Is Using A Concrete Power Screed EASY or HARD? (My 2 Cents Worth)

#EverythingAboutConcrete #MikeDayConcrete
Is using a concrete power screed easy or hard?
I've used a lot of vibrating power screeds over the years. I've also hand screeded a lot of concrete floors and slabs.
This video will reveal if I think using a power screed to pour floors is easier or harder than just hand screeding them.
The key to screeding concrete is to get the concrete flat or level.
If your floor has a slope to it, that adds another thing you have to be ready to screed to.
I was taught to hand screed at a very young age, 15. About 20 years later I was introduced to my first power screed. Now another 20 years later, I'm letting all you know which I think is easier to screed a concrete floor.
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[@dougsweldingfabrication953]

Another great video Mike !!! Keep it up brother.

[@brandondejong9770]

Thanks for upping our game mike! Great videos.

[@T.E.P.]

super great vid and interesting thanks Mike!

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

I repair cement equipment and your channel is a great source of information for those in the field who use it and the battery operated trowel is awesome… Keep on rocking guys…

[@ayileenenga9670]

great video and the power screed is helpful to accomplish a better job easily

[@jandoinc]

We have always hand screed but now we purchased a gas powered screed and can't wait to try it. You definitely make it look easier with the power screed. Thanks for sharing.

[@mhrogerscement9794]

Hey Mike! Thank you for posting videos, great stuff! I have raked behind power screeds I have not ran one myself, I’ve always taken it out by hand. I’m looking into the Tomahawk brand. Do you know much about Tomahawk? Do you guys run aluminum or magnesium rods? Than you!

[@johnfahey7215]

power screed gives your back a few more years maybe 🤔 Great watching you guys in action again! 😎👍

[@kriistianfiske8099]

Definitely the way to go. It makes it so smooth when you have a 7 or 8 slump with the water reducer. Power screeds save time and are huge money makers.

[@gregoryallen3903]

Wow I been in concrete for 20 years plus ever used one. I will be trying it on my next pour.

[@bradhill4590]

After watching your videos for a couple years, I bought a vibra screed. Its a cheap north star brand. I love it for floors. I get my wet pads and get my concrete close with come along, then move really quick with vibra screed. I put a floor down in half the time. Watching your videos has helped my business tremendously.

[@randypenning974]

I’m getting one. You pretty much confirmed it for me. I just want the mud down faster and easier than the traditional way of hand screeding.

[@bretthagen2389]

I have always hand screeded and that looks slick, I want one now

[@garyh4458]

Legend has it that they are still backed into that corner.

[@rickk3186]

LOL

[@christopherwebber1104]

Depends on application but yes love them. If you do long stretches of sidewalks it's a killer with good muckers. Honda gas powered with 14' and 5' screwd board.

[@markb.1259]

Why work your way into a corner vs. work from the back wall out the open walk-in part? Thanks for your video!

[@CODA-Improvements]

Just like Mike said, your rakers are the ones who can make it easy or difficult for the screed operator. Keeping it moving and reducing stops and starts helps create a flatter surface .

[@michaeldelvecchio7898]

I'm thinking about buying one to have on hand just in case the snowblower craps out in the winter😉

[@timbiggam2626]

Yes. Yes. I will have to get one.

[@douglasmichel6361]

We had a gas job but I thought it was to rough on the mix, chucked it an kept the magnesium screeds. May just try the battery driven.

[@brettirwin2]

Man that thing is cool. And no gas motor in the day basements y'all are working. Nice.

[@enzomessi4162]

Will you be reviewing the milwaukee screed?

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Mike, I am just a shade tree but a blind man could see how good of a job is done with less effort.

[@viankalobosvalenzuela7456]

Excelente video saludos desde Chile 👋👋👋👋💯💯💯💯

[@cygnus1965]

I have a $235 eBay power screed and it works as well as any others I’ve used. It’s a couple Years old and I’ve done probably 20 jobs with it so far. I am a general handyman so I don’t pour concrete everyday or even every week. So this makes my life much easier when I do sell a concrete job cause bending over and pulling that mud by hand is a killer on the back. I won’t do concrete anymore with out my PS.

