Whether you’re building your dream home or renovating a rental in Malta, there’s one question that often pops up before tiling: do I need to screed a concrete floor for tiles?
The short answer? Yes—most of the time, screeding is not just recommended; it’s vital. But to fully understand why, let’s break it down. From the purpose of screeding to its practical benefits, this guide will explore everything Maltese homeowners, contractors, and developers need to know before laying down that first tile.
Let’s dive into the essential details.
✅ What Is Screeding—and Why Does It Matter?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
Screeding is the process of applying a thin, level layer of material (usually a sand and cement mix) over a concrete base to create a smooth and even surface. This layer helps prepare the floor for its final finish—like tiles, hardwood, or microcement.
In Malta, where many buildings feature reinforced concrete flooring, people often assume that once the slab is poured, tiling can begin. But not so fast!
Even newly poured concrete floors tend to have imperfections:
Uneven surfaces
Slight inclines or dips
Rough textures or cracking
Mismatched floor heights between rooms
These flaws make it very difficult to install tiles evenly, leading to loose tiles, adhesive failure, or lippage (raised tile edges).
That’s where screeding steps in—to create the perfect foundation for your tiling project.
🧱 Do I Need to Screed a Concrete Floor for Tiles in Malta?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
If you’re asking, do I need to screed a concrete floor for tiles, here’s what you should consider:
1. Is Your Concrete Surface Flat and Level?
If the answer is no—or you’re not 100% sure—screeding is essential. Uneven subfloors make it nearly impossible to lay tiles cleanly. Even a slight slope or bump can throw off alignment and create long-term tile instability.
2. Are You Working with a New Build or an Older Home?
In older Maltese homes, concrete floors may have been patched multiple times, or different construction methods might have been used. That means screeding is often necessary to:
Bridge different levels
Smooth out damaged areas
Prepare the surface for waterproofing layers (especially in bathrooms and kitchens)
3. Is Your Flooring Contractor Using Self-Levelling Screed or Traditional Mixes?
Modern screeds come in various formulas:
Traditional sand and cement screed
Fast-drying screeds
Self-levelling compounds
Depending on your deadline and budget, your screeding expert may recommend one over the other. But all these options still answer the same fundamental question: you need a screed layer for tile durability.
đź’¶ How Much Does Screeding a Floor Cost in Malta?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
Prices vary based on floor size, screed type, and condition of the base slab. However, a ballpark figure in Malta would be:
€15–€25 per m² for standard sand and cement screed
€25–€40 per m² for fast-drying or self-levelling screeds
Additional charges may apply for underfloor heating systems, irregular surfaces, or thickness over 5cm
The cost may seem like an added expense at first—but it protects your investment in tiles, which can cost €20–€100 per m² themselves!
Still wondering do I need to screed a concrete floor for tiles? The answer continues to point to a strong yes—because avoiding screeding often costs more down the line.
🔎 What Happens If You Skip Screeding Before Tiling?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
You might be tempted to skip this step to save time or money. Here’s what could happen if you go straight from concrete to tiles:
Cracked Tiles – Uneven loads can cause stress points under tiles.
Uneven Tile Surfaces – Makes cleaning, walking, and furniture placement a hassle.
Loose Tiles Over Time – Adhesives won’t bond correctly to uneven concrete.
Water Pooling Issues – Especially critical in bathrooms, kitchens, and terraces.
In short, you risk wasting both time and budget. Think of screeding as a small investment that guarantees tile performance.
🛠️ Can You Tile Directly on Concrete If the Floor Is Level?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
Yes—but only if the floor meets these conditions:
Completely flat with less than 3mm deviation across 2 meters
Clean, dry, and dust-free
Crack-free and structurally sound
Properly cured (minimum 28 days if newly poured)
Even in such rare cases, professionals in Malta usually recommend at least a thin self-levelling compound layer to ensure bonding and smoothness.
So, even in the best-case scenario, the keyword do I need to screed a concrete floor for tiles still leans toward “yes” for long-term quality.
🧰 The Role of Screeding in Turnkey Construction| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
In modern turnkey construction projects, screeding is considered a core part of the floor preparation workflow. It ensures that the space is ready for flooring, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, and appliances with seamless integration and precise levels.
Skipping screed in a turnkey renovation adds a ripple effect of challenges. That’s why trusted construction companies in Malta (like Kibitec) build screeding right into the project plan from the outset.
đź“Ź What Thickness Should a Screed Layer Be?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
For tiling over a concrete floor, screed thickness typically ranges between:
40mm to 70mm for standard sand-cement screeds
3mm to 10mm for self-levelling compounds
Going too thin (under 25mm with standard screeds) increases the risk of cracking. On the other hand, too thick adds unnecessary weight and cost.
