Hand Screeding VS Power Screeding: Best Way To Screed Concrete

#ScreedingConcrete #HowToScreedConcrete #MikeDayConcrete
In this video I"m comparing hand screeding concrete VS power screeding using the ScreeDemon from MBW, Inc.
If you're pouring a concrete floor like we are, you have to screed the concrete somehow. What is the best way to screed the concrete and get a flat floor. What is the easiest way to screed a concrete floor? You'll get to see both methods in this video. I was taught to screed concrete by hand a long time ago, then along came power vibratory screeds like the ScreeDemon and we started using them to screed out floors.
If you're wondering how easy (or hard) it is to screed concrete using a vibratory screed, this video will show you exactly what it takes to use one and how to use one properly.
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[@gordoh7634]

Way to think of your crew and yourself! You are saving your backs and extending your careers. Less trips to chiropractor or physical therapy. Kudos for your videos! You're giving me confidence to the point where I think I might be able to do my own pour, screed and float for my driveway.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you! Glad I can help!

[@jmac88022]

Thanks for taking the time to show the difference. Really cool to see Tia transforming into just one of the crew.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Yes! Thank you!

[@ibew57]

These power screeds are money...im using one tomorrow for the first time with a couple newbies on the rakes...here we go

[@concretebuildingsystem9116]

Thanks for that diversity. A lot of education real fast. A flat slab is an under appreciated work of art. Just like a flat plane in a CAD program. So easy and fast to build upon.

[@dingorun1]

Love your awesome channel Mike! I’m down here in Richmond, Va. I enjoy trying to do things myself when I can around the house. I just spend this past weekend putting in a concrete crawlspace for my sunroom addition. The addition is in the process of being built and there were no joist yet. The dimensions are 18’ x 16’. I dug out the crawlspace level, added 1-1/2” of gravel dust wetted and packed. Placed 10 mil plastic down and up the walls about 12”. Used remesh for reinforcement. Previously, I purchased an old used mixer for $50 which was very well worth it. I used 60 pound bags - three at a time in the mixer. For someone who doesn’t do this everyday, it’s kill work on ones body! It took two 16 hours days to complete! It doesn’t look too bad for a rookie. I learned what I know from your channel here! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Steven!

[@ShadrachHowie]

Your content has helped me tremendously. Thank you for sharing all the content and tips!!!!!

[@timbiggam2626]

Mike. U make all this look so easy. I would perfear the power one. The most but again u make it look so easy. Tim from Ohio.

[@MBWEuropeLtd]

Great work Mike!

[@doinjusfine1]

Never have done concrete work.. but love the idea. I follow you and Oodell. I think I have learned a lot.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you. @odellcompleteconcrete is awesome too.

[@tonyhussey3610]

Thanks for making these vids..very interesting and helpful 👍

[@myconstructionwork]

You work very professionaly

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks!

[@johnfahey7215]

When I see you guys bent over, my back groans in sympathy. Been there!

[@danielbesingi7698]

Definitely power screed! It looks effortless and fine finish

[@juantijerina3358]

We tried one when they first came out ( power screed) threw it off the slab . I guess when your used to screeding by hand it's easier and faster , I've worked in many states in the U.S. and they all have different ways of working .Yet it gets done , great job

[@erichermann7553]

I like the screed demon u have to bend over enough to do edges I’m German born living in AZ for 40 years bend over enough for concrete and tile my back is done I would use power screed lol 😂 any time good luck to u mike and ur crews ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jasongarza3369]

Screed demon is great! I'm use to hand screed but I've been wanting a Vibor screed

[@jorgepineda3079]

Good tutorial👍

[@viankalobosvalenzuela7456]

Good video and thanks for sharing all your work congratulations and greetings from san felipe chile

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks and welcome

[@jamesroberts4356]

been using a rod board for 15 years or more just got a S-35 power screed goning to use it tomorrow. Feel better about it after watching your video

[@guynicholson391]

I'm in central Indiana and am looking to do a 24x 40 garage/barn floor in the spring. Ive never done anything close to this size but have most of the tools and the will to do it. Just a little hesitant to do it. Any encourage will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks Mike and the crew!

[@TexasBarndominiums]

I need to try one of those.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

You can do it.

[@GillAgain618]

They are great!

[@brendapowers7024]

ran a strike off board for twenty years, power screeder is the way to go. the guys on the comealongs are the key for the screeder

[@tonyvalerio3778]

Great job Mike i use a power screed every chance I get but like to kick screed also when I have to but don't forget iam 74.Tony from Las Cruces NM.keep up the great work Mike 💪

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Tony!

