What A Good Concrete Finisher Can Do (Can You Do This?)

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Awesome video, looks like you got some good finishers 👍🏼

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks, I do!

[@beochie]

the difference between a good employee and a amazing employee is one will preform to the same standard whether you are there or not.

[@jeffgravelle4001]

Mike you make it look really easy. I do foundations and know how difficult flat work really is. You are lucky to have an experience crew. It says alot about how you treat them.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Jeff!

[@bubba9482]

We pour slabs very similar. Try to wrap it up in one day, it cost $ to go back. Finding a good finisher is like finding a Unicorn. Cement finishing is becoming a lost art form.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Right on, I totally agree!

[@derekbutts1782]

Just finding guys that listen and are reliable ... if they start there they could become decent help . I say this everyday

[@jessehouston1636]

We have a lot of really good finishers in Texas. Specially in the Houston area

[@barryrohrmeier2399]

You're lucky to have an employee who is a beast. Keep throwing money at him and he'll be Happy.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Barry!

[@jasongarza3369]

Great job! Down here in texas there alot of people who say they do concrete but never even picked up a single concrete tool. I like true tradesmen like you guys.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you!

[@chrisbrann7733]

Back in the day when we used to pour large slabs like 10-15000 sqft every finisher had to be able to handle 2000 ft by himself as well as his edges, that’s in the baking sun in august, but obviously you have a lot more time when the temps get below 50 degrees, you are lucky to maintain good help, it’s obvious you treat them right, I can’t even count how many finishers I’ve worked with, some real good, and some real bad, some care, and some don’t, we pretty much sub out all our flatwork now, hope you don’t mind heavy construction because I’m going to keep you in mind for some projects next year!! Lol Another great job Mike what you are doing here is very selfless, and for guys that want to learn this trade this is going to be very helpful to them

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Chris!

[@calebyoung1579]

I've been in the trade for a year. I'm already learning finish edging, and I'll be starting to learn the power trowel this year. I work with an amazing finisher named Mike actually. I'm learning it from one of the best.

[@thedude5-6]

Oh man that weather looks beautiful for finishing. Lotta times in the desert we have to have a couple finishers so it doesn't get blown up. In the summer the mud is always HOT

[@FJBCmonMan]

I have a lot of respect for workers like you. Thank you for your hard work.

[@clydenakashima7393]

Its hard now days to find a young man who wants to do this type of job. They don't have the work etiquette like when you started doing concrete work. Stay safe and keep up the good job. Have safe and wonderful holiday to you and your crew.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks, happy holidays to you too.

[@littlefinkle7757]

It's hard to find a young man who will perform any manual labor at all.

[@jamesterry4326]

Just a two man crew here and between the both of us we can handle about 1800 square foot ourselves. We like to come back the next day and saw joints and strip forms . We will pull steaks and kickers the same day but leave the rest on . We will saw the same day if there is inside corners but we don’t have a soff cut saw so we try and stay away from that if we can . Y’all do awesome work !!

[@billcruze7991]

Timing is everything. Your day is totally dictated by how your slab sets. Great video. Good crew

[@sdrammm696969]

Beutiful job Mike, I love that you cut the joints by saw, that's a way cleaner way. Thanks for the feedback

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you 😊

[@philipandersonjr8501]

The company I worked w the last 23 years did things very similar to your crew .we usually had 7 to 8 man crew .i would finish up to 3 slabs a day sometimes always 2 a day .he was a good hardworking boss/owner .his first 3 yrs.of business was him his wife and I .25 yrs later we had several 10000yard years .not bad small town Klamath falls Oregon .thats why I enjoy watching you and your crew pour .kicking ass!!!

[@mr.concrete0311]

Nice finish I've been doing 25 plus years& it's nice to see other people take pride in their work 2

[@GuerosAk47]

In concrete, there’s no time to lose, there is always something to do. & if you get to eat, you get to eat. Concrete waits no man. 💪😎

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Very true!

