When should screeds be used over concrete?
18th March 2025
Getting your flooring right starts with choosing the right base—but should you go with the heavyweight champ (concrete) or the smooth operator (screed)?
Ever found yourself on-site staring at the floor, wondering why some jobs start with a rough, rock-solid base while others get a silky-smooth finish? It’s not just about looking pretty—there’s a time and place for both screed and concrete, and picking the wrong one can mean cracked floors, unhappy clients, and a whole lot of extra work.
If you’re laying floors, installing underfloor heating, or just want to avoid getting a call-back for dodgy tiling, knowing when screeds should be used over concrete is key. The good news? We’ve seen it all, from flawless finishes to flooring disasters, and we’re here to steer you in the right direction.
Stick with us as we break down the key differences, real-world applications, and best practices to make sure your next project goes smoothly (literally).
When Should Screeds Be Used Over Concrete?
Underfloor Heating
(Because nobody likes cold toes!)
Underfloor heating is a game-changer—until you pour concrete over it and realise you’ve just made a very expensive heat trap. Screed, especially liquid screed, flows like a dream, wrapping around heating pipes to make sure every bit of warmth goes up into the room instead of getting lost in air pockets.
Better Heat Conduction
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Screed plays nicely with underfloor heating, making sure the warmth actually reaches the floor instead of vanishing into the abyss.
No Dodgy Heat Patches
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Concrete can leave cold spots and cracks when it expands unevenly. Screed keeps things uniform and stress-free.
Happy Customers, Happy Feet
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Ideal for homes, offices, and anyone who doesn’t want to freeze their socks off in winter.
For example, in a commercial office where energy efficiency is key, screed helps underfloor heating work properly, keeping bills down and floors toasty.
When You Need a Smoother Finish
(AKA No One Likes a Wonky Floor)
If you’ve ever tried laying tiles on a bumpy surface, you’ll know it’s about as fun as a wonky scaffold tower in a strong breeze. Concrete might be great for strength, but when it comes to smooth finishes, screed is your best mate.
Perfect for Flooring Materials
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Tiles, laminate, vinyl, and carpets all need a level subfloor to sit properly. Screed ensures there are no surprise dips.
No Grinding, No Hassle
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Unlike concrete, screed doesn’t need half a day of sanding and filling before it’s good to go.
Fewer Callbacks from Angry Clients
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Uneven flooring? It's not your problem when you’ve used screed.
For example, in a high-end commercial showroom where polished tiles are going down, screed gives that flawless base that makes the finished job look top-notch.
When You Don’t Have Time to Watch Concrete Dry
Nobody has time to stand around waiting for concrete to dry, especially when there’s a deadline looming and the boss is already giving you grief. Screed sets fast—walkable in 24-48 hours—so you can get on with the next stage without hanging about.
Speeds Up Flooring Installations
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Screed dries weeks faster than concrete, meaning floors can go in sooner.
Less Downtime On-Site
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If you’re on a tight schedule, screed helps keep things moving. No waiting, no hold-ups.
Keeps the Job on Track
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Need to finish a job quickly? Screed is the no-fuss, no-delay option.
For example, in a hotel undergoing rapid refurbishment, screed allows flooring to be laid quickly, keeping guests (and the project manager) happy.
When It Needs to Work in Wet and Dry Areas
Ever seen a bathroom floor that slopes the wrong way? Yeah, not great. Screed works well in wet and dry environments, making it a solid choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial spaces.
Doesn’t Need Extra Sealing
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Unlike concrete, which often needs a bit of TLC to prevent it from soaking up water, screed is naturally smoother and water-resistant.
Prevents Water Pooling
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Laying screed means less chance of dodgy drainage and more chance of your job lasting.
Great for High-End Builds
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If you’re working on a fancy spa or office block, screed ensures the floors don’t look like a patchwork quilt after a few months.
For example, in a luxury spa, screed provides the perfect moisture-resistant base for tiled wet rooms and poolside areas.
When Concrete is the Better Choice
As much as we love screed, there are times when concrete is the only way to go. If you need strength, durability, or something that won’t crumble under pressure, concrete is your best bet.
When You Need Serious Strength
Screed is great for finishing touches, but if you’re dealing with foundations, walls, or anything load-bearing, concrete is the undisputed champion.
Holds Up Under Pressure
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Unlike screed, concrete can take serious weight without cracking under strain.
Essential for Industrial Sites
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Factories, warehouses, and anywhere forklifts are rolling around all day need concrete floors.
Long-Lasting
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Concrete lasts decades with minimal maintenance, meaning fewer headaches down the line.
For example, in an industrial warehouse where heavy equipment is in use daily, concrete flooring is the only viable option.
When It’s an Outdoor Job
If you’re working outside, screed isn’t even an option. It doesn’t love the British weather and will start cracking faster than a cheap patio slab. Concrete, however, is built to survive the elements.
Handles Frost & Rain
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Screed can’t take freezing and thawing, but concrete can.
Perfect for Roads, Driveways, & Paths
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Anything exposed to the weather needs the durability of concrete.
Less Maintenance, Fewer Issues
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Concrete holds up better over time, meaning fewer repairs.
For example, a public footpath installation would require concrete to handle constant foot traffic and exposure to the elements.
The Right Base for the Right Job
Because no one wants to be the guy who picks the wrong flooring base.
When it comes to flooring, what’s underneath matters just as much as what’s on top. Get it wrong, and you’re looking at cracked tiles, wobbly floors, and a whole lot of explaining to do. Whether it’s screed flooring for a silky-smooth finish or concrete for unbeatable strength, picking the right material upfront saves you time, money, and future headaches.
Key Takeaways
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Screed is perfect for a smooth, level finish. If you don’t fancy spending half your life grinding down lumps in concrete, screed is your mate. Tiles, vinyl, and laminate all sit better on a properly levelled base.
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Concrete is the tough guy you need for strength. It’s built for foundations, driveways, and anything that needs to withstand heavy loads without crumbling under pressure.
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Underfloor heating? Screed all the way. It flows around pipes like a dream, keeping the heat where it belongs—in the floor, not lost in air gaps.
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Got a tight deadline? Screed dries quicker. While concrete takes its sweet time to set, screed is walkable in a couple of days, meaning you can crack on with the rest of the job.
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If it’s an outdoor job, stick with concrete. Screed and British weather don’t mix—rain, frost, and heavy traffic will ruin it faster than a dodgy cup of tea ruins a morning break.
Picking between screed and concrete isn’t rocket science, but getting it wrong can lead to a whole world of trouble. Luckily, we’ve got top-quality materials and expert advice to ensure you don’t end up with a flooring disaster.
Get in touch with the team today at 0117 958 2090 — because fixing it later is always more expensive than getting it right the first time.