Introduction to Cement Screed and Microcement
Cement screed and microcement are two popular types of flooring solutions used in modern construction and renovation projects. But what exactly are they, and what are the key differences?
Cement screed is a blend of sand, cement, and water that is applied on top of a solid foundation to create a smooth and level surface prior to laying the final floor covering. It has been used for decades as an effective base for tile, wood, laminate, and other floor finishes.
Microcement, on the other hand, is a more recent innovation consisting of much finer grains that create an ultra smooth coating that can be used as a decorative flooring finish itself. Sometimes called “liquid cement”, it provides a seamless, contemporary look.
Main Differences Between Screed and Microcement
While both screed and microcement use cement as a key ingredient, there are some notable ways in which they differ:
Thickness
Screed is much thicker, with a typical thickness between 25-40mm for floor screeds. This gives it excellent compression strength.
Microcement coatings are very thin, less than 3mm. This allows a lightweight application that will not alter room heights.
Purpose
Screed acts as a subsurface to lay flooring onto, not as a finished surface itself.
Microcement can be used decorative seamless flooring with different staining techniques to achieve varied styles.
Grain Size
Screed uses coarse sand aggregates up to 8mm in size.
Microcement utilizes micro particles under 0.4mm allowing an ultra smooth finish.
Drying Times
Screed dries slowly due to its thickness, normally needing 1 day per mm.
Microcement can be walked on in 24 hours due to the thin layer applied.
When Should You Use Cement Screed or Microcement?
Now that we have covered the major differences, when should you use each material?
Cement Screed Recommended For:
- Leveling uneven concrete floors prior to flooring
- Heavy duty subfloor in commercial spaces
- Underfloor heating beds
- Total floor depth needs to be raised
In summary, screed is ideal whenever a new solid base needs to be laid prior to applying floor finishes.
Microcement Recommended For:
- Seamless minimalist floor aesthetic
- Quick renovations and makeovers
- Wet rooms and bathrooms
- Poor existing substrate requiring cover
Microcement suits most residential settings where a contemporary floor design is desired without starting from scratch.
How Is Cement Screed Applied vs Microcement Application?
Cement Screed Application Process:
Here are the key stages to lay a cement screed floor:
- Surface prep – Clean concrete slab and apply primer
- Lay damp proof membrane – Carefully roll out membrane
- Insulation layer – Add insulation boards if needed
- Edge isolation strip – Attach 5mm foam perimeter strips
- Reinforcement mesh – Lay galvanized wire mesh
- Pouring screed – Evenly pour screed mix across area
- Leveling – Smooth with a screed board tool
- Curing – Follow curing guidelines, normally 1 day per mm depth
- Sanding – Lightly sand surface prior to applying floor
- Flooring – Carefully lay chosen flooring with adhesives
Microcement Application Process:
Microcement follows a very different application technique:
- Surface prep – Clean and fill cracks or holes
- Priming – Apply acrylic primer coat
- Base layer – Trowel on slightly textured base layer
- Middle layer – Build up 2 further layers, sanding between
- Top coat – Apply smooth microcement top layer
- Polishing – Hand polish with fine abrasives
- Sealing – Seal surface with penetrating sealer
- Finishing – Optional colored waxes or stains
As you can see, microcement allows a much faster application and finish compared to traditional cement screeds.
Pros and Cons of Cement Screed Flooring
Advantages of Screed Floors
- Extremely durable for high traffic
- Provides thermal mass for underfloor heating
- Levels uneven substrates prior to flooring
- Fire resistant and noise reducing
- Compatible with any floor covering
Disadvantages of Screed
- Slow drying before flooring can be laid
- Cracking possible on substrates subject to movement
- Heavy materials difficult to handle
- Cold underfoot unless using underfloor heating
- Professional trade skills normally required
Pros and Cons of Microcement Flooring
Benefits of Microcement
- Seamless contemporary aesthetic
- Fast application and drying
- Suits many floor and wall uses
- Range of colors and finishes
- Thin layer does not reduce room height
Downsides of Microcement
- Surface scratches easier than screed
- Not suitable for very heavy traffic areas
- Limited liquid cement product choice
- Needs retouching every few years
- High skill technique has lengthy learning curve
Cement Screed vs Microcement Cost Comparison
One of the most important considerations is the installation cost difference between cement screed and microcement options.
Cement Screed Cost
A typical 30-40mm screed layer over 5 m2 would cost approximately:
- Materials – $150
- Labor – $400
Total $550
Costs vary based on thickness and if insulation is added
Microcement Cost
A 5 m2 microcement floor would typically cost around:
- Materials – $450
- Labor – $850
Total $1300
As you can see, screed provides a far cheaper subsurface solution, while microcement costs more as a specialized floor finish. Always get contractor quotes.
Which Provides Better Value Over Time?
Microcement may cost substantially more upfront, but offers easy maintenance and refinishing to restore the floor years later. On the other hand, screed is very affordable to install but requires completely re-laying floor finishes once worn out. Ultimately there is no outright winner, with suitability depending on individual home needs and budget. Microcement suits those wanting a contemporary floor aesthetic, while traditional screed accepts any flooring finish.
Should You Choose Cement Screed or Microcement In 2024?
In summary when weighing up cement screed vs microcement options:
- Cement screed wins for total floor build height, heavy duty use, and laying subsurface for additional finishes
- Microcement wins for seamless modern style, rapid installation, and easy refurbishment
Neither material suits every project, with factors like substrate, use, budget, timeframe and desired aesthetic key considerations. Many homeowners mix and match, using screed for high traffic areas like hallways, and microcement to make a unique style statement in bedrooms and living spaces.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for reliable cement screed or modern microcement ultimately comes down to needs and intended use. Both deliver quality flooring solutions that stand the test of time when professionally installed. Microcement brings decorative flair for contemporary homes, while screed remains the workhorse for laying firm bases. Talk to flooring specialists in 2024 for expert recommendations to ensure you pick the best options for your unique home goals and constraints. With some smart thinking, you can likely utilize both materials across different zones as required.
FAQs
What thickness should floor screed be?
25-40mm is typical for residential settings, but thicker screeds up to 75mm suit commercial projects.
Can microcement crack easily?
Quality microcement should not crack if the substrate and base layer preparation is done correctly. However hairline cracks may appear on very uneven or flexing surfaces over time.
Is screed cheaper than concrete?
Yes, screed provides a budget friendly alternative to laying a full concrete slab. It saves on concrete volume and labor time.
Can microcement be applied to concrete?
Yes absolutely, microcement sticks well applied over existing concrete that is properly prepared through cleaning, priming and crack repairs.
Which floor is more durable?
Cement screed has much greater compression and impact resistance able to withstand very heavy use. Microcement suits most residential foot traffic but can mark more easily.