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Screeding Prices Melbourne

Screeding in Melbourne generally costs between $25 and $70 per square metre, depending on the screed type. Sand and cement screed starts from $25/m², self-leveling screed from $30/m², and floating screed – used to isolate a floor structurally – costs $40 to $70/m². Alistar Tiling Melbourne provides a free on-site quote for screeding as part of any tiling project.

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Floor screeding and levelling in Melbourne before tiling

Screeding creates a flat, level surface for tiling and is one of the most important and most overlooked steps in a durable tile installation. Uneven or poorly prepared subfloors are the leading cause of cracked grout, hollow tiles, and lippage. Below is current Melbourne pricing across the main screed types used in residential and commercial tiling projects.

Different screed types suit different situations: traditional sand and cement screed is cost-effective for standard floors, while self-levelling and rapid-set screeds are used where a very flat finish is needed quickly, such as ahead of large-format tile installation. Bonded screed is applied directly to the concrete slab, while unbonded and floating screeds include a separation layer – floating screed in particular is used where underfloor heating, insulation, or sound isolation is required. Choosing the right screed type for your subfloor and tile selection has a direct impact on the long-term performance of the finished floor.

Screeding Prices

Screeding prices
ServicePrice
Sand & Cement Screed$25–$45/m²
Traditional Screed$30–$45/m²
Self-Levelling Screed$30–$50/m²
Rapid Set Screed$35–$60/m²
Bonded Screed$30–$50/m²
Unbonded Screed$35–$55/m²
Floating Screed$40–$70/m²

What Affects Screeding Prices in Melbourne?

Screeding costs are affected by:

  • Total floor area requiring a level screed layer
  • Screed type – traditional, self-levelling, rapid-set, bonded, unbonded, or floating
  • Thickness of screed required to correct an uneven or sloping subfloor
  • Whether underfloor heating or insulation is incorporated beneath the screed
  • Drying and curing time required before tiling can commence
  • Access to the property for mixing and pumping equipment
  • Whether the screed is for a residential floor or a larger commercial area
  • Subfloor type – concrete slab, timber, or existing tile substrate

Our Screeding Process

  1. 1. Subfloor assessment – We check levels across the floor and identify the right screed type for your subfloor and tile choice.
  2. 2. Fixed quote – You receive a price based on screed type, thickness, and total floor area.
  3. 3. Screed application – The screed is mixed and applied to create a flat, stable surface, with falls built in where drainage is required.
  4. 4. Curing before tiling – The screed is left to cure fully before tiling begins, ensuring long-term stability.

Why Choose Alistar Tiling Melbourne

Alistar Tiling Melbourne applies sand and cement, self-levelling, rapid-set, bonded, unbonded, and floating screeds as part of floor tiling projects across Melbourne. Getting the screed right is the foundation of a long-lasting tiled floor, and our team assesses subfloor levels carefully before recommending the most appropriate screed system for your project and timeline. We also work with underfloor heating installers where floating screeds are required, ensuring the heating system is properly encased and performing before tiles are laid on top.

Melbourne Suburbs We Service

We provide screeding services across greater Melbourne as part of floor tiling and renovation projects, from period homes in Melbourne's inner suburbs needing subfloor correction, to new builds in outer growth areas requiring screed ahead of large-format tile installation. Screeding a wet area? See our bathroom tiling prices Melbourne guide, or our waterproofing prices Melbourne guide if a membrane is required above the screed. Retiling over old flooring first? See our tile removal prices Melbourne guide. Browse our full range of tiling services. Contact us for a free on-site screeding assessment anywhere across Melbourne.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

01What is the cheapest type of screed?
Sand and cement screed is generally the most cost-effective option, starting from around $25 per square metre, and is suitable for most standard residential floors before tiling.
02How long does screed need to cure before tiling?
Traditional sand and cement screed typically needs 5 to 7 days to cure before tiling, while rapid-set screed can often be tiled over within 24 hours, making it useful for tight renovation timelines.
03What is floating screed used for?
Floating screed includes an insulation or separation layer beneath it and is commonly used where underfloor heating, sound insulation, or structural isolation from the slab below is required.
04Do I need screed if my floor already looks flat?
Even floors that look flat can have minor variations that cause problems with large-format tiles, which require very tight tolerances. A screed check is recommended before installing tiles larger than 600x600mm.
05Is self-leveling screed better than traditional screed?
Self-levelling screed flows to find its own level and is faster to apply over large areas, making it ideal for achieving a very flat finish quickly, though it typically costs slightly more than traditional screed.
06Can screeding fix a sloping or uneven floor?
Yes, screeding is specifically used to correct uneven or sloping subfloors, building up low areas to create a flat, level surface suitable for tiling.
07Do you screed commercial floors as well as residential?
Yes, Alistar Tiling Melbourne screeds both residential and commercial floors, adjusting the screed system and thickness based on expected foot traffic and the tile or flooring finish to be applied on top.
08Can screed be applied over old tiles or does it need bare concrete?
Screed can sometimes be applied over sound, well-bonded existing tiles, though in most renovation projects old tiles are removed first to ensure the screed bonds properly and any underlying issues are addressed.
09How thick does a screed layer need to be?
Screed thickness varies depending on the levelling required and the screed type, typically ranging from a few millimetres for self-levelling products to 40mm or more for traditional sand and cement screed correcting significant unevenness.
10Does screeding add significant height to my floor?
Yes, particularly thicker traditional screeds, which is worth considering ahead of doorways, thresholds, and where new tiled floors meet existing flooring in adjoining rooms – we'll factor this into planning during your quote.
11Can screeding be done in small areas like a shower base?
Yes, screeding is routinely used to build correct falls into shower bases and small wet-area floors, ensuring water drains properly toward the waste once tiles are installed.

Get a Free Screeding Quote in Melbourne

Contact Alistar Tiling Melbourne for a free on-site assessment and fixed quote for screeding ahead of your next floor tiling project.

Request My Free Quote Call 0455 233 816