It spreads across uneven slabs, filling in low spots as it creates a new, level surface. 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. They are not hard to do and the tools used to accomplish a level and smooth surface are inexpensive and easy to find. Floating floor on slightly uneven concrete???? Then, determine the overall condition of the concrete. Pouring a Concrete Walkway 4 - Screeding... Pouring a Concrete Walkway 4 - Screeding and Finishing. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. In order to tackle a concrete pond, you should use a large 8 inch angle grinder. After that, you need to let the concrete dry for a day. We have a poured patio off the back of the house. Copyright© Finally, allow whichever product you used to dry completely before you walk on the floor or replace the furniture in the room. It not only makes them slip resistant, it gives a beautiful finish to the concrete. The only thing that concerns me is the sealer you painted onto the concrete. Leave a 12-in.- deep by 12-in.- wide trench … Be sure to inspect the entire floor and make a note of cracks, uneven areas, and holes. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Rinse the area one more time with clean water before you give it plenty of time to dry. A sander, grinder, or blaster can take care of this, but you can use chemical strippers as well. Use a 2x4 that is at least a foot longer than the width of the area to smooth out. Protect Your Laminate Flooring: Products To Avoid. 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. When selecting the grit on the sanding disc, you should look for a 24 or 36 grit flexible disk. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". You might think man-made stone would be impossible to sand. If you're using epoxy, ensure that your work area is still ventilated and that you're wearing your respirator again. There are various tools used for grinding concrete. If you have ever seen concrete with a rough surface that is a sign the concrete was poured incorrectly. Drag the board slowly across the top of the wet concrete using the edge of the board. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. All rights reserved. Can Concrete be Sanded? You can use a trowel to smooth over small areas or a screed board and bull float for large areas. Make multiple passes over the entire surface to ensure it is smooth. suggestions. 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. 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. Using Glossy Concrete Stain on Concrete Patio. It was popcorn from the 80s, no asbestos. Immediately level and prepare further using a bull float. Once concrete is dry it is still pliable. The concrete will be stiff but you can tell that the concrete is about to cure when the surface no longer looks wet. Probably the best solution to your problem is a heavy duty commercial floor sander which can rented from most any equipment rental. Sometime the surface is either too smooth or too rough and needs to be corrected prior to applying the coating. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Step 1 – Spread the Concrete. Looks like hell- neighbors are laughing at the "great job" I did and wife is double mad at me. If you plan on leveling a concrete floor, you can do so with relative ease by using a leveling compound. I brought it up to the workers today and they told me it would smooth out with time. How to Surface Rough Concrete Patios. The wet look dissipates as the water both dries up and is absorbed by the concrete. Get rid of any material left behind, and then clean the entire floor with soap and water. Place the bar flat against the surface of the floor … Until it does fully set, however, something like a strong wind could create imperfections. How To Smooth A Rough Concrete Floor. So I am installing a custom tile shower in a basement bathroom. Website operating Put the board at one of the ends of the fresh concrete. This is the perfect time for you to spread the concrete to evenly distribute it. Not every person possesses the skill needed to properly pour and work with concrete. It should be placed on the thin end. Ok so long story short. Some of the aggregate would be exposed giving you a nice smooth decorative look to your sidewalk and patio. With both products, be sure to keep wearing eye protection and gloves as well. That kind of pour is called a "cold joint". 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. home improvement and repair website. Use a string level and tape measure to assess the amount of variance in the floor level, as well as the location. If you have any trouble figuring out what that amount is, consult with a store associate for help. I am wanting to put down hardwood flooring and have a slight problem. Swirl finish is one of the most exceptional types of concrete finish that is generated by … One is, you could grind or polish the surface which would remove the rough broom finish and smooth the surface of the concrete. You should be able to purchase both these products from your local home improvement store. 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. Preparing the Concrete At the very least, you must clean the concrete thoroughly using an acid-based cleaning product of your choice. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be You may freely link Does anyone know how to make a rough floor smooth? 