Use a magnesium trowel in much the same way you used previous finishing tools.Troweling without brooming results in a very slick surface (unsafe for surfaces that will get wet) and may cause fine cracks to develop called 'crazing'. Many people skip troweling if they plan to broom, as it only results in minor improvement in that scenario. As before, lift the leading edge slightly and make shallow flat motions across the surface.Ĭonsider a trowel finish.Laminated-canvas resin floats are used for the same purposes as wood but are a much more durable (and expensive) tool.They create a rough fuzzy surface useful for very stiff concrete or if using colored hardeners (which need to be mixed in with the rougher tool).

Wooden floats (redwood or hardwood) are cheap but wear out quickly.

Aluminum floats are very similar to magnesium, but somewhat heavier and stronger (and so a little more difficult to handle).

Magnesium floats are very popular among professionals, since they are lightweight and excellent at opening up the concrete's pores for evaporation.

Different materials will provide different effects: X Research source X Expert Source Alberto DeJesusĬonstruction Specialist Expert Interview. This is the final smoothing, bringing the more consistent 'cream' of the concrete to the surface for a level, durable finish. Smooth and compact the surface once again with a hand float. For extra large projects, use a long-handled marking tool. If your concrete has already started to dry and crack, use a dry-cut saw that can cut to the desired depth.

A grooving tool works well for most projects.

Use a straightedge or snap line to lightly mark the joints before cutting and keep your tool straight as you cut.

Every inside corner of your slab and every corner that touches a building or step should have a control joint extending from it, as these are common cracking locations.

(For instance, a 4' (10 cm) slab should have joints no more than 8' (2.4m) apart.)

X Research source If you are working in the imperial system, calculate this by doubling the thickness of your slab in inches and using that measurement as feet. The distance between joints should be no more than 24 times the thickness of the slab.These should cut 25% of the way through the concrete's depth. These are called control joints and direct the concrete's inevitable cracking in such a way that appearance and functionality are minimally affected. X Research sourceĬut grooves into your concrete. Try to finish this process before any 'bleed water' leaks out onto the concrete's surface.Don't overdo it the edge of the tool should remain level with the concrete. Some bull floats will have a handle that will lift the tool for you when you turn it. Slightly lift the leading edge to create a smaller cutting edge of contact, lifting the tool toward you when pushing and away from you while pulling.(In other words, move the bull float between the two forms the 2x4 was resting on.) Move the bull float back and forth across the slab, perpendicular to the direction you moved the leveling board.Avoid using a square float, as it will make smoothing out the concrete more difficult. The bull float should have rounded ends, not flat or straight ends.The bull float is a flat, long-handled tool used to flatten minor ridges and holes, as well as embed aggregate particles further into the concrete, bringing the smoother 'cream' consistency concrete to the surface for better finishing. Immediately level and prepare further using a bull float.

Bull float