The Screed

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Today we had a further opportunity to watch skilled craftsmen at work. Two men from Crestwood came to prepare the surface for the kitchen flooring. Andy arrived at 7.45 a.m.; Connor some half an hour later. By 10.30 they were on their way to the next of three more jobs for the day. Yesterday Richard had expressed delight that this was the team that would be carrying out the work because they worked so fast. They proved to be human dynamos.

First there was a little tidying and application of masking tape.

Next, tubs of screed material were mixed in the front drive, carried into the house, and poured onto the floor.

Connor wielded the flat, oblong, trowel like the artist he is, while Andy kept him supplied with the viscous material. Despite the cold weather it is clear that the younger man became quite warm.

Jackie and I lunched at Redcliffe Nursery. My choice was Danestream Farm Shop justifiably award-winning steak and kidney pie, carrots, broccoli, and sautéed potatoes with gravy that would have graced Jackie’s table. She enjoyed Shepherd’s pie with similar vegetables. We also bought cheese and pickle and ham sandwiches for our evening meal. These were made with thick granary bread.

 

59 comments

  1. That is an amazing process isn’t it Derrick – I guess they also have to work quickly in case the stuff starts to set before it is level. You got the perfect shot when you caught the screed in movement under the trowel. Now why haven’t you done that tiny bit under the table at the far end?

  2. There are few things more beautiful in life than watching skilled people doing what they do …. entrancing, humbling and delightful. Thank you Derrick – I adored this set!

  3. I am so curious to see what the floor is going to be. Are you renovating the whole house? I don’t even know what screed is…or why its being used other than a prep for more to come…? What next? Wait and see… (Sorry, I have not kept up daily with even the best WordPress bloggers I enjoy in my Reader this year!)

    1. Thanks a lot, Steve. Actually I didn’t drink. I don’t normally do so in cafés, and somehow a good wine doesn’t really go with ham sandwiches on the sofa. 🙂 Yes, the screed is to provide a level surface

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