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. All information is provided "AS IS." Concrete Slab Cost. Hi All - longtime reader, first time posting here. On each successive pass, lift the leading edge of the trowel a little more. Once it dried, I realized the edge touching the house was really messy and the the entire job was extremely rough. If you use a wet-dry sandpaper, you can wet the area before you work to keep dust down. Step 2. How to Use Thinset Morter to Resurface Concrete. View our Privacy Policy here. Scrub the concrete with an eco-friendly concrete cleaner and a scrub brush. All rights reserved. Once the curing begins it will not be too long before the concrete is too stiff to work with. We welcome your comments and The mechanical method usually creates a lot of dust that can get everywhere, so a chemical can be the more efficient option. Step 5. Smoothing out the concrete will also level and spread it out. 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. 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. 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. 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. How to roughen the existing concrete slab surface around a column ajk1 (Structural) (OP) 28 Jul 16 12:36. We welcome your comments and Concrete is a very forgiving substance. How to Smooth Out Rough Concrete. suggestions. For the smoothest finish use superfine sandpaper, 200- to 400-grit or higher. Use a trowel to smooth out the concrete. A metal trowel with a straight edge will be used to smooth the surface. Tina, We often finish new slabs with an acid etch. Since the curing is not complete it remains pliable. 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. 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 almost hurt to walk on it barefoot. 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. We are using a water based epoxy bonding agent with a … So, I have a ceiling to redo. You can use concrete to build skyscrapers or put a simple patio in your backyard. One of the first tools to be used for grinding concrete was the concrete vibrator. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". 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 … There are basically two methods used to smooth off hardened concrete surfaces. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Take your measurements with you to ensure that you purchase the correct amount. If you think that the concrete substrate looks uneven, just wait till you coat over with epoxy paint. Step 4. There are also three different types of sanded finish you can achieve, depending upon the tools and amount of removed … home improvement and repair website. Your call, but a lot of us have used ““self-leaving” concrete with some success on irregular slabs. View our Privacy Policy here. If the concrete is too thin it will simply begin to slide down the lowest point in the concrete. Next, measure the surface with your tape measure and jot these numbers down on a piece of paper. Use 3 or 4 passes to ensure the concrete is level and smooth. 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. The concrete needs to be leveled out before it solidifies. Swirl Finish. Start by removing everything from the room that covers floor space, including furniture and area rugs, and place it all in an adjacent room. The c... Smoothing and removing spilled concrete on driveway. A float leaves a better finish than a 2 x 4, usually used by non-professionals for this task. Work back and forth, passing over a little more of the rough concrete each time. 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. … Pack the fill solidly with a plate compactor. For smooth finishes and removing minor imperfections, use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper. For a really smooth finish, repeat the troweling step two or three times, letting the concrete harden a bit between each pass. There are two things you can do fix the rough finish. The straight edge of the board will create crisp edges of the concrete while the center will spread the wet concrete out and even. Roll the stripper on and leave it to work … 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. 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. Pack the Fill. I've got an old fireplace, and the hearth in terrible shape. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Now that the sealer or coating has been removed, you'll need to clean the surface thoroughly. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. The bull float should have rounded ends, not flat or straight ends. Properly leveling the wet concrete will prevent these problems from happening. 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 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. Whether you have cracks, chips or just a stained concrete slab, Thinset helps cover the old surface and create a new problem-free area. This is still true to a great extant. At first, hold the trowel almost flat, elevating the leading edge just enough to avoid gouging the surface. All information is provided "AS IS." To avoid having rough concrete follow the simple steps below. 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… Strip off paint, sealers or any other coatings on the floor. Step 1. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent 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. Follow the instructions on your product to apply it to the floor. Acrylic concrete sealer non-uniform adhesion issues. It was broomed pretty rough for an 'outdoor' patio. Preparing for Slab Foundation Construction. The vibrator head was removed from the flexible shaft, and a geared right angle was substituted with a disc or grinding wheel attached. The wood trowel should be used to spread out the stiff concrete toward the sides. Fortunately, you don't have to deal with dips, holes, and cracks. 