How to Do it With Marshalltown Tools

Concrete Tips and Techniques
Pouring

Concrete should never be poured on hot, dry days. Rapid evaporation of surface moisture does not allow proper curing and therefore decreases the strength of concrete. When you pour the concrete, overfill the forms slightly and be sure to work the concrete into the corners of your form. Spreading of the concrete can best be handled with a square-end shovel or a Spred-Krete. Garden rakes and hoes should not be used. This step is critical. It must be accomplished quickly. Do not overwork the concrete as excess water will be brought to the surface, which can cause scaling later on.

You are now ready to screed the concrete. Screeding helps work out high and low spots in your job. At best, this is a two-person operation. Place a straight edge (2 x 4 and at least 2 feet wider than the form), on edge the full width of your slab. Beginning at the header board, slide the screed board back and forth across the top of your form inching your way along the full length of the slab.

Screeding eliminates any excess concrete and all low spots will be visible beneath the screed board. Low spots should be immediately filled with excess concrete and re-screed.

Floating follows immediately. A magnesium bull float helps level the high spots, fill the voids and work the aggregate slightly below the surface. The bull float should be pushed away with the front edge raised slightly so it will not dig in, and pulled back with the blade almost flat. Floating will smooth the surface and work a slight amount of water to the surface. As mentioned earlier: Do Not Overwork the Concrete.