[@sergeyc5528]

These guys are well fed)))

[@bolge7777]

🤣🤣🤣

[@PaulWhitedWoodStoneIron]

It really depends a lot on the rake guys. They can make or break you on both ways. Sometimes by hand is faster but the vibrating screed is sweet on big open areas too. But I go back to how good your rakers are. If they’re not that good around you then the vibrating screed can get annoying.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Good rakers do make life easier when screeding, good point!

[@kieranjackson1946]

Im from Australia the two people screed is backwards, i can pull a 12ft screed by myself on 100mm slump

[@Wheeznbreezn]

Im thinking the same thing, although we stick to 10ft screeds as we had issues with the 12ft getting bends/flex in them.. try to always keep it 120slump on pads/deco but sometimes you get the odd dry truck haha

[@inspiredlogistics3468]

Good stuff

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Appreciate it

[@GramCanyonSam]

With 2 good grade guys "using a shovel not a come along " I can pull down a very flat slab with the vibra screed. But using a stick and bump cutting a floor will always be supreme and set up better . But it's nice in the summer sun getting it down fast and pulling cream up with the vibra.

[@adubbelde1]

I'm an amateur. I've poured a few houses and several driveways as well as miscellaneous projects. I"ve never uses an aluminum screened, let alone a power one. I can see how the power screed saves backs. I had a perfectly straight redwood 2x4 that I used for a screed. After pouring my driveway on a previous house, I washed it and leaned it up against some scaffolding to dry. Apparently someone thought It was a pretty nice board, as they took it. On a previous video, I asked about a water based sealer and you made a recommendation. I've bookmarked that on Amazon. The directions say to redo in around 5 years. This is going to be in a low traffic area of our basement. How about putting a wax coating on after it cures. That's easy enough to supplement now and then.

[@keylargo2001]

The only problem about pouring the mix wet is shrinkage. So using the power screen you said it in the video. Your aggregate sinks leaving no structural stability to the surface. As it's only sand and powder left behind.

[@sspyder181]

Depending on the job, I use either. Ever use a roller tamper Mike. I call em a roller bug. Anyway nice video.

[@psidvicious]

I can’t remember seeing the stand up, one man screed before, but it seems like it might be effective for getting in around pipes. I’ve always just seen one man with a 4-5’ screed do that kind of work.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

That's us to for years, just made that stand up one and we're trying it out. So far the guys like it.

[@watermalanblew]

We use straight edge paving streets w 10ft float to finish

[@idadho]

Mike, My question is, What technique results in the flattest surface? I'm tired of finding 1/16 to 1/8 or deeper low spots that hold water that freezes to slick ice. Any puddle of water will freeze into dangerous ice. 1 1/2 in slope for 10 feet should never puddle but my concrete has puddles everywhere. How do I get/select contractors who do true flat work? I'd like to see you and Victory and others have a competition for flattest concrete with a puddle test afterwards.

[@austinholtzman7045]

Damn. I could do that myself, with that power screed, if I had to. Also, I like the handled short board. Nice work.

[@austinholtzman7045]

I was taught, pushing the aggregate down, makes the surface weak, because it doesn't allow the cement to bond with the rocks towards the surface.

[@kylegilbert4590]

Can you run a power screed outside for driveways/patios? Or will it seal in the bleed water?

[@terrymcgillicuddy8056]

Sometimes you just can't beat the old school ways.

[@727gonzalez3]

I work in this and to be honest hand is faster

[@joemredwine75]

Vibrating concrete makes a 100 percent better product. The proof is when you see your work 15 minutes later with no cracks and looking better than some pours only 2 to 5 years. Hand screeding takes time to learn how to do it correctly, well a vibrascreed takes time as well

[@tombroeng1300]

Hey Mike, I am from Denmark (so you know) Nice work😀 whereabouts I comeback from we often/ mostly ude self-leveling concrete, what is your experience with that? We Can poor appr. 200-250 m3 co ncrete on one big floor, 4 guys appr. 30-35 hours incl. finish on a helicopter. We also use that method on family houses like this. I most say that we aften a few days we grind the surface.

[@jameshines6486]

You need both techniques regardless. The screed demon is nice. Use it as much as you can as long as you got good rakers.

[@jubbernaut1]

We never used a power screed on the jobs we've worked on. But, it definitely looks easy for the screen men.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

With a couple good rakers it's really quite easy to do.

[@1WildDragon]

usually hand screed like you do. either smaller area like a porch, or a lot of plumbing. you can hand screed and tap if you can keep track of your level. works like power screeding but best on a small area.

