Which sand concrete is better for floor screed: how to choose and use correctly

Choosing the right sand concrete for your floor screed is essential for a durable and smooth finish. Sand concrete, also known as sand-cement mix, is a popular choice for floor screeds due to its strength and ease of use. However, with various options available, it can be challenging to decide which type is best suited for your project.

Take into account the particular requirements of your floor screed when choosing sand concrete. The proper combination depends on a number of factors, including the anticipated foot traffic, the type of flooring to be installed, and the thickness of the screed. To prevent cracks and uneven surfaces, it’s critical to select high-quality sand concrete that offers good workability and sets properly.

Sand concrete must be mixed properly and applied carefully if it is to be used properly. For optimal results, it is imperative to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding mixing ratios and curing times. Furthermore, a clean and primed surface prior to screed application will promote a strong bond between the screed and a level, smooth finish.

A strong and durable floor screed can be achieved by being aware of the various types of sand concrete and how to use them. The quality and longevity of your floors will be greatly improved by taking the time to select the appropriate sand concrete, regardless of the size of your construction project or renovation.

What is sand concrete?

Is it worthwhile to use sand concrete for floor screed? was a question that every novice builder had. Several experienced and inexperienced builders have given the mixture positive reviews, despite its recent introduction to the market. Since it is modern, pouring and leveling work is much more dependable and straightforward.

Sand concrete, as defined by GOSTs, is an extremely durable, anhydrous mixture that does not shrink. It is made up of high-density fine sand and cement filler, to which mineral elements are added. Because of the different plasticizing materials it contains, the screed’s technical qualities have been greatly enhanced.

This robust, frost-resistant material hardens quickly. The materials utilized have an impact on the mixture’s wear resistance in addition to the solution’s consistency. Gray, fine- and coarse-grained sand concrete is produced.

Advantages and disadvantages of sand concrete

Let’s look at the features of the sand-throwing mixture, which has already gained the confidence of consumers. Now let’s determine which advantages the solutions have over other comparable materials.

• No shrinkage.
• Ease of use. Sold ready-made. You only need to dilute it with water in certain proportions. The consumption of sand concrete M300 per 1 m2 of screed is indicated on the packaging, as well as the instructions for preparation.
• Low water resistance.
• Has rapid hardening.
• Increased strength, wear resistance and frost resistance in hardened bases.
• Used for both external and internal work.
• Ecologically safe.
• Good plasticity – easily takes a given shape.
• Has excellent adhesion to various bases.

There’s no silver lining, as we all know. And this is not an unusual building material. The screed used in sand concrete has drawbacks as well.

However, if we look more closely, we can refer to them as conditional disadvantages:

• Excess material consumption, and, consequently, an increase in the cost of the finished base. Unprofitable compared to purchasing cement and sand. But preparing a full-fledged cement screed with your own hands requires special skill, knowledge and time to build – about a month. In some cases, it is better to overpay a little for faster construction time and your convenience.

• The appearance of counterfeits on sale.
• Inconvenient and fragile packaging in bags of 40 – 50 kilograms, especially when you need to tighten a small area, for example, in a bathroom of 4-5 square meters.

Now that you have a general idea of the benefits and drawbacks of this material, you can visit the store with confidence, purchase the composition you want, and check prices. In case there are still uncertainties, let us examine the makeup of the sand concrete screed.

What is included in the composition

We will use the example of the sand concrete screed M300 to examine the composition.

Although the quantity of parts may differ slightly between manufacturers, the principal parts are always the same:

• River sand (fractions no more than 3 millimeters).
• Portland cement (manufacturers use grades M400, M500).
• Large fraction sand (1.5 – 3 millimeters).
• Also, granite screenings or chips, plasticizers or necessary additives can be used in the composition.
• Various additives – in dry mixes they impart resistance to low temperatures, reinforcing fibers and other components. Added by the manufacturer depending on the scope of application, increasing functionality and technical properties.

Because each manufacturer mixes together their own proportions of ingredients to create a mixture, the mixtures can vary greatly from one another. Additionally, you can only purchase material of guaranteed quality from reliable producers.

To ensure longevity and a smooth finish, selecting the best sand concrete for floor screed requires knowing the proper mix and application. Seek for premium sand concrete that has the right strength rating and grain size. In order to guarantee a level surface and avoid cracks, proper mixing and application are essential. You can produce a polished outcome that endures over time by adhering to these guidelines.

Calculation of concrete composition

Types of sand concrete

The mixture is separated into various types based on the nature of the work that is done:

• Waterproofing. The high density of the resulting base makes it possible to use such a composition in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom, swimming pool, sauna, screeds in a garage made of sand concrete.
• Installation or masonry sand concrete. These are mixtures for plastering and puttying, as well as compositions for bonding blocks and floors.
• Wear-resistant is applicable for foundation work, pouring technical floors and bases that are subject to rapid wear due to high traffic of people.

A different category is designated for universal composition. It can be used for any task because it lacks its own area of expertise. For local repairs, therefore, universal solutions are typically employed. For major construction projects, a specific composition is bought.

Peskobeton M300 – features and characteristics

The M300 brand has a wider range of applications than just the building of low-rise housing. It is employed in all interior construction projects, including the creation of floors that are resistant to wear. in locations like garages, stairwells, brickwork, etc. that are subject to heavy loads.

The following are the indicators of the primary technical features of the M 300:

• High strength, withstanding a load of up to 300 kg / cm2.
• Frost resistance according to GOST is guaranteed without changing the parameters for up to 50 cycles.
• The use of the solution is recommended from +5 C to +25 C. But frost-resistant additives allow you to use at -15 C.
• This material gnaws with a strong adhesion to the base, which is evident from the adhesion size of 4 kg / cm 2.

Experts claim that working with this sand concrete is simple. Consequently, experts recommend this specific brand of sand concrete when asked which one to use for screed. However, opinions on mixture manufacturers differ.

The working surface is evenly covered with the final solution, and it will take two hours for the hardening process to begin. What can ensure that there are no peeling or ruptures? Sand concrete consumption for a perfect surface on a floor screed; the cost of building supplies is a constant amount. The thickness of the new base determines how much of the mixture is consumed.

Assuming a layer thickness of 10 mm, an average of 19–20 kg of sand concrete M300 for screed is used per square meter. Sand concrete for floor screed can be easily calculated if you know these parameters. Numerous online calculators are also available to assist you with calculations in a timely and precise manner.

Calculation of cement mortar

Selecting the appropriate sand concrete for floor screed is essential to getting a level and long-lasting surface. The type and grade of sand used, along with the compressive strength of the concrete, should be taken into account when choosing sand concrete. Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, choose a combination that best fits its needs.

Application and preparation done correctly are essential for a successful screed. Before pouring the concrete, make sure the subfloor is clear of debris and clean. In order to prevent the mixture from becoming weaker, mix the sand concrete as directed by the manufacturer, making sure to use the proper ratio of cement to water. Spread and level the screed with the proper tools, and give it enough time to cure for maximum strength.

You can make a smooth and long-lasting floor screed that will serve as a strong foundation for your flooring by carefully choosing and applying sand concrete. In order to guarantee the durability and functionality of your screed, don’t forget to adhere to manufacturer recommendations and best practices. You can produce results that are both professional and long-lasting with the appropriate strategy.

Video on the topic

The fastest way to install beacons on a screed! Few people know about this

Floor screed with the addition of fiber

Peskobeton M300 which is better to choose for floor screed and for the foundation