[@don66hotrod94]

Teaching my son to use the power trowel. Every single slab is different, every one is a new learning opportunity. Sun, clouds, temperature, humidity, mix, aggregate, slump and more are all variables. A good power screed seems to leave an abundance of cream and a level surface to make finishing easier. I still remember the time we rented a power trowel from the rental store many years ago. It worked fine for about 3 minutes then started smoking badly and then stopped dead. Turns out the previous user filled up the tank with diesel fuel. Tired body and sore arms the next day LOL Great video Mike.

[@brandonlott1717]

Awesome videos thanks for sharing! Being about a year in to concrete and the new guy on my crew I've been getting hell for all my mistakes.. your video are helpful to say the least. Thank you for the tips.

[@user-xo5zl2wq8c]

I live in Bradenton FL. Started pouring a 6,000 sq. ft home at 7:00. 2' x 3' footers with a crew of 5. Ran out of mud at 8:00. Ordered 4 yd. tail. And sent crew to next job exept for 1 labor/edge man. We finished pour (garage floor) around 9:00. Finished over 120' of 3/4" x 10" recesses for doors garage doors and sliders. House had 3 drops Front porch, big patio and 3 stall garage. Everything needed a slick power trowel (they spray crete the patios down here/no broom) By 1:00 we were finished, saw cut except for the drops (too green but chalked out), Lumber and stakes, stripped/cleaned/loaded/moved to next job site/unloaded and covered (plastic). At 1:05 was told I'm the best concrete man in America. My response was to give my laborer a raise. BTW. That day, temp was around 100 w 100% humidity. And we were using 3000/fly ash. Your lucky up north. I've used 4000 a couple times, on structural/cantilevers. It's like where the hell are the rocks?

[@keithgeorge2541]

Hi Mike! You guys are just awesome! I asked you online from your web page a while back to pour a garage apron for me out here on Three Mile Pond when you can arrange it. I am so looking forward to meeting you and your crew!

[@davidhinson5010]

And dang those sides look smooth! Freaking great job!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks David!

[@cesarperales6354]

Great job. Great guy. From Kansas. Doing concrete has a side job. I mainly work by myself so I have to come back the next day and cut and take forms off with my demo saw for now

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I started that way also Cesar. Bought more equipment over time. Thanks for watching.

[@rogerhodges9721]

I am surprised at the lack of comments about the saw cutting. In the southeast, I have never seen a residential slab that was saw cut.

[@steeveaddkins3755]

Hello from southern Oregon, enjoying your videos. I'm amazed how your able to hold a 10" slab without any form-liners/ kickers. Nice finish

[@amerrcorp.1217]

Another Great video!! We are still loving our Screedemon, and considering a new set of seamless stamps. Keep up the good work.

[@rbrazz]

2:11 when that form fell off.. wow nice work -Like Buttah :)

[@christopherkraemer]

I wish I had a guy like that. I have guys help me pour, then I do all the finishing. No one else can run a power trowel like I can. Then the next day I strip forms and cut the joints

[@MikeDayConcrete]

1 guy makes a ton of difference. I'm blessed to have 2 of them. I hope you can find a guy to help take some of the load off of you.

[@tonyvalerio3778]

Great job Mike and your wright about your finishers.Tony from Newe Mexico.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Tony!

[@jeffreyanderson9941]

most of the slabs we pour are inside of a poured wall so no strippin, which is nice. we hit the edges and bullfloat, then we hit it with a fresno, and 1 run on sliders, hit it with the early entry saw were out of there

[@clifbrewster8822]

Well Mike I've had good finishers over the last 20 yrs pretty much all of them joined the union.. can't blame them better benefits for sure than what I could give them .. So it's just me running the circus these days on that slab I would of round up couple guys and had them help me get it on the ground and just finished it myself would of done the saw cutting same day and depends on location of the job I probably would of came back to strip forms most likely . but your jobs always look good your method of running your jobs seems organized well especially in the concrete world .. Take care.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Clif, where you from?

