This diy step by step article is about how to finish concrete slab. Consequently, you need several tools which you can either buy or make by yourself in order to give concrete a nice looking finish. Generally speaking, there are a lot of possible finishes you can give to your concrete slab or foundation, but the easiest one is to use a large float made out of 2×4 boards. Nevertheless, make sure you finish the concrete slab or foundation as soon as possible, otherwise the concrete might dry out and you won’t be able to use the float to smoothen its surface. Finishing a large span of concrete is more complex than smaller projects, as you need a few friends to help you and a certain techniques, to get the job done properly.
Made from this plan
In order to finish concrete slab, you need the following:
Materials
- Concrete
- Wood boards for building the forms
- 2×2 lumber for securing the forms
Tools
- Safety gloves, safety glasses
- Measuring tape
- Bristle push broom for finishing the concrete slab
- Wooden float to level the concrete slab
Tips
- Use boots, as not to get your cloths and skin dirty with concrete
- Clean thoroughly your tools after you have finished the project
Time
- Few hours up to a day, according to the surface
How to pour a concrete slab
Pouring concrete with hose
In order to pour a slab you need to level off the surface and build a basic formwork. The formwork is usually made of wood boards, but you have to make sure it is rigid, as the concrete exercise a high pressure after it has been poured in.
When building the formwork, you have to make sure it is aligned and level. It is essential to build the formward at the same level on all sides, as in most of the cases you have to use a screed (a long straight piece of lumber or metal) to keep the concrete surface flat.
If your yard is large, then the concrete truck can pour the concrete directly in the formwork. Nevertheless, there are cases in which the truck cannot reach a certain location, so you have to use a pomp and 4” hoses. If this is the case, make sure you pour the concrete as evenly as possible on the whole surface, otherwise you will find it difficult to finish the concrete slab.
How to pour a concrete slab
Remember that actually pouring concrete in the formwork with a hose, isn’t as easily as it might seem at the first glance. On the contrary, the person who is in charge with this operation has to be used to this, otherwise it could be even injured during the process.
While pouring the concrete slab, the hose will get really heavy, so it is a good idea to get a few friends to give you a hand. Make sure you use rubber boots, some old cloths and protective gloves, otherwise the concrete might affect your skin.
How to finish a concrete slab
Finishing concrete slab
Consequently, you could build a float by using a regular stick and a 2×4 wooden board. The board should be around 2 feet wide, as to be able to use it easily when finishing concrete slab. If the weather is very hot, you should hurry yourself, otherwise the concrete might dry out and you woundn’t be able to finish concrete slab.
How to finish concrete slab
Continue using the float over the whole surface making sure you give the concrete a nice finish. As you notice in the image, you still have to use rubber boots as to be able to finish concrete on the whole surface.
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