Graphical Construction Glossary >> Concrete and Concreting. >> Concrete finish >> Broom Finish Concrete

Broom Finish Concrete

A simple and basic non-skid finish to concrete paved areas created by drawing a stiff brush or broom over the surface.

Sponge Finish Concrete

A simple and basic non-skid finish to concrete paved areas created by the surface with a sponge.

An old concreter once told me that by far the best finish for concrete was finished with a broom. when I asked him why he said "cos you don't have to bend your back".

The broom's bristles don't have to be too stiff, just enough to give the effect. In footpaths it is normal to have the broom strokes at right angles to the direction of traffic. Always keep the broom strokes parallel and consistent.

Sponge finish is smoother and the idea is to just lift sandy particles away from the surface taking just a touch of the surface cement away. The sponge should be moist and not wet and dripping.

That may be so but there is just about as much work involved in getting a good finish with a broom as there is in most other standard finishes. The same thing applies to sponge finishes also. Both of these methods can be seen as an easy way for a beginner, because to a certain amount they do cover up a bit of rough work.

To get a good looking broom or sponge finish the slab has to be screeded and bull floated correctly, and then at the right time the surfaced has to be floated, either by hand with a wood or steel float or a power float. Only then is the sponge or broom used to give the none skid surface.

The surface has to be enough as a finish in itself before applying that none skid texture.

• Broom Finish Concrete:-Back to top
•  
• BACK : slump test
• seeded finish concrete : NEXT

If you didn't find exactly what you are looking for try this search tool that will search the site and the web.

"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790

"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900