[@clifbrewster8822]

Hey Mike I'm north of Indianapolis about one hour.

[@tylercoates1958]

Would love to work on this crew no bitching just getting the job done and doing great work 💪💪

[@MaisonVR24]

Those joint protectors are awesome

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Just some cardboard, soff-cut does sell some specially made for that.

[@clintonboyer1217]

Anchorage Alaska. How do you deal with the concern about cutting pipes, in floor heating etc? Hard to see in the video, the cuts go all the way through the edge of the slab, correct? Thoughts 💭 on how the concrete cures if one uses a plastic underlayment / foam insulation under the slab? Thank you for teaching us. Great work on removing the air gaps.

[@nethan1176]

I'm only a few months into finishing, and I'm really impressed when some of my coworkers can do entire driveways completely by them selves and then this dude is doing a whole slab himself, I'm not even strong enough to use the finishing machine, it looks much easier to use than it actually is

[@juanskinner7525]

He has the finishers gut 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidchristensen6908]

Only makes sense to cut this when it is green. To wait for the next day is just so costly. Nice video as always

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I agree, thanks David!

[@donforsyth9290]

I would like to see a shot of your cuts, when we cut in the so called " green zone" the edges are raveled, we get a much cleaner cut the next day but like you said it costs money to come back

[@nickgrummer1991]

We cut the next day. It's just a cleaner cut

[@VgniK88]

The burn finish.. nice

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Yes, burnt out

[@geronimoortiznava2949]

The weather seems to be helping him !!!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Helping me, I know that!

[@76moxie]

Nothing like good employees!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Yes, you're right ✅

[@marcusirwin1824]

Really appreciate your effort and time in your videos. I've been watching for 6 months now and have learned a lot that wasn't already taught to myself. I have a small crew so we normally will pull forms and saw the next day or maybe even three days later. I've been told leaving forms on slows curing process. I also ask homeowner to spray slab or patio with water for about a week after we pour. What are your thoughts on that?

[@BaberJacks]

Gotta watch out for thermal cracking hot crete then cold water. Depends on weather.

[@mitchyelvington4776]

Yes your crew is good help! I can tell by the hoodies ! Its cool! Not all that difficult!

[@jamesrogers4674]

So what's different about the saw? Does it turn less rpms or turn the opposite direction? What makes it a soft or better cut on green concrete?

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Great vid as usual. I do have a question though Mike what keeps the concrete from chipping out and tearing up when you cut it that soon or how long do you need to wait to cut that groove

[@corylesar2376]

Soff-cut saw

[@MikeDayConcrete]

The Soff-cut saw has a special skid plate for cutting green.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

@@MikeDayConcrete so the plate rides right on the concrete to keep it form "tearing out" similar to woodworkers using "0" clearance inserts in the table saw and gives "back up" to the cut. Am I thinking it right? Mike you guys do an awesome job. I've done a number of my own pours and watched a lot of concrete guys do work but your team is like poetry in motion man. I mean that. I may build a 26x36 garage/shop next year. What would it take to get you to come to Hershey Pa for a day??

[@jeffdeluca1153]

@@MikeDayConcrete just googled it and saw the skid plate. Pretty cool.

[@patmcgonigal5199]

Have to. Do it all the time looks good

[@jamesharris8583]

You said he went over it like 5 times with that power trowel? Is there such a thing as too much? How do you know when enough is enough?

[@finders-keepers1518]

Great videos my friend. Could you do a video on how to float in a non slip, circle pattern. I've seen it done but can't quite seem to get it right. I'm a bricky so concrete is something I do when the job is easy, like sidewalks ect.

[@Deerhunterjs]

A Cali swirl? I'd love to see that finish done in a video too. I'd like to be able to learn it well enough to offer it myself.

[@joecreswell8557]

Saw a lot of the wood float swirl finish with beauty marks in NY PA area up through the 90s. It was used much more than broom finish on outdoor flatwork. (Beauty marks are running the edges and joints after swirling or brooming to picture frame the sections with smooth borders.)

