hollow' (drummy), the most common screed defect, requiring removal before tiling. Surface regularity is checked with a straightedge; level/falls are set out from datum and screed rails. Bonding, slab preparation (roughening, slurry coat) and curing follow IS 456 + good-practice flooring specifications.
- Levelling base for tile/stone/vinyl/epoxy finishes
- Setting bathroom + terrace falls to drains
- Floating screeds over thermal/acoustic insulation
- Wearing screeds for utility/service areas
- Pre-finish flatness + level correction