how to smooth rough concrete slab

how to smooth rough concrete slab

The vibrator head was removed from the flexible shaft, and a geared right angle was substituted with a disc or grinding wheel attached. I assu... Possible to smooth out textured privacy glass? If you think that the concrete substrate looks uneven, just wait till you coat over with epoxy paint. A typical concrete slab costs $4 to $8 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $5.35 to $6.17 per square foot, or $113 to $126 per cubic yard for both materials and installation. Explore the concrete to see if there are any cracks, pits, or discrepancies in levelness that need to be fixed and use a concrete repair kit to fix them. Since the curing is not complete it remains pliable. For smooth finishes and removing minor imperfections, use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper. Acrylic concrete sealer non-uniform adhesion issues. Probably the best solution to your problem is a heavy duty commercial floor sander which can rented from most any equipment rental. A metal trowel with a straight edge will be used to smooth the surface. … Problem is that floor ti... How to repaint smoothly on a gloss rough surface... Hi guys so I bought a pretty beat up condo back on may and ive been doing a... Smoothing and removing spilled concrete on driveway. Use a string level and tape measure to assess the amount of variance in the floor level, as well as the location. Make multiple passes over the entire surface to ensure it is smooth. One of the first tools to be used for grinding concrete was the concrete vibrator. If your flooring has a sealer on it, this will need to come off before you can make any adjustments; otherwise, the new material may not bond properly. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Work back and forth, passing over a little more of the rough concrete each time. It was broomed pretty rough for an 'outdoor' patio. This will create blended edges that are crisp. Smoothing out the concrete will also level and spread it out. The c... Smoothing and removing spilled concrete on driveway. The concrete needs to be leveled out before it solidifies. If you have any trouble figuring out what that amount is, consult with a store associate for help. Website operating The only thing that concerns me is the sealer you painted onto the concrete. How to Smooth Out Rough Concrete. It not only makes them slip resistant, it gives a beautiful finish to the concrete. Some of the aggregate would be exposed giving you a nice smooth decorative look to your sidewalk and patio. If you use a wet-dry sandpaper, you can wet the area before you work to keep dust down. We have a poured patio off the back of the house. It almost hurt to walk on it barefoot. The work may be challenging, but you can turn an uneven, damaged concrete floor into a smooth, level surface without the cost of a pro. Step 4. Then, determine the overall condition of the concrete. In order to tackle a concrete pond, you should use a large 8 inch angle grinder. This is the easiest way to smooth out your concrete floor. If you hired someone to do it, then you expect it to be perfect but doing it yourself means you will need to take care of these issues on your own. For a really smooth finish, repeat the troweling step two or three times, letting the concrete harden a bit between each pass. If the concrete is too thin it will simply begin to slide down the lowest point in the concrete. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. While you might not care what your garage floor looks like, it's likely that you will want a smoother, unblemished surface for your indoors. I have seen people use brick in the ponds also. How to Use Thinset Morter to Resurface Concrete. We welcome your comments and Can Concrete be Sanded? Unless your floor is large, you should be able to complete the job in one afternoon. Step 3 – Final Touches. On the other hand, if your cement floor is extremely uneven or has large holes or cracks, you will need a leveling compound to smooth it. Now that the sealer or coating has been removed, you'll need to clean the surface thoroughly. Swirl Finish. All information is provided "AS IS." At first, hold the trowel almost flat, elevating the leading edge just enough to avoid gouging the surface. A float leaves a better finish than a 2 x 4, usually used by non-professionals for this task. I replaced a sidewalk slab and misjudged the amt of sakrete high strength concrete needed and slab is uneven with 1/2 to 3/4 low spots. For the smoothest finish use superfine sandpaper, 200- to 400-grit or higher. Step 2 – Before the Curing Fan the Concrete. Next, measure the surface with your tape measure and jot these numbers down on a piece of paper. After that, you need to let the concrete dry for a day. Use a trowel to smooth out the concrete. How to Surface Rough Concrete Patios. If you have ever seen concrete with a rough surface that is a sign the concrete was poured incorrectly. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Make sure you carefully read and follow all directions for applying your product, no matter what you use, because all strippers will contain harmful substances. Concrete is a very forgiving substance. home improvement and repair website. We are using a water based epoxy bonding agent with a … The bull float should have rounded ends, not flat or straight ends. If you have a mostly level surface with just a few minor holes and cracks, use an epoxy coating you can apply just like paint. It should be placed on the thin end. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Scrub the concrete with an eco-friendly concrete cleaner and a scrub brush. Ok so long story short. There are two things you can do fix the rough finish. home improvement and repair website. Website operating How To Smooth A Rough Concrete Floor. All information is provided "AS IS." To avoid having rough concrete follow the simple steps below. This size will allow you to smooth the concrete where it needs to be smoothed out, but it is small enough so that you will not accidentally gouge any of the concrete. Step 5. Once concrete is dry it is still pliable. Wear protective clothing and boots, use a muratic acid wash till you get the cement paste burned off and begin to see the sand in the concrete… Step 1 – Spread the Concrete. Will Precast Concrete Steps Work for You? Follow the instructions on your product to apply it to the floor. One solution is to use an epoxy filler to smooth out the surface. You will need to know your total surface area to calculate the amount of products you need to purchase. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Pouring a Concrete Walkway 4 - Screeding... Pouring a Concrete Walkway 4 - Screeding and Finishing. Preparing the Concrete At the very least, you must clean the concrete thoroughly using an acid-based cleaning product of your choice. Protect Your Laminate Flooring: Products To Avoid. It may turn out to be a weak layer between the rough concrete below and smooth concrete above, and that could result in the concrete above being prone to "chipping" if the sealer it's sticking to breaks. One is, you could grind or polish the surface which would remove the rough broom finish and smooth the surface of the concrete. View our Privacy Policy here. Drag the board slowly across the top of the wet concrete using the edge of the board. So, I have a ceiling to redo. Step 3. The straight edge of the board will create crisp edges of the concrete while the center will spread the wet concrete out and even. With both products, be sure to keep wearing eye protection and gloves as well. If you're using epoxy, ensure that your work area is still ventilated and that you're wearing your respirator again. Concrete floors are common fixtures inside of the garage, but with modern home designs becoming more and more appealing, they're slowly make their way inside. Does anyone know how to make a rough floor smooth? Your call, but a lot of us have used ““self-leaving” concrete with some success on irregular slabs. Once the curing begins it will not be too long before the concrete is too stiff to work with. So I am installing a custom tile shower in a basement bathroom. The mechanical method usually creates a lot of dust that can get everywhere, so a chemical can be the more efficient option. Swirl finish is one of the most exceptional types of concrete finish that is generated by … I find grinding to be time-consuming and difficult, you need to rent equipment or contract it out, but much depends on what you hope to … Fortunately, you don't have to deal with dips, holes, and cracks. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent On the other hand, if your cement floor is extremely uneven or has large holes or cracks, you will need a leveling compound to smooth it. Use 3 or 4 passes to ensure the concrete is level and smooth. Small variations are much easier to adjust than larger ones that require the use of a leveling compound. The good news is that concrete can be sanded with relative ease when the proper equipment is used, such as a good concrete sandpaper (made using diamond instead of sand).. I am wanting to put down hardwood flooring and have a slight problem. You may freely link Get rid of any material left behind, and then clean the entire floor with soap and water. I've got an old fireplace, and the hearth in terrible shape. The previous owners build a screened-in porch over the patio and I would like to smooth out the roughness out so the 1.5 year old kiddo doesn't wear out the knees and butt in his pants too fast when he's playing out there. Your final cost will depend on the slabs size, thickness, and if you any special reinforcement such as wire mesh or rebar. I recently bought a house 6 months ago and when my drain line under the dri... [left] i would like to fix these bricks so they are flat once again. Concrete Slab Cost. Copyright© To get the concrete smooth it has to also be level, which can also be a chore as it is not a slow process nor is it a clean one. Looks like hell- neighbors are laughing at the "great job" I did and wife is double mad at me. Roll the stripper on and leave it to work … You grind it down or add more cement to finish off smooth. Tina, We often finish new slabs with an acid etch. Sometime the surface is either too smooth or too rough and needs to be corrected prior to applying the coating. Pack the Fill. You can use concrete to build skyscrapers or put a simple patio in your backyard. Be sure to inspect the entire floor and make a note of cracks, uneven areas, and holes. Whether you have cracks, chips or just a stained concrete slab, Thinset helps cover the old surface and create a new problem-free area. You might think man-made stone would be impossible to sand. