If you’re having new flooring laid, you might first need to screed your floor to level out the surface. That’s where a screeding contractor comes in! Here, we’ll look at everything to do with hiring screeding companies near you – from what they do to how much they tend to charge.
Want to get started on finding a screeding company near you?
We have two quick and easy ways to find the best screeding companies near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. Just tell us what you need doing and we’ll reach out to floor screeders near you who are recommended by your neighbours. Our members will contact you directly.
- Search your postcode. Enter your postcode into the search box below to browse a list of top Checkatrade screeding contractors in your area.
Your questions answered about floor screeding near you
What is screeding a floor?
Screeding a floor involves pouring a thin layer of a material similar to concrete over your concrete subfloor.
This is usually done to level out a previously uneven surface, so that your chosen flooring can be properly installed over the top. However, floor screed can also be used for thermal and acoustic insulation, or to provide a better surface for adhesives to cling to. If you have underfloor heating installed, you’ll find that floor screed is used to cover and bury the pipes.
Floor screed is normally made from cement mixed with sharp sand, although it can also include other ingredients such as latex and cementitious products.
What happens if you don’t screed?
Screeding your floor won’t always be necessary. But often, you’ll find that a concrete subfloor on its own won’t provide a level enough surface for your chosen flooring to be installed over the top.
Concrete is often bumpy, uneven and may even form cracks or holes over time. If you were to install tiles without screeding first, they might start to crack when walked over. On the other hand, floor screed would provide a level, durable surface that would be a much better base for tiles and other similar flooring options.
Can you do screeding yourself?
That depends on how experienced you are at DIY. Although you could mix floor screed and apply it yourself, it can be difficult to achieve a flawless finish. And, of course, if you struggle to get your floor level, that will likely defeat the whole object of screeding your floor in the first place!
With that in mind, screeding your floor likely isn’t the best DIY project if you’re a beginner. Which brings us onto…
Why hire a screeding contractor in my area?
Hiring a screeding contractor near you – rather than attempting the job yourself – will usually be the most sensible option. Here are a few reasons why you should hire a screeding contractor in your area.
- Save time. A screeding contractor will be able to complete the job much more quickly and efficiently than you would as a beginner.
- Professional quality. Screeding companies are experts at what they do. They’ll have all the knowledge and tools required to carry out the job to a high standard.
- Save money. Carrying out the work yourself might save you money initially. But if you don’t get it right first time round, it could cost you more in expensive repair and replacement work.
Ultimately, hiring a trusted screeding contractor will give you peace of mind that the job will be carried out to a high standard that will stand the test of time.
How much do floor screeders near me cost?
The typical floor screeding cost is around £19 per m2, assuming the screed is 75mm thick.
That said the exact cost of screeding your floor will depend on a number of factors, including the:
- Type of screed
- Thickness of the screed
- Size of the area you want to cover
- Location
- Whether you need help moving your furniture
We’d always recommend getting at least three quotes from reputable screeding companies near you so that you can find the best price.
How do I find reputable screeding companies near me?
If you’re ready to hire a screeding company in your area, you’re probably wondering how to make sure you pick someone reputable. Here are our top tips.
- Read reviews. Always check what other homeowners have said about the tradesperson you’re considering. Take note of comments about their timekeeping and professionalism as well as the standard of their work.
- Verify their experience. Make sure that your contractor has carried out other similar jobs before. That way, you’ll know they have the benefit of experience.
- Check their payment structure. Reputable screeding companies shouldn’t charge you the full fee upfront. Rather, they should charge you at least some of the fee after the work is complete.
- Use Checkatrade! Approved tradespeople on Checkatrade have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed on things such as professionalism, punctuality and tidiness. So, you can be confident you’re hiring someone you can trust.