[@inkdup701]

I’ve been thinking about getting that exact vibe screed but now Milwaukee came out with the Mx vibe screed, so now I’m just curious how big of an area you can screed on a battery charge.

[@benjaminadams1000]

We use a Wacker P35 with a 14' or 16' blade.

[@jamesbelanger9077]

I do have the gas powered screed demon by MBW , it awesome,but like you said it all hinges on the right guys behind you

[@jimanderson4444]

Have you used power roller? Like or ? Jim

[@timbiggam2626]

This. Is tim the. St1 one is the best. I would love the power one. An ca u lay 3 inches. To do a drive way. Please tell me.

[@uncle_buck37]

Not a question about the the walk behind screed, I seen you mag floating the heights in with your laser, is there a reason you don’t use height pins? Keep up the good work mate👍🏽

[@unknown3313]

pins create holes in the vapor barrier

[@logantillem4662]

He uses his laser to shoot finish concrete (grade) instead of grade pins.

[@bradhill4590]

I believe floors are smoother with vibra screed too!

[@automan1223]

Do you use a power trowler to finish the floor ?

[@reubendandurand7716]

Is there a reason you worked from front to back of the walk out basement? I would think it would be easier to work from the back to the walk out part so at the finish you just work from the ground next to the pad.

[@yazeedabdallah9177]

What type of concrete are you pouring?

[@timmarsden9723]

I bought one to do about 60 yards of concrete this year I figured it was quicker than going and renting on every time I wanted to pour so alone

[@timmarsden9723]

My helpers I didn’t train them right I should’ve had him watch your videos to start with they left me about 3 inches to pole and it was a bear but it was hard to tell on pull it back pull it back on but I had one dug a hole

[@JJconcrete]

It seems like you would be able to go a little quicker with the gas powered screed, which one do you prefer.

[@hustleforlife65]

How does it work on like a 5" slump?

[@skliros9235]

Hi Tia! 👋

[@10p6]

No Rebar or wire mesh?

[@AllAccessConstruction]

I send ppl to the concrete teacher all the time... 😂😂😂 #goodjob

[@govsux1]

It seems like using a power screed makes bull floating much easier as well??

[@leecheever903]

What dose the screed weight ?.

[@dank2265]

I see you use this for the wide areas I mostly do side walks and steps This would be good for me in a 4' or 6' with thanks for the explanation

[@didisaythat4230]

I drilled and screwed a 5' screed to a concrete rake. There's so little room for the excess concrete on sidewalks. This tool would be a huge over kill for sidewalks. If you're just trying to put the sidewalks down without soo much on your back, try the concrete rake/screed technique.

[@dank2265]

@@didisaythat4230 Ohhh thankyou I like the idea I will now have to sit down and give that some thought

[@jakemcmahan5711]

We use wood “loops” to do certain sidewalks. Triangular 3D cut of wood on a pole..basically a Darby on a pole. Cuts great. Use it to fill in holes or around details like plumbing and electrical. They’re awesome

[@dank2265]

@@jakemcmahan5711 thankyou Jake for you feedback too

[@dank2265]

Thank you. For the feed back in glad I found this channel you guys have been very helpful

[@MaisonVR24]

Hurts my back more to carry power screed around. I’d rather do it by hand.

[@patricklandis3910]

True they do hurt your back, but they’re a lot faster

[@howardcooper9405]

Depends on operator and cut men both need to know what their doing

[@johnsonexcavatingandlandcl3473]

Is fiber mesh really acceptable when it comes to the surface of a concrete floor for a house? I have seen fibers stick out over time or will putting a sealer over the finished floor prevent that?

[@jmconcretecoloradosprings]

Just hit it with a weed torch and it should burn them off.