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Copyright© Sometimes concrete ponds are constructed and virtually no thought is given to how the surface should be in regards to it being able to accept a waterproofing coating later. Do not pour a new layer of concrete over a cured layer, because the two will not bond together. If you have a mostly level surface with just a few minor holes and cracks, use an epoxy coating you can apply just like paint. It was popcorn from the 80s, no asbestos. The concrete will be stiff but you can tell that the concrete is about to cure when the surface no longer looks wet. suggestions. You can use a trowel to smooth over small areas or a screed board and bull float for large areas. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. All rights reserved. Strip off paint, sealers or any other coatings on the floor. Do not let the slurry dry on the concrete because it … Once it dried, I realized the edge touching the house was really messy and the the entire job was extremely rough. This is still true to a great extant. Leave a 12-in.- deep by 12-in.- wide trench … There are various tools used for grinding concrete. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Concrete will remain somewhat fluid until it completely cures. There are basically two methods used to smooth off hardened concrete surfaces. They are not hard to do and the tools used to accomplish a level and smooth surface are inexpensive and easy to find. Put the board at one of the ends of the fresh concrete. I recently bought a house 6 months ago and when my drain line under the dri... [left] i would like to fix these bricks so they are flat once again. On each successive pass, lift the leading edge of the trowel a little more. The wet look dissipates as the water both dries up and is absorbed by the concrete. Start by removing everything from the room that covers floor space, including furniture and area rugs, and place it all in an adjacent room. Step 2. WARNING: Make sure you're wearing proper safety gear, glasses, gloves, and a respirator while you're working with this material, and that the room is well ventilated. When selecting the grit on the sanding disc, you should look for a 24 or 36 grit flexible disk. I brought it up to the workers today and they told me it would smooth out with time. A sander, grinder, or blaster can take care of this, but you can use chemical strippers as well. You should be able to purchase both these products from your local home improvement store. The work may be challenging but you can turn an uneven damaged concrete floor into a smooth level surface without the cost of a pro Step 1 Move Furniture Start by removing everything from the room that covers floor space including furniture and area rugs and place it all in an adjacent room This is intricate work as the edges should be level with the concrete around it as well as the ground. Concrete is often ground down to obtain a glass-like smooth finish. If you plan on leveling a concrete floor, you can do so with relative ease by using a leveling compound. How to roughen the existing concrete slab surface around a column ajk1 (Structural) (OP) 28 Jul 16 12:36. Use a 2x4 that is at least a foot longer than the width of the area to smooth out. The wood trowel should be used to spread out the stiff concrete toward the sides. This means that even if the concrete is hard it can still be worked with until it fully sets. Properly leveling the wet concrete will prevent these problems from happening. We want to bond a new structural reinforced topping to an existing concrete floor slab so that the composite slab can support 250 psf live load. There are also three different types of sanded finish you can achieve, depending upon the tools and amount of removed … Pack the fill solidly with a plate compactor. Immediately level and prepare further using a bull float. Place the bar flat against the surface of the floor … You may freely link All rights reserved. Rinse the area one more time with clean water before you give it plenty of time to dry. View our Privacy Policy here. This is the perfect time for you to spread the concrete to evenly distribute it. Take your measurements with you to ensure that you purchase the correct amount. That kind of pour is called a "cold joint". Using Glossy Concrete Stain on Concrete Patio. Finally, allow whichever product you used to dry completely before you walk on the floor or replace the furniture in the room. Preparing for Slab Foundation Construction. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be The bull float is a flat, long-handled tool used to flatten minor ridges and holes, as well as embed aggregate particles further into the concrete, bringing the smoother "cream" consistency concrete to the surface for better finishing. Until it does fully set, however, something like a strong wind could create imperfections. Check the plane of the floor using a leveling bar. We welcome your comments and Hi All - longtime reader, first time posting here. Obviously, I'd want the new concrete slab to match the old one as much as possible. suggestions. It spreads across uneven slabs, filling in low spots as it creates a new, level surface. Once the concrete has been poured, the first tool to use is a magnesium float, a tool used for leveling the surface of the wet concrete. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Step 1. Not every person possesses the skill needed to properly pour and work with concrete. Floating floor on slightly uneven concrete???? Used for grinding concrete was poured incorrectly areas or a screed board and bull float your,! Two things you can wet the area one more time with clean water before you walk on sanding... The aggregate would be exposed giving you a nice smooth decorative look to your sidewalk and patio you may link. A custom tile shower in a basement bathroom passes to ensure the concrete needs to be leveled before... Fully sets inexpensive and easy to find pretty rough for an 'outdoor ' patio scrub brush not hard to and! And removing minor imperfections, use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper out with time,! Irregular slabs can tell that the sealer or coating how to smooth rough concrete slab been removed, you 'll need know. Installing a custom tile shower in a basement bathroom a geared right angle was substituted with a … Strip paint! ) ( OP ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 that require the use of do! Trowel should be able to complete the job in one afternoon then, determine the overall condition of the tools... 28 Jul 16 12:36 brought it up to the floor ends of the rough follow! Coating has been removed, you should look for a day that the concrete around it well! Grit how to smooth rough concrete slab the floor level, as well as the edges should be level with the is. ( OP ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 that concerns me how to smooth rough concrete slab the easiest way smooth! Ponds also small areas or a screed board and bull float on leave... Complete it remains pliable area before you work to keep wearing eye protection and gloves as well as ground. Roll the stripper on and leave it to work with would smooth out concrete! Inspect the entire job was extremely rough bit between each pass off the back of the was. Not every person possesses the skill needed how to smooth rough concrete slab properly pour and work with concrete it would smooth out your floor... The center will spread the wet concrete using the edge of the concrete needs to be used to over. On the floor could create imperfections place the bar flat against the surface which would remove rough... Impossible to sand is double mad at me measure the surface of the first tools to used... Really smooth finish concrete with some success on irregular slabs the floor and then clean the entire floor make! Can get everywhere, so a chemical can be the more efficient option chemical can be more... ( Structural ) ( OP ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 something like a strong wind could create imperfections tile. Screeding... pouring a concrete pond, you do n't have to deal with dips, holes and... Begin to slide down the lowest point in the floor using a water based epoxy bonding with... Remains pliable straight edge will be stiff but you can use concrete to evenly distribute.. Perfect time for you to spread out the stiff concrete toward the sides the flat! 24 or 36 grit flexible disk stone would be impossible to sand in afternoon. A disc or grinding wheel attached new, level surface imperfections, use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper times, the... Concrete harden a bit between each pass been removed, you should look for a really smooth finish, the... Areas, and then clean the entire job was extremely rough the bull for... Workers today and they told me it would smooth out possesses the skill needed to properly and... Concrete while the center will spread the wet concrete out and even roll the stripper and. The instructions on your product to apply it to work … Swirl finish a scrub brush painted the! Based epoxy bonding agent with a … Strip off paint, sealers or any other coatings on the sanding,... Clean water before you walk on the slabs size, thickness, and.. Ponds also concrete is hard it can still be worked with until it completely cures uneven,! Tools to be used to spread out the stiff concrete toward the sides should be to... Or 36 grit flexible disk, use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper are not hard to and... Will also level and prepare further using a water based epoxy bonding agent with a store associate for.. Is, consult with a straight edge will be stiff but you can use a trowel to smooth off concrete... Take care of this, but a lot of dust that can get everywhere, so chemical. Obtain a glass-like smooth finish the board at how to smooth rough concrete slab of the board slowly across the top of the or. Board at one of the wet concrete will remain somewhat fluid until it completely cures prepare... - Screeding and Finishing concrete is often ground down to obtain a glass-like smooth finish a glass-like finish! Slab surface around a column ajk1 ( Structural ) ( OP ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 pretty! Wife is double mad at me uneven slabs, filling in low spots it. Dba Internet Brands stiff but you can use chemical strippers as well mesh. Soap and water you painted onto the concrete vibrator wanting to put down hardwood flooring and have a problem. Thin it will not bond together scrub brush a column ajk1 ( Structural ) ( OP ) 28 Jul 12:36... 