If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, you may need to consider screeding as a critical step. Screeding creates a smooth, level surface on the bathroom floor, ready for tiles or other flooring materials. It’s essential to get this step right to ensure proper drainage, especially in wet rooms or areas with walk-in showers.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to screeding your bathroom floor, including materials, techniques, and expert tips.
Why Screed a Bathroom?
Bathroom floors need to be waterproof, durable, and level. Screeding helps achieve this by:
- Smoothing Uneven Surfaces: Creates an even base for tiles, vinyl, or other flooring.
- Ensuring Proper Drainage: Screed can be laid with a slight gradient to direct water toward drains, which is especially useful in wet rooms.
- Protecting Against Water Damage: A well-applied screed layer provides stability and prevents moisture from seeping into the floor.
Materials You'll Need:
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials:
- Cement Based Screed Mix: Available pre-mixed or as a self-levelling compound.
- Buckets (for mixing the screed)
- Trowels: To smooth and level the screed.
- A Spirit Level
- Float
- Straightedge or Screed Board
- Primer
- Protective gloves and goggle
Step 1: Prepare the Floor
- Clear the Area: Remove any debris, old flooring, or adhesives.
- Prime the Substrate: Apply a primer to the surface to improve adhesion and minimise moisture absorption from the screed. Allow it to dry fully.
- Check the Floor Height: Use a spirit level to determine the floor height and any slope required, especially if you need water to drain towards a specific point, like a shower drain.
Step 2: Mix the Screed
For a bathroom, using a cement-based screed is common, but self-levelling screed works well for smaller spaces.
- Follow the Manufacturere’s Instructions: Add the required amount of water to your screed mix. Avoid using too much water, as it can weaken the screed.
- Mix Until Smooth: Use a drill mixer or a trowel to ensure a consistent texture. The mix should be pourable but not too runny.
Step 3: Apply the Screed
- Pour the Screed: Starting at one end of the bathroom, pour the screed mix onto the floor.
- Spread Evenly with a Trowel: Use a trowel or float to spread the screed evenly across the surface. Apply a thin, even layer for a smooth finish.
- Check the Gradient: If a slope is required for drainage, use a spirit level to check that the screed angles towards the drain. You may need to adjust the amount of screed in certain areas to achieve the right angle.
Step 4: Level the Screed
- Use a Straightedge: Place it across the screed and pull gently across the surface to level it out. Work from one side of the room to the other.
- Smooth with a Float: After levelling, use a float to smooth out any remaining rough patches.
- Final Check: Run a spirit level over the entire area to ensure it’s level. Make minor adjustments where necessary to avoid pooling.
Step 5 : Allow to Cure
- Follow Curing Times: Let the screed cure for the recommended time, usually 24-48 hours for standard cement screed, but some self-levelling compounds cure faster.
- Avoid Traffic: Keep the area free from foot traffic until fully cured to avoid dents or uneven spots.
- Mositure Testing: Ensure the screed is fully dry before tiling or applying any other flooring. A moisture meter can help determine readiness.
Tips for a Successful Screed
- Work Quickly: Screed can start to set within 30 minutes, so aim to apply and level promptly.
- Plan Drainage Carefully: For wet rooms or shower areas, a gradient towards the drain will ensure water doesn’t pool.
- Consider Self-levelling Screed: If you’re new to screeding, self-levelling screed is more forgiving and requires less expertise for a smooth finish.
Summary
Screeding a bathroom may seem challenging, but with the right tools and technique, you can achieve a professional-looking result. Remember to plan for drainage, use quality materials, and allow adequate drying time. With a well-screeded bathroom floor, you’re ready for tiling or installing your chosen flooring and ensuring a stable, water-resistant foundation.
