Float the Concrete Surface

What happens in this clip

After screeding, wait until the concrete's surface sheen has disappeared (the 'bleed water' has evaporated) but it's still workable. Then, use a hand float (either a magnesium float or a wood float) to further smooth the surface and embed any aggregate particles that may have risen. This action also brings a thin layer of cement paste (known as 'cream') to the surface, which is essential for a good finish. Work the float in broad, arcing motions, applying gentle, even pressure. For longer reaches, a bull float may be used, but for this pathway, hand floats are shown. Ensure all high spots are reduced and low spots are filled.

Goal: Smooth the concrete and bring cream to the surface

What's used

Tools

• Concrete Finishing Trowel
• though not explicitly shown in this section of the video.
• Kneeling Boards (Optional)
• Magnesium Hand Float
• Bull float (for larger areas)
• embedding aggregate
• and bringing cream to the top.

About the full video

This project details the process of installing a concrete pathway, from the initial pour and leveling to the final finishing and edging. It involves preparing the area (though not shown, implied by formwork), pouring ready-mix concrete, screeding it to the desired level, floating the surface for smoothness, and then using edgers for a clean, durable finish.

Step 7 of 10: Float the Concrete

After screeding, wait until the concrete has lost its initial sheen (the bleed water has evaporated). Then, using a magnesium or wood float, sweep the surface in wide, overlapping arcs. This action embeds larger aggregate, smooths out imperfections left by screeding, and brings a layer of cement paste (cream) to the surface, which is essential for final finishing.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Pour a Concrete Landing Pad for Deck Stairs

1. Step 1: Excavate Area

   • 13:17–15:33 Prepare Stair Base and Pour Concrete Pad
   • 0:04–0:15 Site Preparation and Trench Digging
   • 4:20–8:36 Prepare & Pour Concrete Pad

2. Step 2: Install Formwork

   • 2:04–2:33 Build and Position Concrete Form
   • 0:33–0:47 Formwork Installation
   • 0:00–0:34 Lay Out and Assemble Initial Form Boards

3. Step 3: Add and Compact Gravel Base

   • 2:21–2:33 Add & Compact Basecourse
   • 3:15–4:05 Lay and Compact Gravel Base
   • 0:20–0:38 Prepare Gravel Base

4. Step 4: Place Rebar or Wire Mesh

   • 2:45–3:06 Add Steel Reinforcement (Rebar)
   • 1:30–1:40 Add Wire Mesh Reinforcement
   • 5:41–6:46 Rebar Placement for Reinforcement

5. Step 5: Mix and Pour Concrete

   • 0:30–0:42 Pour and Level Concrete
   • 3:10–3:41 Pour and Screed Concrete
   • 1:58–2:31 Mix and Pour Concrete

6. Step 6: Screed the Concrete

   • 0:04–0:13 Screed the Concrete
   • 0:24–1:01 Screed the Concrete Surface
   • 0:17–0:45 Screed the Concrete Surface

7. Step 7: Float the Concrete

   • 0:16–0:25 Float the Concrete Surface (this video)
   • 0:44–0:46 Hand Float Concrete Surface
   • 1:15–1:29 Float Concrete

8. Step 8: Finish the Concrete

   • 0:07–0:11 Trowel for Smooth Concrete Finish
   • 10:04–11:22 Final Troweling and Finishing
   • 3:30–4:49 Concrete Floating and Troweling

9. Step 9: Cure the Concrete

   • 2:08–2:39 Cure Concrete
   • 0:57–0:59 Cure Concrete and Remove Forms
   • 5:50–6:12 Cure the Concrete

10. Step 10: Remove Formwork

    • 8:43–10:04 Remove Form and Backfill
    • 4:03–4:08 Remove Formwork
    • 0:52–0:54 Remove Formwork