Liquid screed
Flowing calcium sulphate and cement-based liquid screed systems for underfloor heating, larger floor areas and projects where level finish and pour planning matter. Every project is reviewed against build-up, access and programme before a formal quotation.
Based in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.
What liquid screed is.
Liquid screed is a pump-applied, flowing screed used to form a level surface over a prepared floor build-up. It is delivered as a wet mix and placed by hose, which can suit larger open areas and projects where coverage and level tolerance matter.
It is not always the right choice over traditional sand and cement — the suitable system depends on the floor build-up, the drying environment and the follow-on floor finish. Both approaches have their place; the right one is confirmed against the project, not the catalogue.
- Based in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
- London and the Home Counties
- 60+ years combined team experience
- Lead screeders with 20+ years each
- Commercial, development and residential projects
- Reviewed before formal quotation
Calcium sulphate and cement-based flowing systems.
Liquid screed is not a single product. Two broad families cover most projects, with the right choice depending on the build-up, the environment and the finish that follows.
Calcium sulphate (anhydrite)
Often considered for underfloor heating and larger floor areas where a flowing pour and close pipe contact suit the build-up.
Requires correct drying conditions and laitance management before bonded finishes. Suitability depends on the project specification and the final floor finish.
Cement-based flowing screed
Can be considered where moisture exposure, programme, finish build-up or specification points towards a cement-based system rather than calcium sulphate.
Final selection still depends on substrate, build-up and follow-on trades. Reviewed against the project before quotation.
When liquid screed can be suitable.
Liquid screed often fits projects where coverage, level tolerance and continuous pours are part of the brief. The right system is confirmed against the project, never assumed.
Underfloor heating projects
Often considered where pipework needs to be encapsulated across a heated floor build-up.
Larger open-plan residential floors
Apartments, open-plan extensions and high-spec new build with continuous floor areas.
Apartments and development plots
Where pour planning, level tolerance and coverage support the wider programme.
Commercial floor plates
Light-commercial fit-outs and developer schemes with larger, more continuous floors.
Programmes where level finish matters
Where the follow-on finish benefits from a flowing pour over a prepared build-up.
Suitability is confirmed against the project's build-up, substrate, access, drying environment and follow-on finishes.
Build-up and specification.
Liquid screed can be installed bonded, unbonded or floating depending on the substrate, the build-up and what sits beneath the screed. Thickness is specification-dependent and confirmed against system, loading, insulation and any underfloor heating cover — not picked from a generic minimum.
Substrate condition
Soundness, levels, datum and any required preparation before the pour.
Membranes
Damp-proof membrane or separation layer where the build-up calls for it.
Edge strip and movement
Perimeter edge strip and movement detailing reviewed against the build-up.
Insulation
Continuity, thickness and edge detailing where insulation sits below the screed.
Underfloor heating pipework
Fixings, pressure test and cover where UFH is included in the build-up.
Final floor finish
Tile, timber, vinyl, resin or carpet — the finish above influences system choice.
Liquid screed with underfloor heating.
Liquid screed is often considered for underfloor heating because it can flow around the pipework and form close contact across the heated floor build-up. The right system still depends on pipe layout, insulation, required depth, programme and the final floor finish.
Where underfloor heating installation is required, it can be coordinated through a specialist partner before the screeding team completes the floor. Commissioning and heat-up sequence follow the relevant system and manufacturer guidance, reviewed against the wider construction programme.
Commercial and development projects.
Liquid screed often suits commercial floor areas, developer plots, apartment schemes and light-commercial fit-outs where larger continuous pours and level finish are part of the brief. Programme, access and follow-on trades are reviewed alongside the specification.
Main contractor coordination
Pour sequencing, datum, access and protection planned around the wider site programme.
Access, pumping and pour sequencing
Pump access, hose runs and delivery routes reviewed before the quotation is issued.
Drying environment
Ventilation, weather protection and site conditions considered against the follow-on trades.
Follow-on trades
Tiling, flooring, fit-out and services coordinated around the floor's drying and surface readiness.
Preparation, access and programme.
Preparation, access and programme are reviewed as part of the installation package rather than as a standalone service. Each item below is considered against the project build-up and the wider construction programme.
Substrate readiness
Soundness, levels, datum and any preparation needed before the pour.
DPM and membrane checks
Damp-proof membrane or separation layer continuity where the build-up requires it.
Perimeter detailing
Edge strip and abutments detailed around the pour area.
Service penetrations
Pipes, ducts and rises detailed and protected before the pour.
Pump access and hose runs
Pump location, hose length and lift considered against the access route.
Parking and delivery access
Vehicle and pump positioning, traffic management and site logistics reviewed before the pour.
Protection after installation
Floor protection, traffic control and weather considered ahead of follow-on trades.
Ventilation and drying environment
Reviewed against the wider construction programme rather than promised in fixed days.
Surface laitance treatment
Where bonded finishes require laitance removal, this is detailed before the finish above.
Two routes for liquid screed.
Instant estimate.
Request an indicative estimate for a simple known-area project. The result is non-binding and reviewed before a formal quotation.
Commercial quotation.
Send project information and upload drawings, BoQs or specifications for review by the Screeding.com team.
Common questions.
Is liquid screed suitable for underfloor heating?
Liquid screed is often considered for underfloor heating because it can flow around the pipework and form close contact across the heated floor build-up. Suitability still depends on the floor build-up, pipe layout, required depth, system and the final floor finish, and is confirmed against the specific project before quotation.
What is the difference between calcium sulphate and cement-based liquid screed?
Calcium sulphate (anhydrite) liquid screeds are often considered for underfloor heating and larger floor areas and need correct drying conditions and laitance management before bonded finishes. Cement-based flowing screeds can be considered where moisture exposure, programme or specification points away from calcium sulphate. The right system depends on the project conditions and the follow-on finishes.
How thick does liquid screed need to be?
Thickness depends on the system, loading, substrate, insulation, underfloor heating cover and the wider specification. Generic minimum figures exist in product literature, but the final depth is specified against the project rather than treated as a universal rule.
How long does liquid screed take to dry before tiling or flooring?
Drying depends on the system, thickness, ventilation, site conditions and the relevant manufacturer guidance. Practical drying times should be discussed against the specific floor build-up and programme rather than treated as fixed day counts.
Can liquid screed be used in bathrooms or wet areas?
Wet areas may require a cement-based system or additional specification review. Calcium sulphate systems need careful consideration around moisture exposure and the final finish. The suitable approach is confirmed against the project build-up and the follow-on finishes.
Do you install the underfloor heating as well?
Where underfloor heating installation is required, it can be coordinated through a specialist partner before the Screeding.com team completes the screed. Not all underfloor heating work is delivered in-house — the screed system, build-up and pour are.
Do you cover London and the Home Counties for liquid screed?
Screeding.com is based in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire and works across London, West London, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and the wider Home Counties, with larger projects considered further afield.
Tell us about the liquid screed pour.
Indicative estimate for a simple known-area project, or send the specification, floor build-up or drawings for a commercial quotation.