Slab / screed pouring

Concrete slab and screed — United Arab Emirates

A well-made slab or screed is the foundation for everything else: tiles, parquet, terrace or shed. Any level or preparation defect shows up later in every floor covering. On Helplease, you describe your project and the workers offering this service in United Arab Emirates are notified of your request.

Slab or screed: what's the difference?

• Concrete slab: a load-bearing or ground slab, often reinforced, for a terrace, shed, garage or ground floor.
• Screed: a thinner mortar layer poured on an existing base to obtain a flat floor before laying a covering.
• Self-levelling compound: a very thin finishing layer to correct minor unevenness.

Depending on the project and what you agree with the worker, the job can include light excavation, preparing and compacting the base, formwork, laying a membrane and mesh, setting levels, pouring, screeding with a straightedge, smoothing and protecting during curing.

Key points

Load-bearing slab: design needed

An upper-floor slab, an extension upwards or a slab carrying heavy loads requires structural calculation. This type of work must be defined by a qualified professional beforehand.

Level and falls

Indoors, a perfectly flat floor is the goal; outdoors, a slight fall to drain water. State how the surface will be used.

Curing

Concrete and screed need time to dry before being loaded or covered. Allow for this in your schedule.

Access and concrete supply

Depending on volume, concrete may be mixed on site or delivered. Site access matters a lot: describe it.

What affects the price

• area and thickness;
• reinforced slab, screed or levelling compound;
• base preparation and formwork;
• how the concrete is mixed or delivered;
• site access and floor level;
• supply of materials.

The rate is agreed with the worker based on these elements.

Frequently asked questions

Is a screed needed before tiling?

Only if the base is not flat or sound enough. The worker can assess the existing floor.

Can I pour a terrace slab myself and have it finished?

Yes, partial work is possible; describe precisely what has already been done.

When can a screed be walked on?

It depends on the product and thickness; the worker will tell you the times to respect.

What information should I give?

The area, the desired thickness if known, the use, the existing base, indoors or outdoors, and site access.