Hand Float Concrete Surface

What happens in this clip

Following the screeding process, a hand float (typically made of magnesium or wood) is used to further smooth the concrete surface. This involves moving the float in broad, overlapping arcs or strokes, applying gentle pressure. Floating helps to embed any remaining aggregate particles just below the surface, remove minor imperfections left by screeding, and bring a layer of cement paste (known as 'fat') to the surface. This prepares the concrete for subsequent, finer finishing steps.

Goal: Further smooth the concrete, embed aggregates, and prepare for final finishing

What's used

Tools

• Hand float
• Wooden float
• Rubber boots

Materials

• Wet concrete

About the full video

This project demonstrates the process of pouring a concrete foundation for an elevator base. It covers the stages from routing the concrete pump hose to the site, filling the prepared formwork with concrete, vibrating the concrete to remove air, and various finishing techniques like screeding and floating to achieve a smooth, level surface. The final result is a solid concrete slab ready to support an elevator structure.

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
   • 0:44–0:46 Hand Float Concrete Surface (this video)
   • 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