[@mikedalbec4969]

Mike - We also use the Screedemon and love it. Can't wait for the battery version to come out this fall! We have the 8, 10 and 12' bars thinking about buying the 16'. So my question to you is - Have you used the 16' Sceed bar?

[@MBWinc]

So glad to hear you love the ScreeDemon! You can actually pre-order the ScreeDemon™ Powered by M18™ REDLITHIUM now from your local MBW dealer. Also if you ever have any photos or videos you'd like to share using MBW, please email it to [e-mail] We'd love to hear from you.

[@jacobchandler3443]

MBW Inc what size bars will the cordless version run?

[@vulcanconstructiononthejob912]

Hey mike great work, what’s your go too on getting the middle of a pour at the right height? I’ve seen guys pound piece of rebar at the right height then pound it in after they reach there height .. always makes me nervous when prepping for bigger stuff

[@richardcarter3406]

It's easy to lose where your grade pins are doing it that way.Try using a wood or steel stake with a nail at elevation.Make a pad with your float then pull the stake.Lazer is the most accurate

[@tommyg.6993]

Job well done. I’ve never done any kind of screed, however my garage is 20/20 it looks easy to do, but I am intimidated to do the job. I was wondering what kind of a tip would you be able to give me in order to build my confidence? Should I buy a power screed it looks very easy to do if I just split up the garage to two sections. Thanks!

[@psidvicious]

That’s an excellent idea, to break it up into pieces. You would likely do 2 saw cuts (midway, each direction) on a 20x20 slab anyway, so breaking it up into pieces would help to eliminate the need for that.

[@1WildDragon]

how does the screed demon stay afloat? we had a 24 foot rail creed that rested on forms.

[@mirocabraja5128]

I'm from Canada power screed is useless on outdoor concrete because it knocks out all the air content from the mix. Only good for indoor where I'm from

[@eddyjzylstra8520]

Im wondering if it matters which way you pull the power screed. I am assuming it would be better to go from the high point of your grade to low or vice versa.? Are you able to have one end of the board at the high point and the other at the lower grade and pull that way?

[@viktorrotkiv1698]

With a 7 inch slump concrete it’s like water , it is more easy to hand screed. We usually hand screed on a 5 slump on a size like that , 4” thickness, but on largest areas we use the machine

[@dustyniederriter7543]

Great for flatish floors but if you want water to go to the drain get down on your hunkers and get it done. I say flatish because any one who has ran one knows it’s not perfect. I hand screws every day for the last 20 years.

[@mahdiammons1577]

By far and above the power screed! I did concrete 38 years it was always the screed by hand way. There’s enough work as is in concrete so if you’re able to save energy and time efficiently all the better. Work smart not as hard!

[@ShaggtyDoo]

Doing a 12' wide pad with no plumbing would it be possible to ride along the tops of the forms?

[@renediaz9838]

I hand screed ,I learned when I was 18

[@eater5624]

Hey Mike. I have a question... I'm starting to pour lots of concrete lately and I noticed our concrete is always little low on the formside... Our guy tells me to kind of roll the screed? But I see you guys have screed tillted one side. Does rolling the screed causing it to go too low?

[@thetisdeamon777]

low edges are often caused by dipping the bullfloat on the return pull, it's very common you just need to pull it back with a hand float when catching the edge.

[@FoodPornNetwork]

No steel in the slab? Because of the 2500 crete?

[@oscardelgado778]

i like em i also like rollers for parking lots

[@davidandersen9177]

Seems like it would want dig in ? Are the pin set at height to make sure your level… So are your wet pads the gauge to maintain level… I’m an old guy and always hand screeded. Also does this screed serve as a tamp to push the aggregate down so that bull floating is nice?

[@kanisohana]

I’m thinking about ordering a Tomahawk power screed from Home Depot online. The 12’ model is $950 and has 1.6 HP. They also sell different blades from 8’ to 14’.

[@didisaythat4230]

Did you ever get that ordered?

[@kanisohana]

@@didisaythat4230 No I didn’t.

[@didisaythat4230]

@@kanisohana ah OK. I'm afraid to pull the trigger on it but I would like to try it as well.

[@robertambrose5348]

I was watching KZbin and saw some guys from the Philippines they had a t handle on their screed pouring a driveway pretty fast

[@tylerjohnson5647]

We either hand screed or use a laser screed on bigger jobs. Seems tough to get flat with vibra strike.

[@timbiggam2626]

I. Long of a 2x4 do u use. An it looks helloin side.

[@tonymartin2584]

I have screeded concrete a few times with a 2 x 4. I'm 62 and will have younger help to pour a 21yd driveway. Would a power screed work in one pour. And/or use a pipe and forms to set screed on and in 2 pours?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

For just 1 pour I'd screed it by hand.