[@jerryminyard7460]

Depends, we do industrial work, jack of all trades company..... sometimes engineers won't let us strip the same day. Sometimes the joints get cut same day sometimes the next day.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Jerry!

[@davidhinson5010]

Mr. Day, do you ever run the ride on machines? Those always amazes me. Thanks for the videos and keep it up, from NC.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I don't pour any really big floors any more. Used to do 1000 yd pours. Now all I need is 4' and 3' trowels. We'll do up to 5000sf.

[@jasonviolante1113]

Never really seen someone cut pressure reliefs on the same day but if you got the right tools might as well

[@davea7297]

Hey there Mike, What's the dimensions of your form lumber? Are they dimensional or nominal 2"×12"? Also what species of lumber? They are really flat and straight.

[@sergiomercado5682]

I have the same saw and it always chips when i cut it right after the finish. wedge pieces of cardboard down in the joints before you saw through the cross joints.then saw right thru the cardboard.keeps the concrete from chipping or breaking at the the intersections.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

If the skid plate is new and you're using the right color blade for your concrete hardness it should cut clean.

[@sergiomercado5682]

@@MikeDayConcrete I normally use one type of blade.didnt even know they have colored blades for different hardiness.ill have to look into it.thanks for the info.good stuff.happy holidays!

[@jaredmiller7027]

Really like your videos! I do poured foundations and slabs. Our gauge is 10yds. A good finisher should be able to handle 10yds at 4" thick(so 810sqft). Jobs like the one shown can't really be used to gauge.. because a good trowel machine operator gets the blades close enough to the edge that hand work really isn't needed or is very minimal

[@jaredmiller7027]

Oh and we generally use zip strips... And that's only because we don't have a soft cut saw haha

[@Dayvid85-s4o]

Can you show how to read hub stakes and layout step-by-step?

[@CybekCusal]

Mike what is the secret to finishing a slab that will be ready for epoxy without having to grind the laitance layer off the top because my understanding is that is where these epoxy's fail if there is laitance. My new garage slab I had to grind the laitance from the burnt finish the contractor did and now my epoxy coating is rock solid, but it seems like a wasted step.

[@psidvicious]

The price of those soft-cut saws is crazy. I could never understand why they’re so expensive. 🤨 Question for ya Mike: Do you have a favorite patching material for a smooth finish, concrete patio ceiling? Something good for an overhead application.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

WonderFixx is really good. www.ctscement.com/product/wunderfixx

[@psidvicious]

@@MikeDayConcrete Thanks Mike. Read the specs, sounds like what I’m looking for. We’ll give it a shot 👍

[@billcruze7991]

The saws make a huge difference in crack control. Nobody want a crack in their new floor. Much more professional.

[@psidvicious]

@@billcruze7991 My gripe is not whether the saw performs what it’s suppose to or not, it’s about the price of the saws. There is nothing uniquely special about the saws. The motors are standard lawnmower engines. The blades are pretty standard diamond blades. No complicated gear reduction system (a drive pulley to a speed pulley with a single belt). So I’m at a loss for why the things cost as much as a decent used car.

[@iowamatt2519]

I like to groove small stuff so I don't have to come back. But I do more broomed concrete now than I used to, so soff cutting isn't an option. 10,000 sq ft was about max I could finish with a 4' power trowel by myself. I don't even want those jobs anymore, the real money is in backyards that no one wants to mess with.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Nice Matt, I started out on 4' machines doing big floors too.

[@dalewroght9748]

I run a two man crew with my employee being a newbie patiently trying to teach him the ropes. Stamping gets difficult but he's well on his way. So we come back the next day to saw cut and strip forms

[@danielhughes5932]

Nothing wrong with that. Especially if its just the two of you and even more so if your finishing by hand the time waiting for it to get hard enough to set a saw on is enough to say just come back. The extra 4 man hours is worth saving the integrity of the slab. Try and do it slowly once in a while get it all done same day until you guys got a good routine going to do it more often. And give him the 2 hour bonus the first few times to make him willing to learn it. The best finisher in the world can get in trouble without a good crew making it seemless

[@wemakeithappen]

what kind of saw would you use for shallow joint cuts after the concrete is cured

[@proconcretecoatings4916]

Need to get a ride-on powertrowel, makes life alot easier. Even a good used one is around $5k

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Then I got to pick that heavy thing up.

