Commercial Screeding: What to Specify and What to Look For

Commercial screeding projects have different requirements to residential work. Higher floor loadings, tighter surface regularity tolerances, programme pressures, and contractual compliance obligations all demand a screeding contractor with the right experience and accreditations. This guide covers what to look for and what to specify when procuring screeding for a commercial project.

Surface Regularity: SR1 vs SR2

BS 8204 defines two surface regularity classifications. SR1 requires a maximum 3mm deviation under a 2m straightedge and is the standard required for direct-stick floor finishes including LVT, engineered timber, and resin floors. SR2 allows up to 5mm deviation and is suitable for most other finish types. Most commercial specifications require SR1. Liquid screed achieves SR1 as standard — sand and cement screed typically achieves SR2 and requires additional grinding to reach SR1.

Accreditations to Ask For

For commercial contracts, procurement teams typically require evidence of: CHAS or Constructionline accreditation (health and safety pre-qualification), public liability insurance of at least £5m (screeding.com carries £10m PLI), employer's liability insurance, BS 8204 compliance capability, and method statements and risk assessments on request. screeding.com provides all of these as standard. Ask for them when you request your quote.

Programme and Sequencing

Commercial screeding must be carefully sequenced with other trades. Screeding should follow completion of first fix services but precede second fix. The screeded area must be protected from other trades for the first 48 hours minimum. Drying time must be built into the programme before floor finishes can be laid. screeding.com provides a written programme with every commercial quote and can mobilise at short notice for programme-critical projects.

screeding.com delivers commercial screeding projects across the UK. We carry full accreditations, £10m PLI, and provide BS 8204 compliance certificates on completion. Ring us to discuss your project.