When To Start Finishing Concrete - Timing When To Start

#EverythingAboutConcrete #MikeDayConcrete
This video is about when to start finishing concrete. The timing of when to start finishing is always the hardest thing to learn for new concrete finishers.
This video goes over a couple examples of how to check the concrete and test it for firmness. I like it to be quite firm before I start to finish.
Learn how to finish concrete and much more inside The Concrete Underground below.
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[@LuisAzcona]

The way you teach concrete makes it easy to learn. amazing pleasant video. thank you for this!

[@tnolan3176]

We float the surface on the first pass then trowel the second pass on patios and front stoops !! Smooth finish !!

[@JonnyDIY]

Thanks for sharing Mike. Was wondering why you guys were only finishing with the mag floats on the porch until you explained it at 6:55 thank you 🙌👍

[@KeoniKoa]

Thank you Mike Day! Your videos are always easy for me to follow! I appreciate you brother!

[@jlg23us]

Thank you so much, ive been practicing, and your pointers are extremely helpful. Just getting small jobs done around the house that no one wants to touch.

[@PhongFoodieAdventure]

Really appreciate you uploading this video! It's very detailed and you gave me the courage to pour my first DIY concrete patio.

[@ChrisClayton-fc5mw]

Thanks Mike. You did very well with every detail of explanation. I'm a 20 year carpenter and started doing other projects as needing to extend porches for screened in porches clients want. Thanks again bud!

[@williamlawson2680]

Been watching your videos for a while now. Hope to be as good as you one day man. I've recently started finishing. Timing is tough. Hopefully one day I'll have my own business doing concrete 🙏 😌 🙂

[@NINO011674]

this video is gold thank you for sharing the knowledge I learn a lot

[@untilIfeelnothing]

Hey there Mike. I was wondering if you could do a video explaining the reason why each step of finishing is done?

[@--Garbage-uv5eb]

Thx for the video I'm 19 and learning finishing but still learning to be a good one

[@slowrider30]

I am in the South and we are working on a driveway for my home do we need to hand trowel with a magnesium float as well as bull float it? Also how long should we wait before we drag the finish broom?

[@xxoozyqballzzxx5312]

You should post a video of a float finish. I’d like to see how good you guys are

[@DAVELa-Soul916]

I subscribed to your channel because I can tell you do know what your doing and you explain how to do it very well...good job man..keep it up..been a concrete and brick guy for a long time and I still learn from ppl..I'm 44 and take pride in all I do..its good to see guys like you still exist!!!!

[@astropower3534]

Hi Mike what’s the basic to learn concrete finishers. Like Screed. Trowel , Magnesium floating. Corner edge The concrete is hard. What’s the trick. To be a concrete finisher I would yo learn please some advice and tips thanks

[@ivanov568]

Does your course/membership also include grading, site prep, and permitting? I am thinking of building a little shop/paint booth for my business but it's commercially zoned

[@doranflower8803]

Mike, really enjoy your concrete videos. I'm in the process of fixing the broken and collapsed concrete floor in my garage. I'm a bit out of my league but your videos sure help!

[@AllanDee]

Amazing video. Super helpful. Thank you Mike!

[@robertdillon3171]

We live in Bokeelia, FL and want to have a concrete slab (not to drive on, just a back patio) measuring 10 ft x 26 ft. If we hire a contractor, how much should we expect to pay for the job? The top foot of the ground is mostly sandy soils. Wished I could do it myself, but I know it will take 10x longer and it won't look as good as a professional doing it.

[@bartgrochowski6972]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge,really appreciate it!

[@billyflanagan9657]

I live in Ireland I need to pour a 21×8 foot slab what finishing tools do you recommend and what type of concrete would you expect here it will freeze some nights. Thank you

[@darylfield9314]

Great job I live in the UK and we do all types of groundworks everything up to the damp slab level on houses it's different because most houses are brick and blocks so deeper footing but we do have to do ring beams on bad groundwork witch is like your slabs but it's 18" round the outside or were supporting walls are and 6" in the slab middle I will say your experts at finishing them off very nice work keep it up

[@stag3t-muspsa910]

I noticed you didn't use any aquafilm....when using power trowl....good work fellas...

[@T.E.P.]

always like when you review all your points on cement ... you making these vids and repeating your points is my fav thing about the channel

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you that's good feedback.

[@tongke5342]

watching here from Philippines, awesome to watch Mike!

[@lucasday7330]

what would be the timing bull floating and on cutting joints? I suppose you pour and screed first. How firm do you get it get before bull floating? and then i imagine you cut joints before you get on and mag float it right?

