Self-Levelling Compound vs Floor Screed: What’s the Difference?
When preparing a floor for tiles, vinyl, carpet, laminate, or resin, it’s common to come across two terms: self-levelling compound and floor screed. They’re often confused, but they’re designed for different stages of floor preparation.
Choosing the right one makes the job quicker, improves the final finish, and helps avoid cracking, uneven surfaces, or bonding issues later on.
If you already know you what you need, you can view our full range of Sikafloor self-levelling compounds here.
What is self-levelling compound?
Self-levelling compound is a cement-based smoothing product designed to flow across a floor and level itself out. It fills small dips, reduces surface imperfections, and creates a flat, even base before a final floor finish is installed.
It’s mainly used on internal concrete and screed floors and is ideal for projects where you need a smooth surface quickly, especially before tiling or vinyl.
A popular general-purpose option is Sikafloor 122 Level Universal.
What is floor screed?
Floor screed is usually a sand and cement-based layer used to create or rebuild the subfloor. It’s applied thicker than levelling compound and is often used when a floor needs height build-up or when underfloor heating systems need to be covered.
Screed is common in new builds, large commercial spaces, and industrial projects where the floor base needs strength and structure before finishing.
For faster turnaround, SikaScreed Rapid 75 can be used on time-sensitive jobs.
The key difference
The easiest way to remember it is this:
- Self-levelling compound is for smoothing.
- Screed is for building.
If your floor is mostly solid but uneven, self-levelling compound is usually the right choice. If the floor needs significant height adjustment or a new base layer, screed is more suitable.
When should you use self-levelling compound?
Self-levelling compound is best when you need a clean, flat surface before installing flooring. It’s commonly used in refurb projects, commercial fit-outs, and general preparation work where speed matters.
If you need a leveller with extra flexibility, especially where the substrate may have slight movement, Sikafloor 125 Level Flex is a strong option.
If the job needs a faster return to service, Sikafloor Level 132 Rapid is designed for rapid setting and reduced downtime.
When should you use screed?
Screed is the better option when the floor needs building up across a larger depth, or when you’re creating a subfloor over insulation or underfloor heating. It’s not typically used as the final preparation layer for vinyl or tiles, but it creates the solid base needed before a smoothing compound is applied.
What about thicker levelling jobs?
Not all levellers are designed for deeper fills. If the floor has larger dips or requires more build-up, you’ll need a levelling compound designed specifically for thicker application.
For deeper fills, Sikafloor 245 Deep Fill Ultra is a suitable choice.
Which one dries faster?
Self-levelling compounds are generally faster drying than traditional screeds, which is why they’re so widely used in repair and refurbishment work.
Some products are designed specifically for rapid turnaround. Sikafloor Level 132 Rapid is ideal where you need to get back on the floor quickly.
Screeds, especially thicker ones, often require longer curing times before floor coverings can be installed.
Do you need a primer?
In most cases, yes. Primer helps the levelling compound bond properly to the substrate and prevents the floor from absorbing moisture too quickly, which can affect the finish. Using the correct primer also helps reduce pinholing, cracking, and uneven curing.
A compatible option is SikaScreed 20 EBB Primer.
What if the floor needs to handle heavy traffic?
If the floor will face high footfall, heavy loads, or industrial use, you may need a levelling screed designed for tougher conditions, often finished with a suitable resin coating.
Sikafloor Level 30 is designed for heavy-duty environments and can be used as part of an industrial system.
For added strength and crack resistance, Sikafloor 440 Level Fibre Reinforced is another strong option.
Which should you choose?
If you need a smooth surface ready for final flooring, self-levelling compound is usually the right option. If you need to build up the floor height or create a structural base layer, screed is the better choice. In many commercial projects, both are used together: screed first, then levelling compound for the final finish.
