What Is Concrete Finishing?

What Is Concrete Finishing?

Concrete is one of the most robust and trusted materials used in construction projects worldwide. Combined with other materials like metal and stone, it guarantees strong and reliable performance across multiple applications. Aside from its role in structural integrity, concrete also serves as an ideal flooring material with exceptional finishing qualities.

There’s more to laying concrete than pouring. Finishing is a critical part of the process, as it impacts the quality, stability, texture and appearance of the final product. This guide provides a complete overview of concrete finishing.

What Is Concrete Finishing?

Concrete finishing is the last process in concrete laying, which involves treating the poured concrete surface to create diverse designs and textures. As an important step in the construction process, finishing impacts the appearance, functionality, aesthetics and overall longevity of the concrete surface.

What Is a Concrete Finisher?

A concrete finisher is an individual trained to work with concrete. They are skilled in finishing concrete surfaces, ensuring the correct pitch and depth in construction and engineering projects. These tradespeople are responsible for placing, spreading and leveling concrete by employing various techniques to achieve desired results. Some of the duties of a concrete finisher include:

• Setting forms to achieve the desired pitch and depth.
• Monitoring the effect of the elements on concrete to ensure a quality outcome.
• Taking the necessary steps to facilitate concrete adhesion to other materials.
• Placing fixtures in newly poured concrete and compacting the surface to ensure a robust structure.
• Finishing and polishing surfaces according to the needs of the project.

Why Is Concrete Finishing Important?

Finishing is an important final step that protects the concrete surface once it hardens. While concrete is made from a combination of robust materials that create a tough structure, it has some weaknesses that can cause deterioration. Proper finishing adds a layer of protection against environmental degradation and supports strength and durability.

Winds, extreme temperatures and precipitation are some environmental factors that can wreak havoc on concrete, causing cracks, mold, discoloration and moisture absorption. A good concrete finish is your first line of defense against accelerated wear, reducing the need for concrete restorations and repairs.

Types of Concrete Floor Finishes

The various types of concrete finishing are divided into texturing, coating and coloring methods. Here’s an overview of the most common concrete floor finishes:

1. Salt Concrete Finish

This finish is achieved by spreading tiny crystals of coarse rock salt across a newly poured concrete surface and then washing it off. The outcome is an aesthetically pleasing surface marked by tiny indentations that increase slip resistance. While the subtle pits offer functionality, they are also decorative, making the salt finish stylish. Salt finishes are popular around pool decks and other wet areas.

2. Trowel Concrete Finish

Trowel or smooth finish is the most common type for indoor and outdoor applications. After leveling the concrete, an expert uses tools like trowels and bull floats to achieve a smooth finish. Due to the smoothness, trowel finishing is slippery, especially when wet. However, it’s also one of the most visually pleasing finish types, as you can work in patterns, color and a glossy appearance.

3. Stamped Concrete Finish

Stamped is a decorative concrete finish designed to mimic different materials such as bricks, slate and tile. Before the concrete is set, an expert presses the required patterns using panels with inlaid designs to achieve the desired effect. Stamping finishes are visually appealing and typically used in outdoor spaces such as walkways and recreational areas.

4. Feather Concrete Finish

This popular finish creates a personalized rustic and natural look. It comes in a variety of colors, from black and white to brown and gray. The finish is applied during the troweling stage and is applicable in commercial and residential settings.

5. Broom Concrete Finish

This is one of the most common and cost-effective outdoor finishes. It’s achieved by dragging a broom with a desired bristle thickness across a freshly leveled concrete surface. This type of finish lends itself to different patterns for aesthetic purposes. The rough ridges formed through this type of finish improve traction, making the surface more slip-resistant. Broom finishes are popular in outdoor spaces such as pavements, driveways and parks.

6. Exposed Aggregate Finish

With an exposed aggregate finish, the aggregate is mixed with concrete and then exposed, creating distinct patterns with nonslip qualities. By removing a small part of the top concrete layer, a concrete finisher exposes the natural stones, colored glass or seashells that make up the aggregate. To protect the surfaces, the expert applies a high-quality seal. The exposed aggregate finish is popular in commercial and outdoor spaces.

7. Colored Concrete Finish

Coloring is one of the finest ways of finishing a concrete surface to create excellent aesthetics. The style features diverse options. Some are achieved by mixing the pigment with concrete, while others require dying the surface once the concrete cures. A colored concrete finish is applicable outdoors and indoors. Common use cases are commercial spaces, sports centers and industrial facilities.

Techniques Used for Concrete Finishing

Some of the techniques used to accomplish professional concrete finishing include:

• Edging: This initial process uses specific tools to provide beveled and rounded edges, which helps prevent cracking.
• Screeding: This technique facilitates flattening, redistributing and striking off concrete to create a smooth and level surface for further finishing.
• Bull floating: This process utilizes a long-handled troweling tool to remove high and low spots and aid in embedding aggregates.
• Jointing: This technique creates joints in concrete surfaces to discourage cracking.

The Benefits of Concrete Finishing

Finishing comes with various advantages that contribute to the popularity of concrete surfaces. Here are some of the benefits of concrete finishing:

• Enhances functionality: Applying specific finishes to concrete surfaces improves their performance in various settings, such as industrial and commercial areas. You can apply different finishes to achieve qualities such as slip resistance, moisture resistance and drainage that suit your space’s needs.
• Increases durability: Finished concrete surfaces are better equipped to withstand the elements and heavy foot traffic. With proper finishing techniques, you can create stronger and more durable surfaces with a reduced need for maintenance.
• Improves aesthetics: Visual appeal is as important to finishing as functionality. Different finishing styles offer varying textures, patterns, colors and designs. With customizations available, you can implement decorative finishes to match your preference.
• Promotes safety: Concrete finishing’s versatility means you can create surfaces suitable for specific applications, limiting the risk of accidents and injuries. Some finishing styles, such as exposed aggregate, stamped and salt, increase traction to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Contact Dynamic Concrete Pumping for Quality Concrete Finishing

Concrete surfaces come with much consideration, including what goes into them and the ideal finishing to match your preferences and the space’s needs. The right finish and professional application create strong, reliable and highly functional surfaces that will serve you long-term. Since finishing is a tedious job that requires expertise, it’s important to work with professionals to ensure a quality end product.

Dynamic Concrete Pumping is a top provider of concrete solutions. We are industry leaders in superflat floors with more than 40 years of combined experience. Contact us today for finishing, pumping and polishing services!