Concrete screed Malta projects rely on one critical stage: a properly applied screed that creates a smooth, level, and durable base for all types of floor finishes, ensuring long-term performance and a high-quality result. At Shaw Contractors, we specialise in professional concrete screeding services in Malta, delivering precision and consistent results across residential and commercial projects.
Concrete Screed Malta: What It Is and Why It Matters
Concrete screed is a thin top layer applied over a structural concrete subfloor, typically made of cement and sharp sand, that creates a flat, durable surface. Once reinforced with a coarse aggregate of 6–10mm, screed can support heavier-duty applications, making it suitable for garages, warehouses and other high-traffic spaces.
In Malta, screed is also frequently laid over insulation or underfloor heating systems, concealing pipes while providing efficient thermal performance. Beyond a flat surface for tile, carpet or hardwood, screed corrects uneven floor levels — the finished floor should not vary more than 5mm over a 3-metre span.
Screed Types and Thickness
Choosing the right screed depends on the base it’s being applied over — a structural slab, insulation, or a damp-proof membrane:
- Bonded screed — applied directly to the concrete base, creating a strong connection between layers.
- Floating screed — laid over insulation, such as underfloor heating systems.
- Unbonded screed — installed above a damp-proof membrane.
Thickness depends on how the floor will be used:
- Bonded screeds for light domestic use: minimum 25mm
- Floating screeds or those with underfloor heating: minimum 65mm
- Heavy-duty floors (industrial or warehouse): thicker, often reinforced screeds
To improve strength, screed can be reinforced with polypropylene fibres, fine glass mesh, or steel, which boosts crack resistance and extends the life of the floor.
Cost and Delivery
Screed prices in Malta depend on the floor’s size and depth, the screed type and quality, and whether additives or reinforcement are needed — larger or more complex projects raise the cost. We always recommend a custom estimate based on your exact requirements: contact us for a quick, no-obligation quote.
The delivery method depends on the site. For smaller jobs, we mix screed on-site and move it by wheelbarrow. For larger spaces, we use a screed pump to deliver material quickly and cleanly, saving time and improving consistency.
Our Concrete Screeding Process
- Surface Preparation — cleaning and preparing the base
- Level Setting — establishing accurate floor levels
- Application — even distribution of screed
- Levelling & Finishing — achieving a smooth, uniform surface
- Drying & Curing — ensuring proper strength and durability
Residential and Commercial Screeding
We provide concrete screeding for a wide range of projects across Malta:
- Residential: apartments and penthouses, villas and townhouses, renovation projects
- Commercial: offices and retail spaces, large-scale developments, high-traffic environments — read more in our guide to commercial concrete screeding in Malta
If your project involves underfloor heating, see our dedicated guide on screed with underfloor heating in Malta, or compare your options in self-levelling vs traditional screed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is concrete screed?
Concrete screed is a layer applied over a structural base to create a smooth, level surface for the final flooring.
How long does screed take to dry in Malta?
Drying time typically follows a rate of around 1mm per day for traditional screed, depending on conditions — see our full guide to screed drying time in Malta.
How much does concrete screed cost in Malta?
Costs vary based on size, thickness, and screed type — see our guide to concrete screed cost in Malta for a full breakdown, or contact us for a tailored quotation.
Do I need screed before tiling?
Yes — screeding ensures a level, stable base for tiles and other floor finishes.
More Concrete Screed Guides
- Common screeding mistakes in Malta (and how to avoid them)
- Self levelling screed Malta: when should you use it?
- Screed contractors in Malta: what to look for
- Floor screeding Malta: how to choose the right solution
Why Choose Shaw Contractors for Concrete Screeding in Malta
We combine experience, quality materials, and attention to detail to deliver reliable results — professional workmanship, efficient execution, and solutions for both residential and commercial clients. Concrete screeding is just one stage of the process — we take properties from shell form to fully finished spaces.
Still unsure which screed is right for your build? Contact Shaw Contractors today for expert advice and a tailored quote on your floor screeding project in Malta.
