What is Screeding?
Screeding (in Dutch: aanrazeren) is a building technique in which an uneven surface — such as brickwork, concrete, or a floor — is levelled by applying a thin layer of mortar or a levelling compound. The goal is to create a smooth, flat surface ready for further finishing work, such as tiling, plastering, or fitting a window frame.
The term is most commonly used in the context of brickwork. When the top course of brickwork does not finish perfectly level or plumb, it is “screeded”: additional mortar is applied and smoothed off to the desired level. This is a standard technique when installing window and door frames, lintels, or other elements that require a flat, level base.
Screeding should not be confused with plastering. Plastering involves applying a thicker layer of material to achieve a smooth wall surface. Screeding is generally a more precise, shallower correction to reach a specific plane or level.
Applications
Screeding is used in the following situations:
- Levelling the top of a wall or foundation before fitting a frame, sill, or threshold
- Smoothing out irregularities in a concrete floor before laying tiles or flooring
- Finishing brickwork after embedding a beam or lintel
For DIY builders, screeding is an important skill in renovation projects where old window frames are being replaced or new walls are being built. A properly screeded surface is the foundation for a clean, professional finish.
Related Terms
- Mortar
- Levelling compound
- Plastering
- Lintel
- Floor screed
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