[@nathenmunn4242]

You guys are true pros! The video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@l4mpion]

Hi, could you please advice on the best concrete to use for these slabs, so that its easy to finish it to high standard? I am in europe and the concrete grades do like C16/20, C20/25, C25/30 with aggregate usually max 16mm or 8mm max. Is the higher grade concrete usually better to work with as it has more cement? Thanks a lot!

[@westonedwards4353]

Awesome video. Thanks for the education Mike.

[@keithgeorge2541]

Mike... where and how many saw cuts did you put in this slab? I would say for sure you’d put one at the patio/house transition but do you need to do any inside the house area itself?

[@GlenJowers-mw5ti]

Hi Mike I’m from the uk your jobs are quality so you just mag finish before stamping or do you steel finish the Crete? As I’ve Hurd stealing it can course slippage

[@dublinsbanking]

Hey mike I've been following your page for awhile now. I've got a question. See, I have a few walkways and small patios lined up and want to start my own flatwork company. My problem is that these jobs I've been offered only need 1 or 2 yards of concrete. I'm battling minimum load orders here in rhode island and most electric mixers only take a bag or 2 at a time. How can I get around this

[@MikeDayConcrete]

You have to build the minimum order charge into the quote. Us regular contractors would do that. Then the pour is much easier and faster. If the customer wants it done they will pay, you shouldn't worry about that, it's the cost of doing business on those small jobs.

[@dublinsbanking]

@@MikeDayConcrete agreed. Thank you!

[@wyo1234]

Does it look acceptable to just use the bull float as the finish? I'm planning on building a shop and don't really have much experience with concrete.

[@cecilhunter8820]

On point as always Mike, I am going to try and get back out there this year. I can't just lay down, it's been 2 years since my heart trouble. Watching you are your guy makes me want it even more.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I hope you make it work Cecil!

[@seanwilliams7774]

Good evening sir i been watching you do concrete work and it's beautiful question what are the best sliders to buy

[@guitarplayer1434]

what 'slump' would you ask for a 3 1/2 inch slab ?

[@PatrickGuerrisi]

what type of float or trowel do you need to make that rough texture on top for foot traffic?

[@cryptocrush-823]

Beautiful job, guys!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Glad you like it!

[@dustinwilliamson1250]

How much pressure are you pressing with when you are checking with your fingers.

[@danielhill3220]

Do you guys only finish slabs or do you also do frost wall? Doesn't look like this house has a frost wall at all

[@concreteninja]

Nice work guys Love watching your videos 👊

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you, same here. I love your videos also.

[@eleazarmartinez2697]

If it’s getting a broom finish do I still have to go over it with a finishing trowel after using my mag

[@angeloacosta9411]

As always - You guys are doing a great job. Keep up great work !

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you! Will do!

[@billreed3265]

Alright I enjoy these videos.

[@TheJosepi87]

hi mike, what is the reason you need to mag it before you get on it with the power trowel? love the vids btw, cheers

[@FranciscoGarcia-lo7gt]

Hey Mike just couple questions when do bull floats and Fresno come in to play thank you

[@bb67572008]

Mike what would it be like if you poured , screeded, and broomed but left out finishing would it turn out bad ?

[@michiganrazorriders9749]

Hi Mr Day, Great videos on the concrete work. I live in Michigan and am wondering about pouring the foundation walls and slab for the basement long before the build would ever start. Is this ok for the foundation or bad idea to leave it open for a year or more?? Thank you, Mike

[@letters5187]

Can anyone tell me more about the "slurry" ? I only seen and heard about it once bc my job only does concrete a couple times a year. Thanks

[@ceciliachan4361]

If I was to pour a small retaining wall among with a slab. How long should I wait before I take for forms of the retaining walls off before I can trowel the retaining wall? Thanks

[@rmiller2179]

Mike , wow buddy super vid. I'm not a proffessional lbut have done some small shed slabs a wheel chair ramp= and some stairs-- but sure learning a lot from you!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you.

[@thomasjoseph9224]

Do you have any guidance on when you would trowel?

[@jakethepeg1066]

I'm a bricklayer in the UK and I really rate American concrete workers I have to do a bit on my own jobs that's why I'm here if I could I'd love to learn off a proper American crew

[@kipcarroll5644]

What do you think about the Traker concrete cutter ?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I haven't used it yet. Maybe they'll send me one to try.

[@helloharry1418]

Thank you Mr Day

[@MikeDayConcrete]

You are very welcome

[@diyidea3031]

if I don't have magnesium float . I made 1 from Oak , not strong enough angels , but still tool. And I have home made bull float 3mm aluminium plate 1.2mx 0.3m working good . what can I use like magnesium floats Magnesium cost 40- 50 $ don't have money gor it now

[@alsdowntown]

Great video & very helpful

[@Whacked.]