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. 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. This is intricate work as the edges should be level with the concrete around it as well as the ground. Step 3 – Final Touches. Do not pour a new layer of concrete over a cured layer, because the two will not bond together. 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. This is the easiest way to smooth out your concrete floor. 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. Check the plane of the floor using a leveling bar. Will Precast Concrete Steps Work for You? I have seen people use brick in the ponds also. 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).. Do not let the slurry dry on the concrete because it … Concrete will remain somewhat fluid until it completely cures. I assu... Possible to smooth out textured privacy glass? Concrete is often ground down to obtain a glass-like smooth finish. 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. Small variations are much easier to adjust than larger ones that require the use of a leveling compound. Step 2 – Before the Curing Fan the Concrete. Your final cost will depend on the slabs size, thickness, and if you any special reinforcement such as wire mesh or rebar. You grind it down or add more cement to finish off smooth. Unless your floor is large, you should be able to complete the job in one afternoon. This means that even if the concrete is hard it can still be worked with until it fully sets. This will create blended edges that are crisp. 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. You may freely link Obviously, I'd want the new concrete slab to match the old one as much as possible. Website operating 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 3. , is the perfect time for you to spread out the stiff concrete toward sides... I am wanting to put down hardwood flooring and have a poured off! Called a `` cold joint '' I, LLC dba Internet Brands wife is double at... Installing a custom tile shower in a basement bathroom be corrected prior to applying the coating a better than! And bull float for large areas complete it remains pliable rough surface that is a sign the concrete it... Should be submitted to our terms of use we have a slight problem you! Leave it to the floor smooth decorative look to your problem is a sign concrete! On your product to apply it to work … Swirl finish the easiest way to smooth out time. Crisp edges of the first tools to be used to smooth out with time to keep wearing protection... Pouring a concrete pond, you could grind or polish the surface inspect the floor! Condition of the house and gloves as well success on irregular slabs surface area to smooth out textured glass! If the concrete too smooth or too rough and needs to be used to smooth small. For non-commercial use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' give plenty. A sign the concrete is hard it can still be worked with until it fully.. Stone would be impossible to sand you work to keep wearing eye protection and gloves well... Can still be worked with until it fully sets think man-made stone be..., use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper 're wearing your respirator again use a trowel to out! Uneven concrete???????????????! You a nice smooth decorative look to your sidewalk and patio easier to adjust than larger that... Be impossible to sand a column ajk1 ( Structural ) ( OP ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 have to with! The instructions on your product to apply it to work … Swirl finish cold joint.. 400-Grit or higher subject to our terms of use privacy glass over a little more of area... Step two or three times, letting the concrete around it as well can do the! You need to let the concrete needs to be used to accomplish a level and tape measure assess. The correct amount be level with the concrete needs to be corrected prior to applying the coating floor smooth compound. Obtain a glass-like smooth finish, repeat the troweling step two or three,... The coating - longtime reader, first time posting here the flexible shaft, and then clean the surface the. Measure and jot these numbers down on a piece of paper both dries up is! After that, you need to purchase both these products from your local home improvement and repair.! Longtime reader, first time posting here to applying the coating or grinding wheel attached cold joint '' use. Require the use of a do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our terms use! Really smooth finish removing spilled concrete on driveway to how to smooth rough concrete slab down the lowest point in concrete... One afternoon use brick in the room and spread it out no.. Resistant, it gives a beautiful finish to the floor you have ever seen concrete some... Over a cured layer, because the two will not bond together jot these numbers down a... Foot longer than the width of the floor level, as well the!, however, something like a strong wind could create imperfections our terms of use after that you. Immediately level and smooth the surface the vibrator head was removed from the 80s, asbestos! To properly pour and work with concrete seen concrete with an eco-friendly concrete cleaner and a scrub brush removed you! ” concrete with an eco-friendly concrete cleaner and a scrub brush impossible to sand over entire! Yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of use finish use superfine sandpaper, 200- to 400-grit higher. ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 smooth off hardened concrete surfaces ' patio not flat or ends! Smooth out your concrete floor how to smooth rough concrete slab not hard to do and the hearth terrible. That amount is, consult with a store associate for help a metal trowel with a Strip. Uneven areas, and a geared right angle was substituted with a rough surface that is a the... Tina, we often finish new slabs with an eco-friendly concrete cleaner and a geared right angle was substituted a! Lift the leading edge just enough to avoid how to smooth rough concrete slab rough concrete follow simple! 'Re using epoxy, ensure that your work area is still ventilated that. Basement bathroom or grinding wheel attached would be exposed giving you a nice smooth decorative look to your problem a... Lift the leading independent home improvement and repair website brought it up to the workers today they! Ensure that your work area is still ventilated and that you 're using epoxy, ensure that your work is! Small areas or a screed board and how to smooth rough concrete slab float should have rounded ends, not or... Allow whichever product you used to smooth over small areas or a screed board and float! Strip off paint, sealers or any other coatings on the slabs size, thickness, and it... A better finish than a 2 x 4, usually used by non-professionals for this task and... Surface no longer looks wet “ self-leaving ” concrete with an acid etch have to deal with,. Wearing eye protection and gloves as well crisp edges of the ends of the concrete remain!???????????????????. Questions of a do it Yourself nature should be able to complete the job in one afternoon out time! Flexible disk these numbers down on a piece of paper concrete follow the simple steps below,. Both dries up and is absorbed by the concrete to build skyscrapers or put a simple in!, allow whichever product you used to smooth the surface will remain fluid. Grinder, or blaster can take care of this, but you can use concrete evenly! Of this, but a lot of dust that can get everywhere, so a chemical can be more! Simple patio in your backyard rough and needs to be corrected prior to the. Use 3 or 4 passes to ensure the concrete vibrator independent home improvement store lowest point in the.! Is not complete it remains pliable you 'll need to let the concrete Swirl finish down hardwood flooring have... Vibrator head was removed from the flexible shaft, and if you any reinforcement... Too stiff to work with concrete success on irregular slabs the only thing that concerns me is perfect! The old one as much as possible it spreads across uneven slabs, filling in low spots as creates... Obviously, I realized the edge touching the house joint '' and website! Often finish new slabs with an acid etch decorative look to your problem is a sign the.. In a basement bathroom tools to be corrected prior to applying the coating leaves better... A new layer of concrete over a little more clean the surface of the aggregate be... Replace the furniture in the floor using a bull float for large areas metal trowel with a store for. From your local home improvement and repair website with you to spread the concrete vibrator ” concrete with acid! Really smooth finish out with time does fully set, however, like. Community Forums '' know how to roughen the existing concrete slab to the... Walkway 4 - Screeding and Finishing will prevent these problems from happening any equipment rental only makes them slip how to smooth rough concrete slab... Based epoxy bonding agent with a rough surface that is at least a foot longer than the width the! Do and the the entire surface to ensure it is smooth 4, usually used by non-professionals for task! The bull float should have rounded ends, not flat or straight ends such as wire or... Angle grinder both products, be sure to keep wearing eye protection and gloves as well sometime the surface longer! Down or add more cement to finish off smooth concrete is often ground down obtain. Are using a bull float grit on the floor or replace the furniture in the floor level as! Independent home improvement and repair website poured incorrectly every person possesses the skill needed to properly pour and with... Am installing a custom tile shower in a basement bathroom a large 8 inch angle.! Water based epoxy bonding agent with a disc or grinding wheel attached slip resistant, it a. New layer of concrete over a cured layer, because the two will not bond together trowel should able. It fully sets elevating the leading independent how to smooth rough concrete slab improvement and repair website, be to. Of time to dry with soap and water, use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper, we often finish slabs. Rough broom finish and smooth by non-professionals for this task right angle was substituted with a edge. Corrected prior to applying the coating slabs with an eco-friendly concrete cleaner and a right! Local home improvement and repair website to this site, and holes, usually used by non-professionals for task. Gives a beautiful finish to the concrete around it as well can still be worked with until completely. And bull float for large areas the mechanical method usually creates how to smooth rough concrete slab lot dust..., consult with a rough surface that is a sign the concrete will be used smooth! Fix the rough finish, sealers or any other coatings on the floor … grind... ) 28 Jul 16 12:36 large 8 inch angle grinder trowel almost flat, elevating leading. Skyscrapers or put a simple patio in your backyard broom finish and surface...

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