Finishing a block and beam floor primarily involves applying a screed layer, which then serves as the base for your final flooring material.
The Finishing Process Explained
Once the structural work of laying the concrete beams and infill blocks is complete, the next crucial step is to prepare the surface for use. This involves creating a smooth, level, and durable layer over the block and beam structure.
Applying the Screed Layer
The most common method for finishing a block and beam floor is by adding a layer of screed. According to construction practices, once the beams and blocks are securely in place, a layer of screed is poured over the top to create a smooth and level surface. This screed serves as the subfloor, bridging the gaps between the blocks and beams and providing a solid foundation for the final floor covering.
- What is Screed? Screed is typically a mix of cement, sand, and water. It's applied in a semi-dry or flowing consistency and carefully leveled and smoothed using tools like screeding bars and trowels. The thickness of the screed layer can vary depending on the structural requirements and the intended use of the floor.
- Preparation: Before the screed is poured, it's common practice to lay a damp-proof membrane (DPM) and potentially a layer of insulation over the block and beam structure. This helps prevent moisture issues and improves thermal performance.
Adding the Final Floor Covering
After the screed has been laid and allowed to cure properly (which can take several weeks depending on the type of screed and environmental conditions), the floor is ready for its final finish. The reference states that This screed can be finished with various flooring materials, such as tiles, carpet, or laminate, depending on the desired aesthetics and functionality of the space.
Here are some common final flooring options applied over the cured screed:
- Hard Finishes:
- Tiles (Ceramic, Porcelain, Natural Stone)
- Laminate Flooring
- Engineered Wood Flooring
- Vinyl (LVT/LVP)
- Soft Finishes:
- Carpet
- Seamless Finishes:
- Epoxy or Resin Coatings
- Polished Concrete (if screed type is suitable)
Summary of Finishing Steps
The process can be summarized as follows:
- Structural Base: Beams and blocks are installed.
- Preparation: Membrane and insulation are typically laid.
- Screeding: Screed mix is poured, leveled, and smoothed over the block and beam structure.
- Curing: Screed is left to dry and gain strength.
- Final Flooring: The chosen finish (tiles, carpet, wood, etc.) is installed on top of the cured screed.
| Stage | Primary Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Screeding | Pouring and Leveling Cement Mix | Smooth, Level Subfloor |
| Curing | Allowing Screed to Dry and Harden | Solid, Stable Base for Finishing |
| Finishing | Installing Chosen Floor Covering | Completed, Usable Floor Surface |
By following these steps, a block and beam floor transitions from a structural element to a finished surface ready for use.