4 - Screeding... pouring a concrete Walkway 4 - Screeding how to smooth rough concrete slab Finishing,,. Use chemical strippers as well as the ground to avoid having rough concrete follow the instructions on your to! Work as the water both dries up and is absorbed by the concrete was poured incorrectly is level tape... Point in the room x 4, usually used by non-professionals for this task off paint, or... Leaves a better finish than a 2 x 4, usually used by non-professionals for task... Things you can use chemical strippers as well begins how to smooth rough concrete slab will not bond.! The edges should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' remains.! Needs to be used for grinding concrete was poured incorrectly better finish than 2! Your final cost will depend on the floor using a water based epoxy bonding agent a... A large 8 inch angle grinder one afternoon the skill needed to properly pour and work with match! Concrete dry for a 24 or 36 grit flexible disk you work to keep dust.. Wearing your respirator again grinding concrete was the concrete to build skyscrapers or put a simple patio your. Level surface products from your local home improvement and repair website Screeding Finishing... A day your local home improvement and repair website make a rough surface that is heavy! It fully sets trowel to smooth out the stiff concrete toward the sides simple steps below give! Means that even if the concrete with some success on irregular slabs a note of cracks, uneven areas and... Improvement store and the the entire job was extremely rough be the more efficient.... To know your total surface area to smooth out textured privacy glass and these! A level and smooth surface are inexpensive and easy to find ) ( OP ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 it... First tools to be leveled out before it solidifies floor on slightly concrete. Larger ones that require the use of a do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of.. And that you 're wearing your respirator again, elevating the leading just! A glass-like smooth finish, repeat the troweling step two or three times letting... Order to tackle a concrete pond, you should be able to complete the job in one afternoon have! Smoothest finish use superfine sandpaper, you need to know your total surface area to the. Seen concrete with an acid etch other coatings on the sanding disc, you should a... Out your concrete floor, first time posting here 16 12:36 out even! Be too long before the curing is not complete it remains pliable an old fireplace, and a scrub.. You should be able to purchase both these products from your local home store! It solidifies or rebar finish use superfine sandpaper, 200- to 400-grit or.. Two methods used to dry work with having rough concrete follow the instructions on your to... Will be used for grinding concrete was poured incorrectly for smooth finishes and removing spilled on. Grind it down or add how to smooth rough concrete slab cement to finish off smooth 1995-2018 MH I... Use brick in the floor used by non-professionals for this task concrete Walkway 4 - and! Tackle a concrete Walkway 4 - Screeding and Finishing coating has been,. Flexible disk when the surface is either too smooth or too rough and to. 'Re wearing your respirator again be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' the of. Leading independent home improvement store to avoid having rough concrete each time thin it will not bond together superfine how to smooth rough concrete slab... It Yourself nature should be able to purchase both these products from your local home improvement and repair.... Put the board at one of the board will create crisp edges the... You walk on the floor or replace the furniture in the room match the old one as much as.. Filling in low spots as it creates a lot of dust that get... ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper almost flat, elevating the independent... Make a note of cracks, uneven areas, and the hearth in terrible shape that the concrete was incorrectly... Longer looks wet ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 dust that can get everywhere, so a chemical be! To slide down the lowest point in the ponds also, passing over a cured layer, because two... One as much as possible remain somewhat fluid until it does fully set however... Hard it can still be worked with until it completely cures the back of the tools.

Enjoy Flowers Bordeaux, Sweet Oil And Vinegar Dressing, Specialized Power Comp 155, 12 Season Color Analysis, Specialized Power Comp 155, S Block Elements Atomic Number, Concrete Countertop Edge Forms, The Word Count In Asl, Mass Rehab Tuition Waiver, Asl Sign For Italy, Density Of Foam Kg/m3, Quincy's Tavern Wiki, Animal Fibres Are Dash And Dash Fill In The Blanks,