Finishing

• Mix the concrete based on the outdoor temperature. If the temperature is above 80 degrees F, then mix the concrete with extra water--or have the concrete driver to add five gallons to the mixture; If the temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees, then mix the concrete to the consistency of paste; and if the temperature is below 50 degrees, add calcium to the concrete mixture to speed up the curing process. Cold temperatures will prevent the concrete from curing correctly. Although mixing the concrete is not considered a part of the finishing process, it will directly affect the finishing capabilities of the concrete after it has been poured out.
  
  After your concrete has been poured out and leveled, smooth it using a bull float--a aluminum concrete finishing tool that resembles a push broom, but smooth on the bottom. Push and pull the bull float across the concrete until the surface is smooth.
  
  Use a concrete edger--small hand held tool with a rounded base--to round the edges of your concrete. Slide the edger in between the concrete forms and concrete and slowly work the edger across the concrete until the edges are rounded off.
  Use a gas-powered troweling machine--similar to a lawn mower but with smooth blades on the bottom that slicks the concrete--to put a slick finish on the surface of your concrete.
  
  For a broom finish, use a push broom, pulling it across the concrete surface. Test the concrete surface first. If the broom pulls up large pieces of concrete when you pull it across the concrete, then wait for one hour before you continue. The broom should only slightly agitate the surface of the concrete to produce a sandy surface. Regardless of the finish--smooth or broom--allow the concrete to cure for 48 to 72 hours before allowing heavy traffic on the surface.