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There are certain cases in which either the concrete floor is not level or you want to cover some wires and cable and the best solution is to pour a thick layer of cement screed. Screeding is a technique used in the construction industry in which a concrete floor is laid on the ground to give a strong, durable, level surface. If there is an uneven floor or a new building where a floor is needed, then it is most likely that screeding is needed. The existing floor is first prepared so that the concrete can take hold. Then the concrete is poured all over to and levelled out perfectly so that an even floor is produced. Once this is done, other options to consider are the finishing touches on the new floor such as resins, sealers, paint coats etc. Other options are using carpets, wooden floors, tiling etc.  Pouring screed is also essential when using an under-heating system. It is recommended that a screed coat should be around 5 cm thick but it can be adjusted depending on the building design but note that the essential minimum thickness of a screed should be 2.5 cm. For those property owners or  builders who are on a tight budget to use a pure self-leveling screed, then a composite screeding material composed of a semi-dry mix of 1 parts cement with 3 part sharp sand (grade A) can be made.

 Below is a step for how to screed a floor as well as some general advice

Note: if you choose to screed a floor by yourself, it is recommend that you to ask a friend to help you because you need to mix the cement screed before levelling the floor. Also, if you rent or buy a power mixer, you will need another person to prepare and transport the cement screed while you level the screed with a straight edge and a margin trowel.

1. If the concrete floor is relatively level, then a method can be used to ease pouring the screed. You have to lay 2×2 wooden screeds every 1 m, making sure they are perfectly level one with other. Then pour the cement screed and level the floor with a straight edge along the wooden screeds.Then remove the wooden screeds and pour cement in the holes. Level the floor by using the aluminium straight edge.

Pouring flooring screed is not the easiest diy project due to the amount of time, materials, skill required. Hence the advantages and disadvantages of doing it by yourself have to be weighed and carefully thought out. A qualified builder will charge you a fairly large amount of money for the job, according to the surface of the room but assuming the builder is genuine, you can be sure that the screeding done by him/ her will be more efficient and faster than if you did it by yourself. Nevertheless, you can reduce the cost and time taken to complete the screeding by ordering the screed from your local cement mixing company. It will be pricier than mixing it by yourself but they will deliver it to your home and the screed will have been mixed well. In addition, they will strengthen the screed by adding several additives and other compounds.