Think screeding finishes the job?
Not quite. While it levels the floor, it doesn’t guarantee a smooth, ready-to-lay surface. Many homeowners and contractors overlook one crucial step: sanding after screeding. That’s where the real groundwork happens, especially when you need flawless results.
If you’re planning a renovation or a new flooring project, especially floor sanding in Derby, understanding this final step matters. Proper preparation makes all the difference between average floors and exceptional ones. Let’s break the myths and lay down the facts.
Why Screeded Floors Still Need Sanding?
Screeding helps create a flat, level surface. However, it doesn’t leave the floor completely smooth. Tiny imperfections, laitance, and surface dust can build up. These flaws affect how well adhesives bond and how stable the finished flooring stays.
Sanding clears away those fine particles and levels out minor bumps. That way, you get a surface that’s genuinely fit for wood, vinyl, tiles, or laminate. Skipping sanding here means risking future issues.
Common Myths About Post-Screed Sanding
You might hear people say, “You only need to sand timber floors,” or, “Screeding is smooth enough.” Let’s call those what they are: misconceptions.
One major myth claims sanding weakens the screed. In reality, sanding strengthens the final installation. It removes weak top layers that could flake or break away later. Another belief says sanding is unnecessary for modern self-levelling screeds. Yet even these can develop minor surface inconsistencies that only sanding corrects.
When you’re after high-performance flooring, floor sanding isn’t optional. It’s your foundation for long-term results.
What Can Go Wrong Without Sanding?
Skipping sanding can lead to adhesive failure, air pockets, or visible imperfections in the final floor. Tiles may lift. Timber may creak. Vinyl may show surface flaws underneath.
Even worse, you might need to redo the whole installation. That means more time, cost, and stress. Sanding ensures the subfloor bonds tightly with the flooring material. It eliminates future issues before they even start.
Professionals understand this risk. That’s why they treat sanding as a vital part of the process, not an afterthought.
The Hidden Advantage of Proper Subfloor Prep
A perfectly prepared floor doesn’t just look better. It performs better as well. It supports longer-lasting finishes, better insulation, and quieter steps. Sanding creates a flawless finish that supports adhesives and reduces floor movement.
That kind of result requires precision. And it’s why working with skilled specialists makes all the difference. If you care about durability and quality, sanding deserves a spot in your plan.
When it comes to floors, skipping steps costs you more in the long run. If you’re investing in a lasting surface, don’t skip floor sanding in Derby. It ensures better finishes and fewer problems later.
For a professional and reliable finish, trust our experienced team at Sand & Sealed Limited. We know how to prepare your subfloor the right way, before the first plank even goes down.