Category: Finishes
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A floor screed is a cement mortar or thin concrete layer laid over the structural slab to give a level surface at the required level and falls before the final finish.
Why it matters on a project
It sets drainage falls in bathrooms and roofs, and its flatness is a condition for large-format tiles and parquet.
Measurement and pricing
Measured in square metres, stating thickness.
Worked example
A 20 m² floor with a 5 cm screed: 20 × 0.05 = 1.0 m³ of mortar.
Common mistake
Laying a screed with no falls to the drains, so water ponds in bathrooms.
Frequently asked questions
What fall should a bathroom floor have to the drain?
The design sets it, usually 1% to 2% so water does not pond.
Is screed cured like concrete?
Yes, it is kept moist for some days to avoid cracking before finishing.
Related terms
- LevelThe vertical height of a point relative to a datum (zero level).
- Porcelain tilesHigh-density, low-absorption ceramic tiles suited to heavy-use floors.
- Parquet (wood flooring)Natural or engineered wood flooring laid over an underlay.
- WaterproofingLayers preventing water ingress into structural elements or spaces, such as bituminous membranes and cementitious coatings.
Read next
- Work out quantities with our free calculators: concrete, tiles, paint and plaster. Open the calculators
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