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Hi Guys, I’ve just started my first solo renovation project, completely gutting my toilet and redoing. I’ve managed to get most of the screed up off the floor with a hammer drill/chisel combo but am having a hard time getting straightforward advice about next steps. I live in the Pilbara, so don’t have a Bunnings I can visit. Local hardware stores are unfortunately manned by school kids who “don’t know” 🙃
1. Do I need to get every little bit of screed up off the slab or is it ok if it’s not perfect? Image of current state attached.
2. Next steps: can somebody recommend a ready to go screed product that only needs to be mixed with water?
3. are the steps just to mix and pour screed, let dry as per product instructions, and then straight down with self levelling compound?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Holly
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, @hollyy_19. We're thrilled to have you join us and look forward to assisting you with your D.I.Y. projects around your home and garden.
Congratulations on starting your first solo reno project. I'm sure our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be happy to assist you with your questions when he's back on the site later today. Let me also tag our ever-helpful members @tom_builds, @DIYgals, @Adam_W and @Dave-1 for their thoughts on your screed and next steps.
While waiting, it might be worth looking at this popular discussion Do I need to remove all the screed? by @kwakagrl for related advice. The Bunnings guide How to screed a shower base also includes tips on mixing and applying the screed that you might find useful.
Good luck with your project. Please do keep us updated as it progresses.
Akanksha
Good Morning @hollyy_19
I am impressed with your first project Seriously I was nervous with just reseating a toilet! lol
Sorry I had started replying and then work came up lol
Id definently be going for a concrete leveler (concrete levelers) and think the prep work that you have done as in removing all the loose rock/dust is the way to go. The highest point left will be the lowest point you will need to fill the concrete leveler to so if you have an extra high point Id chisel it off.
One last thing id consider would be the overall height of the waste hole compared to the screed/mud for tiles and tiles. Im not sure if you need to but would keep that in mind. Oh and another one before you start the screed is there are different distances fro the toilet waste for different styles of toilets. If you have in mind a model of toilet then make sure it matches with the distance from the hole to the wall. (I ran into that probelm when I bought a toilet and still havnt installed it lol)
Cant wait to see the next steps in photos
Dave
Hello @hollyy_19
Thanks for sharing your question about replacing the cement screeding on your floor. I suggest removing as much of the old screed as possible, if the remaining screed is rock solid, I propose covering it with new screed. In order to get a level floor, I suggest using a builder's line and a spirit level. If you are levelling the height of your floor by no more than 25mm, I suggest using Dunlop 20kg Ardit Floor Leveller.
Please keep in mind that you'll still need to manually spread the floor leveller. I recommend using a Hyde 114 x 279mm Rendering Trowel.
But if you are looking at adding to the height of your floor by more than 30mm, I recommend using Bastion 20kg Premix Concrete. This is not a self-levelling compound and must be manually levelled. Do you need to add more height? Is the current height good enough that it just needs to be level? Please make sure to carefully take into consideration what you need to do to accomplish the floor repair.
Please remember to include the thickness of your tile adhesive and the thickness of your tile in your calculations.
My number one reminder is to make sure that the concrete or floor leveller is completely cured before you attempt to tile over it. Tiling too early will result in trapped moisture coming up to the tile adhesive which will make it soft and come off.
Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and an appropriate mask when working on your project.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Thanks Eric,
Looks like we have limited options for premix cement in WA unfortunately
Do you think the Swan Cement 20kg General Purpose Concrete would be an ok alternative? I’ve got to fill up to 70mm high, will need enough to fill 0.137 cubic meters.
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi @hollyy_19
Can you please tell me which store you are closest to? I'll try and track down some premix cement for you. There is also the option of mixing the concrete yourself with cement and builder's mix.
Eric
I live in the North West, but usually use a courier for Bunnings who can pick up from Geraldton or any store in Perth. Thank you
Hello @hollyy_19
Good news! The product you are looking for is called the Westbuild General Purpose Concrete. It is available at Bunnings Geraldton (08 9965 9600) in 20kg bags. I've placed an image below to give you an idea of what it looks like. I suggest calling the trade desk and speaking to a trade team member at the Geraldton store if you wish to order several bags.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
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