When it comes to creating a beautiful and long-lasting kitchen floor, what’s beneath the surface matters just as much as what you see on top. That’s where screed comes in. It provides the smooth, level base that flooring materials like tiles, vinyl, or engineered wood need to sit properly and perform well over time.
If you’re planning a DIY kitchen renovation — or managing it yourself — it’s easy to overlook the importance of getting the screed right. But mistakes at this stage can lead to cracked tiles, warped floors, or costly repairs down the line.
Here are five of the most common screeding mistakes in kitchen flooring projects, and how to avoid them – helping you to achieve your dream kitchen design!
- Screeding Before Properly Preparing the Substrate
The mistake:
Laying screed onto a dusty, dirty, or unstable base is a common issue. In kitchens where underfloor heating is being installed, pipes might not be fixed properly, or insulation may be overlooked – both of which can affect the performance of the screed and heating system.
How to avoid it:
Always start with a clean, dry, and stable base. If you’re installing underfloor heating, make sure all pipes are properly clipped down and pressure-tested before you screed over them. This prep work ensures the screed bonds well and heat from the pipes is efficiently transferred through the floor.
- Choosing the Wrong Type of Screed
The mistake:
Not all screeds are suitable for kitchens, especially those with high moisture levels or underfloor heating. Some DIYers choose a screed simply because it’s readily available, not realising it might not perform well in a kitchen environment.
How to avoid it:
For kitchens – especially those with underfloor heating – choose a screed with good thermal conductivity and crack resistance. Flowing screeds, such as anhydrite (calcium sulphate) or proprietary fast-drying cement-based screeds, are ideal for covering heating pipes as they fully encapsulate them with minimal air gaps.
- Getting the Thickness Wrong
The mistake:
Incorrect thickness is a recipe for problems. Too thin, and your screed may crack or fail to cover underfloor heating pipes properly. Too thick, and it can take far too long to dry — delaying your flooring and trapping moisture.
How to avoid it:
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for the right thickness:
Thickness requirements will vary depending on the type of screed and how it is used. Traditionally sand cement screeds should require a larger thickness of around 65–75mm, whereas liquid (flowing) screeds can be applied as low as around 35–45mm. If you’re working to tight levels, measure carefully and choose a screed designed for thinner applications if needed.
- Not Allowing Enough Time for Drying
The mistake:
It’s a common DIY trap: assuming the screed is ready just because it looks dry on the surface. This can be particularly problematic with underfloor heating, where trapped moisture can affect floor finishes, adhesives, and even heating efficiency.
How to avoid it:
Let the screed dry naturally and thoroughly. Most standard screeds dry at about 1mm per day – meaning a 50mm screed could take 6–8 weeks. You can reduce this by choosing a fast-drying screed, some of which are ready for floor finishes in as little as 7–14 days. Make sure to test moisture levels before installing flooring.. If underfloor heating is in place, follow a proper commissioning protocol, which includes gradually heating the floor after the initial cure period.
- Walking on It Too Soon or Damaging the Surface
The mistake:
After all the effort of laying the screed, it’s easy to accidentally undo your hard work by walking on it too soon, or leaving tools and materials that dent or scratch the surface.
How to avoid it:
Protect the screed while it cures. Depending on the type, avoid foot traffic for 24 to 72 hours, and keep the area clean and undisturbed. Use protective boards if trades need to access the area, and always follow curing guidelines.
Final Tips for DIYers
- Plan ahead – especially if using underfloor heating, factor screed drying time into your schedule.
- Match the screed to the job – not just what’s on offer at the builders’ merchant.
- Don’t skip moisture testing – it’s the best way to avoid flooring failures.
- Get advice if unsure – even experienced DIYers benefit from speaking to a screed specialist or supplier.