Your screed contractor will evaluate:
Subfloor condition
Expected floor load
Tile thickness
Underfloor heating (if applicable)
In Malta’s humid climate and unique limestone structure, expert screeding is key to preventing cracks, tile failures, and uneven finishes.
🧩 Still Asking: Do I Need to Screed a Concrete Floor for Tiles?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
If you’re tiling in Malta—especially on concrete—here’s the truth:
Unless your floor is perfectly flat and prepped (which is rare), screeding is absolutely necessary.
Not only does it help level the surface, but it also supports:
Tile longevity
Adhesive performance
Seamless tile alignment
Thermal and acoustic insulation when needed
From new builds in Sliema to heritage renovations in Mdina, screed provides the underlayer your tiles can trust.
How to Screed a Concrete Floor Before Tiling| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
If you’ve determined that your floor needs screeding, the next step is understanding how it’s actually done. Although professional installation is highly recommended, knowing the process helps you make informed decisions and understand what to expect. Here’s a simplified step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Before laying screed, the existing concrete slab must be cleaned and primed. This involves removing dust, oil, paint, and debris. For better adhesion, a bonding agent or primer is usually applied.
Step 2: Installing Edge and Movement Joints
To prevent cracks due to expansion or contraction, perimeter edge strips and expansion joints are installed. These act as buffers between the screed and walls or columns.
Step 3: Setting Screed Levels
To ensure an even screed surface, levelling strips or tripods are used to define the required height. In cases where slope is necessary (like in wet rooms), it is carefully built into the level design.
Step 4: Mixing and Laying the Screed
Screed is then mixed—either sand and cement for traditional screed or self-levelling compounds. The mixture is poured and distributed evenly across the floor using trowels, screeding bars, or levelling tools.
Step 5: Compacting and Finishing
To prevent air pockets and ensure a durable surface, the screed is compacted and smoothed. Some installers use a power float for larger surfaces.
Step 6: Curing and Drying
Screed must cure properly. Typically, sand-cement screed requires 24–48 hours to harden and up to 3–4 weeks to fully dry depending on thickness (at a rate of about 1mm per day in good conditions).
Step 7: Floor Readiness Check
Moisture content should be below 75% relative humidity before tiling. Professionals often use a moisture meter to test this.
If you’re in Malta and unsure about any of these steps, we highly recommend reaching out to a professional team like Kibitec for accurate results and peace of mind.
Screeding Costs in Malta| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
The price of screeding a floor in Malta typically depends on:
Type of screed (traditional, fast-drying, or self-levelling)
Thickness required
Floor size and complexity
Labour and material costs
Here’s a general guide:
Traditional sand-cement screed: €20–€28/m²
Self-levelling compound: €25–€35/m²
Fast-drying screeds: €35–€45/m²
Keep in mind that if your floor is severely uneven or if insulation layers or underfloor heating are being added, prices can increase.
Need a more precise quote? Contact us and get your custom estimate today.
Alternatives to Screeding Before Tiling| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
You might be wondering—what if you could avoid screeding altogether?
Yes, there are alternatives:
Tile Adhesive Levelling: In cases with minor imperfections (under 3mm), some opt to level using additional adhesive. This isn’t recommended for larger issues.
Decoupling Membranes: These can be used over slightly uneven floors but won’t fix major dips or slopes.
Backer Boards: Foam or cement backer boards can be laid over uneven surfaces and act as a tile-ready base layer.
Floating Floors: Rare in tile installation, but used with engineered wood or vinyl plank floors.
Still, none of these methods replace screeding when the substrate is significantly uneven or below standard. For long-lasting results, proper screeding remains the most reliable approach.
Final Verdict: Should You Screed a Concrete Floor Before Tiling?| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
Let’s circle back to the question: “Do I need to screed a concrete floor for tiles?”
Here’s the bottom line:
If your floor is flat, clean, and within level tolerances (less than 3mm deviation over 2 meters) — you might get away without screeding.
If the floor is uneven, cracked, poorly finished, or requires insulation or underfloor heating — screeding is essential.
If you’re unsure — get a site assessment from professionals like Kibitec. It’s better to spend a little now than pay a lot later for tile failures.
Check Out Our Screeding Services in Malta| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
Ready to prep your floor the right way?
👉 Check out our screed services and discover how we deliver smooth, strong, tile-ready floors across Malta.
Contact Us| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply want to lay tiles, we’re here to help.
đź“© Contact us today for professional screeding solutions tailored to your needs.
Bonus Tip: Learn More About Turnkey Construction| Do i Need To Screed a Concrete Floor For Tiles
Screeding is just one step in a full renovation or building project.
To understand how it fits into the bigger picture, check out this guide on turnkey construction.