[@proconcretecoatings4916]

@@MikeDayConcrete Yeah, that is a pain in the butt, but once you use it, it's hard to go back to the walk behind trowels.

[@danielhughes5932]

Anyone who knows or has done concrete all they have to do is see you pull that first form and from the Angle of the camera know it wasn't hammered to shit to drop the grade and know you have a great crew

[@celso422]

Hi mike day it’s celso days here ! yep you see right ! Translate my last name to English will be days 🤣🤣 funny Mike I love to watch your videos , you have a great knowledge and amazing crew I know how hard is to find good guys to work with 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🏆🥇

[@aircom3073]

One thing that some of the old timers do is they don't pay there help very well and are always going through workers. I've been in business 3 years and gained workers not lose them because I value them and pay them great so they hopefully won't ever wanna leave me..so yea if you wanna run a successful business pay your help 🙂👌

[@SolidworksUnlimited]

Add some delay set to the mix and send your guys to form the next slab. Great job.

[@gerardocorrea4528]

Hey Mike, What do finishers make in your area? I’m from California.

[@kipcarroll5644]

Mike, Do you use any release agent on your form boards to get them to release easily ?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Not on a slab like this. I do for edges that will not get backfill and stair risers. I like Pam cooking spray.

[@kipcarroll5644]

Is using the vibratory what gives it the smooth revealed surface once you remove the boards ? What else helps ....The mix of the concrete ?

[@dahone3291]

Some good ole diesel does the trick

[@brockwagner939]

Nice job. Around here, trailer slabs get bullfloated and walk away. Half the guys that do them don't even own a power trowel.

[@Deerhunterjs]

I did a manufactured home slab, and talked to the guy that set the home, he said it was the nicest fattest slab he's ever worked with. We ran a power trowel over it a few times for flatness, but left it a bit rough so the block had something to bond to. They are easy money.

[@FranciscoMendez-ch3zy]

First off he isn’t using the power trowel right . The way he is using it is going to leave the trowel marks once your burning it in . He is supposed to go from right to left one foot down then hit the gap that is left in the middle . It’s right to left down one foot then right again then hit the gap when your going left and keep that same motions so as you go your erasing any possible trowel marks .

[@guitarnorm888]

What does a concrete finisher make hourly?

[@maryglasser404]

Mike have you ever use that saucer to finish concrete. Your machine sets on it.??

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Yes a pan. My guys prefer float blades.

[@mario378378]

nice... I start like this in 28 years ago

[@melody9374]

How much cement was needed ?

[@sergiomercado5682]

I could finish a walmart supercenter in the cold winter but id be pushing balls to the wall trying to finish a basement by myself in the middle of summer.especially when we pour on plastic.🥵😛

[@billcruze7991]

The basement is tougher than the Wal-Mart for sure.

[@StoneUFO]

dope crew

[@cody8754]

Have you ever had problems with the saw catching aggregate in the concrete causing the concrete to chunk out on the surface finish when trying to saw it in the green? My main concern is knowing when the concrete is cured enough to be sawed and preventing that from happening and causing a large chip out along the saw line. It would be nice to not have to go back the next day to saw contraction joints. But I’ve never been confident enough to saw green concrete due to those concerns.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

With this saw that's never been an issue because of the skid plate.

[@jamesc1097]

Your rebar is to high

[@isaaccaynor3562]

Most good finishers will tool in the control joint. Everyone's gotten lazy and wants to saw cut it in.

[@WattsMiner]

I do what you guys do Mike. Difference is its just me.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Wow Phil, that's got to be hard sometimes.

[@WattsMiner]

@@MikeDayConcrete Long days Mike.