[@logantillem4662]

Sealer should help…. Fiber mesh makes the concrete stronger(better). If the concrete is old…. the creme could have washed away & will expose aggregate and fiber mesh.

[@marioperea4232]

I like to get one

[@rationalrealist6086]

Why didn’t you work from the enclosed side of the site to the open side?

[@InquiryTeaching]

So that the they can lift their powertrowels onto the floor instead of lowering them

[@rickk3186]

2 loads shouldnt matter for getting a machine on the floor....Im guessing he did it incase he ran short idk

[@afolabiabdulquadri7189]

What is the use or need of that nylon spread on the ground before pouring concrete on it

[@BooM-HeadsshoT]

is a vapor barrier i believe, keeps water from sweating threw the floor

[@chrismcculloch4887]

You know as well as I do. It depends on the situation. Bring both.

[@ericsteighner7011]

For everyone asking why he worked himself into a corner. I’m taking an educated guess here but it is probably so they can set the walk behind power trowel right where they started off instead of trying to lower it down.

[@rickk3186]

2 loads shouldnt matter for something like that....if youre pouring a bigger floor he could of set it on crock or shower box or hang it from handles in the corner.....my guess is incase he ran short he could get a truck to it

[@rickk3186]

For anyone asking why he poured himself into corner there is only 1 reason...incase he runs short he can get truck to it. You can get a machine on whatever way when its only 2 loads and if youre that worried about it you can put the machines on shower box or crock or hang it from the handles in the corner or something.

[@jmconcretecoloradosprings]

EASY for you brother. You make it look too easy. We have been thinking about trying a screed like this. Do you have to pour higher slumps to make it work? We pour about a 4-5.

[@jaredmiller7027]

I use a power screed all the time on low slump Crete all the time. Move slow and keep rpm's high. Works good

[@jmconcretecoloradosprings]

@@jaredmiller7027 thank you. Any brand or configuration you recommend?

[@jaredmiller7027]

@@jmconcretecoloradosprings. Brand: I just bought the brand my supplier has so they can easily service it(forget what it was). I use a 12' blade. That size seems small enough it fits most places but big enough to get the job done.

[@Jstew181]

Im Curious as i see a few others are too. Why didnt you start from the back and work your way out? Would love a more elaborate explination. Great video btw

[@jakehanson216]

I'm guessing they wanted that part poured out first so it's easier to set the power trowel in there

[@windaddiction]

Used one for the first time on a 15x25 slab... We'll worth the rental fee

[@timbiggam2626]

Mike. Can I only poor 3. Inches. For a drive way. Tim from Ohio

[@randyjedneak8698]

3000 psi that’s a footing mix

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

I think it's easier to hand screed, but I don't use my vibe screed too much, it's easier to stay on grade anyways

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

But my comelong guys need to do a better job!

[@rickk3186]

@@GRUBB-MUDD you dont like it when its going over top of the strike?

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

@@rickk3186 hell no, on my videos we never have that. have a great day!

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

@@rickk3186 u seen my videos?

[@jakemcmahan5711]

If you don’t have two good puddlers...it can be a nightmare!

[@DataStorm1]

why backing into that corner instead of the open front so you could easily finish it completely?

[@InquiryTeaching]

So that the they can lift their powertrowels onto the floor instead of lowering them

[@DataStorm1]

@@InquiryTeaching That makes no sense, for when starting all sides are accessible

[@rickk3186]

@@DataStorm1 everyone keeps saying its for the machines but 2 loads dont matter for that...my guess is incase he runs short he can get truck to it

[@landonmorel3715]

only question is why would you pour yourself into a corner if you have a walk out basement?

[@J4GGoon]

So you can level off the threshold

[@landonmorel3715]

@@J4GGoon guess i don’t understand

[@timedvrodlehnen8448]

Yes I love it, but my only worry,I work alone, so no man on komalong, Is it doable with no help?…I hate spend 2k. And then use boards again for sreteing ,,,,,love 5he idea but will it be worth it for one guy, I neeed flow and board makes it, I couldn’t really trust. This,,,,,,

[@apoage]

It's doable but he'll you will have prety hard time you have to level concrete a little before.. Like I had to make about 70sqm by myself (both of guys just didn't show up) and well powerscreet just saved my ass.. And also bull float can do great magic..

