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Monday, October 12, 2026
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General construction glossary

Screed

A screed is a thin leveling layer of cement-based material laid over a slab or insulation to give a flat finished floor surface.

A screed is a thin leveling layer of cement-based material laid over a slab or insulation to give a flat finished floor surface.

Definition

A screed is a layer of sand and cement, or a proprietary mix, spread and leveled over a structural slab or insulation to make a smooth base for flooring.

A plain example

Illustrative example only: insulation boards are laid over a slab, covered with a separating membrane, and a screed is placed to a stated thickness and leveled to tolerance.

Why it matters

Flatness and drying time decide when tile or wood can be laid. Installing flooring on a damp screed is a common cause of failures.

Common confusion

A screed is not the structural slab. The slab carries load; the screed only levels it.

On a project

Confirm thickness, mix, reinforcement if any, curing period and moisture test requirement with the specification and the flooring maker.

Quick answers

  • How long must a screed dry? It depends on the mix and thickness; test moisture rather than relying on a rule.
  • Can it carry underfloor heating? Yes if designed for it; follow the system maker's instructions.
  • Is it a structural element? No, it is a finishing layer.

Related terms

Always check the project drawings and specification, and confirm requirements with the engineer of record and the local authority.

Questions people ask

How long must a screed dry?

It depends on the mix and thickness; test moisture rather than relying on a rule.

Can it carry underfloor heating?

Yes if designed for it; follow the system maker's instructions.

Is it a structural element?

No, it is a finishing layer.

Sources and further reading

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