[@Xbox360Rules00]

Hi Mike, Doing my own basement floor. This will be my first time doing this. What would be a good cheat system to use for a beginner so the basement would be all leveled and nice. The basement will be 32'x44'. Thank you

[@unknown3313]

Hire someone man. It's definitely a skilled trade.

[@dannylopez7322]

I prefer hand screed because in the right hands it works magic

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Right on Danny!

[@adamleen595]

Hand screed is much more accurate

[@fasfgasdfagadsf]

I wish we could pour this wet. But we are looking at lots of time finishing where we are pretty close to being done by the time our concrete is on the ground.

[@WayneJohnsonZastil]

Why dont add handle bars to the manual screed bar for each side?

[@hakanwappling3743]

Does the screed demon float?

[@danoliver3470]

Gotta have good rakemen who can get it close you don't have as much control on the grade as you do with a rod.

[@timbiggam2626]

I would. Like the power one the best. I have never done that at all. But i got to learn real fast. I have a drive way to do. I wish. I could work with you one. Day. Do u think i could do that.

[@oscardelgado778]

this depends on if vibration required also mix cause if you can screed fast slabs kickscreed if concrete wet enouph

[@foadoboudiyat1726]

At what point after you pour the concrete do you start screening?

[@JeffMTX]

asap, unless theres a slope, but screed uphill and watch for swelling

[@mikebolinger5359]

I have the Marshalltown power screed. I can’t keep it from sinking sometimes and sometimes it works great. Do you k ow what makes it sink?

[@richardcarter3406]

Your pulling too slow for the slump your pouring.You will get the hang of it.keep watching the ends of the Ends of the board

[@mikebolinger5359]

Richard Carter I’ll try switching up the speed next time. Do you keep the leading edge slightly tipped up or do you try to keep the screed board flat?

[@richardcarter3406]

Mike Bollinger.keep it flat

[@mikebolinger5359]

Richard Carter thank you. That could be part of my problem then too. It seemed to ride better when I lifted the front up though. I’ll give it a try though and see if it helps.

[@JeffMTX]

rpm too high maybe?

[@retireddriver16]

Man there both very easy because I'm never going to do concrete LOL 😂

[@fuckoff320]

We use a 20ft screed for all big pours and you will earn your money that day if you're laborers aren't on there game

[@mjb12141963]

A good power tool is always better than bending over. Especially when we have big bellies getting in the way.

[@donaldcurtis9229]

You did good rake men don't care of you hands great or you power screed or Viber screen don't matter

[@tyronemurray6463]

Power screed gives a more level and solid floor

[@timbiggam2626]

This is tim from Ohio.

[@randypenning974]

I hand screed. But want a power screed. How do you get your wet screed without chicken legs and rod???

[@davecarr4070]

That's WET mud

[@rickokemp1244]

Looks like an 8"-9" slump to me, too wet for a 3500 psi floor even with water reducer.

[@danoliver3470]

Bullfloat isn't as easy as people think tho it can be hard on the back

[@unknown3313]

Nothing is easy but it's definitely easier

[@SeaDooEric]

That looks like a great tool, but it cost over $2000......

[@haleypodevels4483]

Power Screed vs hand screed it all depends on what's going on with the slab tbh

[@rudybulmann1851]

Hand screed

[@markuslappalainen6847]

Why no steel net?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

The General contractor told us to only use fibermesh. Not my call

[@Dynamic1312]

@@MikeDayConcrete do you think that wire net is better than fiber? In Florida, we rarely use wire these days. Only fiber.

[@chrisjacob721]

old school can b faster for sure

[@jorgeramos4355]

That’s like a 7 or 8 slup

[@michaelbarcus418]

You guys kick and drag. I’m fat that’s hard for me to do. I prefer magic screed

[@wadecarter3502]

You spell concrete W-O-R-K

[@flattenthecurve8623]

The Earth is Flat and Motionless

[@dickheaddan4106]

Power screeding all the way.. who the hell wants to be bent over hand screeding?

[@jamezrobertz8638]

Soup.....

[@orange1soda]

Lololol 6in slump this is piss not concrete.

[@thisoletommy9628]

My head hurts everytime i watch you yanks screed, could learn a few things from us Aussie's.

[@Ratheepan1122]

It’s a joke in USA about concrete

[@ayileenenga9670]

why are you saying that?

[@rickokemp1244]

@@ayileenenga9670 He's saying he thinks Iran is better.

[@JeffMTX]

show us how its done bro!