Also if you have additives in your mix, like Hot Water, 1% or 2% delvo or high early

[@crazyhandshands9028]

Nothing but the best ..

[@jesusespin9941]

Need help please, im starting to work on my own, ive got 9 yards to pour on a driveway any sugetions? Can i do it without power trowel?

[@oscarsalazar9697]

Appreciate your lesson, thanks.

[@byrny111]

Do you trowel the lines left from edging?

[@louis3998]

Thanks for the video

[@dan33klein]

Great video mike

[@diyidea3031]

nice job.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks!

[@landonmorel3715]

question for Mike: have no problem finishing a broom finish patio….but if we have steps we always struggle to get them done and they set way too fast for us…..any tips? thanks

[@JamesAnderson-kd2eo]

Wreck and finish sooner or use confilm / retarded to keep them from setting as quick

[@landonmorel3715]

@@JamesAnderson-kd2eo use retardant already, just seems like they always set up on us faster than a patio

[@JamesAnderson-kd2eo]

@@landonmorel3715 get some confilm, spray on forms right as you are pouring steps and once they are floated in spray on the treads as well. Keep a spray bottle w you and use as needed once you start finishing them

[@bubba9482]

I learned this the hard way. 25 years ago when I was an apprentice finisher, I scrubbed basement floors until my knuckles bleed. Sounds barbaric, but it was a lesson never forgotten. When the concrete is white and crusty, you're in trouble.

[@aarongrabowski3775]

Yeah no doubt. U didn’t have a power trowel? I know i have had some real close calls. Never lost one, but i have had the shit scared outta me me plenty of times.i remember this one job. Mid summer, no shade around for 500 yards, i had my brother sitting on top of the power trowel while i ran it with float blades because the shit was on fire. The extra weight helped to bring up some cream and puch the aggregate down more that if i used the machine without the extra weight on it.

[@bubba9482]

@@aarongrabowski3775 No machine these were the early caveman day, splash and dash. We did everything wrong, because we didn't know better. Learn from your mistakes. Off course I've had plenty of close calls since. A good finisher is part chemist, part cowboy and part asshole. We like to use cc to it's full potential.

[@toddgoldberg7240]

LMFAO

[@toddgoldberg7240]

Absolutely, timing is everything. You can work the concrete or it can work you!!!

[@randalllundeen5050]

J😮j

[@modpup]

Another great tutorial

[@alforliniteaching5670]

Very helpful.

[@oling4238]

Well done

[@RefreshingArt]

Thank you!!!

[@aarongrabowski3775]

What brand is that power trowel?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

That was a Whiteman.

[@aarongrabowski3775]

@@MikeDayConcrete oh. Used to seeing them in that teal color. Good machines. I dont care for the ones with the quick pitch though.

[@SuperCOLDRICE]

well done

[@jeffriggins9106]

1:28 that edge xD, poor fellers never lifted the line

[@izzyc.4746]

nice video

[@mario378378]

I do the same for 20 years

[@jaybeastn604]

PLEASE HELP! Why does every time I edge , it feels rocky and never smooth? I’m almost hitting rocks and doesn’t feel creamy .

[@eschrader]

I know nothing but what about hitting it with a wood float early to turn the cream up with the rocks then hitting it with the mag?

[@jessoftherocks]

I do not miss the 100 degree days in a basment 3,600 foot floor, with two other guys. My knees and my back did not appreciate this.

[@johnnygreenshirt6215]

Iv'e been laying and supplying concrete for 33 years using Volumetric concrete trucks. Dunno how I come across this you tube video. The slurry you are taking of we call it "Fat"

[@SEEKNDEZTROY]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@yoofaceee514]

He going full throttle on the first pass?? Man nice and slow ur not polishing yet ur getting rid of bumps and holes

[@patricklandis3910]

Not just the weather also the mix and sometimes companies that you buy your concrete from everybody has different mixes over here in Portland. There’s a concrete company called Miller’s concrete when you pour some concrete with him. You better have some help no sooner than you get it out of the truck, set up to work fast, but they do help you. They don’t charge you to release if you don’t know that is slow down. The cure keeps it from setting up so fast timing is everything every different from the last one so trying to judge and gives people tips is almost impossible because every poor is different, and the timing is different. Sometimes you can sit around for an hour or two and then sometimes you need help because you’re still pouring out. It’s already starting to set up us. This video is useless.