[@WattsMiner]

@@MikeDayConcrete like you said "good help is hard to come bye"

[@mr.sevilla3723]

@@WattsMiner with the right pay nothing is hard to come by.

[@carlostinajero6994]

I live in so cal. So can you post a video of 95+ weather. Curb an gutter video. An see if Luke can handle that. Flat work to curbs. Whole different ball game.

[@chrissims6289]

Mike I sent you an email few weeks ago I think it got spammed. I'm the guy that asked about what you charge for a 40ft by 2ft. By 3" Sidewalk

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Hi Chris, I have a minimum charge on all small projects like that. It's 1200.00 plus materials.

[@chrissims6289]

@@MikeDayConcrete Thanks. Huge help on that one. Guessing if I set a minimum of $1000 assuming any difference in market pricing here in Florida I should be stellar.

[@RoseUnseen]

just leaving the daily comment for the youtube algorithm and what not

[@gnevala]

That’s one hell of a gut on that boy! Doesn’t look like he breaks a sweat much...

[@crucifyrobinhood]

If you break a sweat you're doing it wrong.

[@skliros9235]

Well paid, well fed.

[@jeromeduet8789]

I finish myself I’ll have someone pour with me then come back the next day strip forms and cut.

[@mario378378]

I do the same for 20 years

[@2362marshall]

its the middle of winter , let him loose on his own in summer and see how he gets on

[@MikeDayConcrete]

He does do it all summer too.

[@chrisbrann7733]

Collectively these guys have over 100 years experience, they can handle big slabs on their own in the summer too, ya everyone gets a hot load every once in a while and have to get some help to stay ahead of it, we have all been there, but in the end, if you don’t have to grind it or chop it out, you win the day

[@ronburgundy6776]

I love ignorant comments like this one, probably coming from a greenhorn himself.

[@2362marshall]

@@ronburgundy6776 probably

[@2362marshall]

Come to Dublin and see the greenhorn let loose 😄

[@chadg8256]

Coming from a top finisher

[@olivervalera3813]

Why the broomin?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Cleaning off the dust from the saw.

[@olivervalera3813]

@@MikeDayConcrete aaah ok 🙂

[@jessejames9739]

Suppose to trowel counter clock wise

[@clintonboyer1217]

Are you being funny 😆 or being serious 🧐? Why?

[@jessejames9739]

Blades spin clock wise so ruin the machine counter clock wise

[@crucifyrobinhood]

Here's the thing. It's WAY easier for a contractor to find a good finisher than it is for a good finisher to find a good contractor. The BEST finishers know when they are getting screwed and aren't afraid to walk the hell away.

[@thewizard5202]

What’s a finish machine?!??

[@joeconner9801]

Send Luke and Darren my way!

[@jamesc1097]

I can do all of it anyone hiring im 29 years old and have been pouring and finishing since i could walk not only that my skid steer skills well equipment skills and form work is easy

[@chadg8256]

The way I feel you should be working for Luke

[@UmerKhan-gw7ud]

👍👍

[@cesarchavezjacobo5620]

💪

[@GramCanyonSam]

I'm left on 2 to 5 k daily.

[@evoeyerex3518]

He’s a good finisher but you do not need to hit it that many times I usually only hit my floors four times and I’ve never had any concrete pop and it’s always a nice finish because I take my time and make sure everything‘s right I’ve never heard of someone hitting it five or six times

[@GasparNunez63]

Well everything depends on the weather. No only on the Finishers . I told you have experience in concrete .some concrete finished different from truck . To truck . Especially using 36” trowel machine. ? Sorry Mike ... you only have three people...

[@braunboysconcreteinc.5420]

I come back and strip and cut next day

[@injusticeanywherethreatens4810]

Always remember, use gloves on your hand cause you DO NOT want to touch this cement stuff. Also dont be afraid to use goggles and a respirator mask as you don't wanna breathe this stuff in either.

[@oso9809]

2 or 3 extra bills for that guy.