Screed – Projects and Qualified Teams

Screed forms the level load-distribution layer between the structural slab and the floor finish. The trade covers cement screed (CT), calcium sulphate / anhydrite screed (CA), self-levelling screeds, dry screeds, and special build-ups with underfloor heating or acoustic insulation. Key factors are choosing the right binder and build-up, correct insulation and separating layers, proper pouring and levelling, reinforcement in stressed zones, and controlled drying to achieve floor-covering readiness. Example Germany: screed requirements per DIN 18560, finishes on heated screed per DIN EN 1264 and DIN 18560-2.

FAQ

How much does screed cost per m² as subcontracted work?

Which screed for which application?

How thick must screed be?

When is screed ready for floor covering?

Which common defects?

How long does laying take per apartment?

How much does screed cost per m² as subcontracted work?: Example Germany: cement screed 25–40 €/m² (laid, excl. material), self-levelling calcium sulphate 28–45 €/m², heated screed with build-up (insulation, pipes, screed) 60–95 €/m². In Poland prices are typically 30–40 % below German levels.
Which screed for which application?: Cement screed (CT): universal, moisture-tolerant, for bathrooms, basements, commercial. Calcium sulphate (CA, anhydrite): dry use only (interior, no bathrooms), but very flat and fast-drying. Self-levelling: ideal with underfloor heating due to thermal conductivity. Dry screed: no heating, immediate floor-covering.
How thick must screed be?: Example Germany: per DIN 18560 min. 35 mm CA on separating layer, 45 mm CT on separating layer, 65 mm on insulation (residential), 75 mm with underfloor heating. Commercial often 80–120 mm with reinforcement. Minimum thickness mandatory – otherwise cracks and voids.
When is screed ready for floor covering?: Cement screed: residual moisture ≤2.0 CM-% for wood, ≤2.5 CM-% for other coverings, ≤1.8 CM-% with heating. Calcium sulphate: ≤0.5 CM-%, ≤0.3 CM-% with heating. Rule of thumb: 1 cm per week with good ventilation – realistically 6–8 weeks. Always verify with CM measurement.
Which common defects?: Cracks from missing movement joints or too-fast drying, voids from missing separating layer or too-thin screed, heated-screed deformation from premature heating, wrong insulation with sound transmission to the neighbour.
How long does laying take per apartment?: Standard 80 m² apartment: preparation (insulation, separating layer, possibly heating pipes) 0.5–1 day, screed pour 0.5 day. Habitable after 28 days drying. With underfloor heating: additional 21-day commissioning heat-up. Full drying: 4–8 weeks.

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