[@BooM-HeadsshoT]

@@apoage make sure to let the concrete truck driver know in a nice way that you are screeding by yourseld and maybe he can help keep it real close, good drivers make the job so much easier, and rake it out on the edges and use a magnesium float to get the edges level and that will help you keep a nice flat area. good luck

[@miketrevizo524]

1:52 driver almost fell on his ass.

[@joshmccoy584]

Thats way easier plus one less guy to run the rod.

[@stuartpulvermacher6861]

why did you start at the step out and work yourself into a corner

[@georgelong1301]

Makes it easy for all the people watching the guy running the power screed always has a bad back

[@natalieg.2598]

Hey look, no lumps. Way easier, like a hot knife on butter.

[@johnellisonarmadilloconstr7966]

I bought a Chinese gas powered one and it sinks into the concrete

[@propagandize9836]

Mark Sexton, ex police speaks out. 30 and 15 min videos.

[@Paulie1232]

That tool is the shit....

[@garyh4458]

What does that mean?

[@cygnus1965]

It means it’s awesome!

[@dandickson4638]

Waste of time and money when a 2x4 has done the same thing for years and years

[@garyh4458]

Ignorant statement.

[@Cattywampus555]

maybe he still has a horse and cart, maybe does not use wheels either.

[@lrdjacob]

Anyone that doesn't know how to hand screed professionally, should not be using a power screed

[@garyh4458]

Why not?

[@lrdjacob]

@@garyh4458 why do I have to think for you? They haven’t got the years of experience required to handle different situations in the mud. If you think you can buy a power screed and go price flat work then you’re gonna lose money and fuck someone’s job up. Not to mention if the power screws fails for some reason. Technology is an aid to experience and professionalism, not a replacement.

[@garyh4458]

@@lrdjacob You don't have to think for me. You just need to think for yourself. Your comment was very rigid. You may have someone on the job site who can work a power screeder just fine but hasn't developed expertise to do it manually. Nothing wrong with letting them go at it with the power screeder will someone with more talent an expertise does some detail work around the edges. Your comment is as stupid as saying anyone who doesn't drive a stick shift shouldn't drive a car with an automatic transmission.

[@lrdjacob]

@@garyh4458 you obviously don’t understand the hierarchy in crews, also you’re forgetting that Mike implied that you could start a business without experience and just get a power screed. Labourers rake, not jump on the power screed. Concreter’s who have been doing it many years and understand what to look for in getting floors level are the ones who should be adding to their skill set and learning the power screed, start with the basics. If you are going to start a concrete business without knowing how to screed, you will fail. If you’re relying on others to do your skilled work, you will fail, eventually. Ps driving a car isn’t equivalent to learning a trade, your hypothetical is flawed, as is the rest of your reasoning. My point still stands: don’t buy or attempt to learn the power screed until you can screed by hand. It’s not even that hard physically once you get good.

[@garyh4458]

@@lrdjacob I invented concrete.

[@patricklandis3910]

They’re OK to use on inside, but when you start using them on the outside where you get exposed to whether it works up too much cream to the surface sure you get a good broom job, but there’s no strength of the cream. Your strength in the concrete is in the stones, so it’s not always best to use driveways and things that are exposed to the weather

[@patricklandis3910]

You’re only as good as the guys cut the bud for you. Trust me. I ran one for years. I’m retired now dig concrete for 45 years. Those fiber screed or fiber strikes are nice but you’re only as good as the guys cut mud for you. they leave it too high. It’s a bitch. They leave it too low. It’s a bitch to use.

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Mike, I am just a shade tree but a blind man could see how good of a job is done with less effort.