Although getting a flawlessly smooth concrete floor can seem impossible, you can do it yourself if you take the proper approach. Whether you’re installing a new floor or renovating an existing one, there are a few crucial steps in the process that can significantly alter the outcome. Knowing these procedures will enable you to complete the project with a polished appearance without the need for pricey services or specialized equipment.
The surface must be appropriately prepared as the first step. This entails giving the concrete a thorough cleaning and patching any holes or cracks. Making the right preparations will guarantee that your smoothing efforts are successful and that the finished surface is level and long-lasting.
The next step is to select the appropriate tools and methods for the task. Knowing what to use and how to use it can make the process go much more smoothly, from utilizing a concrete grinder for larger areas to hand tools for smaller spots. You can get a floor that looks brand new by using a few simple techniques and advice.
Lastly, it’s important to add the perfect finishing touches. To improve longevity and appearance, this also entails sealing and polishing the surface. A polished, polished concrete floor can enhance the aesthetics and value of any area with a little perseverance and attention to detail.
Rule
This straightforward product’s name is derived from the word "correctly." The rule is a narrow, straight ruler that you can use to quickly level the plane with your hands.
The tool’s length ranges from one to three meters in 50 centimeter increments. The product itself has a width of 8 to 10 cm, while the working edge has a width of roughly 0.8 to 1.1 mm. When it comes to the different kinds of rules, they are:
- Wooden. As you know, wood absorbs moisture well, so after the first use, this rule may lose its shape, which is why the edges of the ruler will not fit tightly to the concrete surface. Such tools are cheaper, but are suitable only for one-time use.
- Metal. Such a rail will allow you to level the concrete mixture more than once. Aluminum does not deform, does not rust and does not react even with aggressive construction solutions.
Practical! A wooden tool’s "life" can be increased by soaking it well in drying oil.
It’s also important to remember that the ruler’s entire length typically has a number of stiffening ribs spread out inside the metal profile. The ideal arrangement is for one rib, shaped like a semicircular groove, to be outside the tool and the remaining ribs to be on the inner plane of the rail.
Practical! It is best to use a rule with a level when pouring concrete.
The simplest method to work with if you want a smooth concrete floor but have never done such work is to follow the rule, which should not be longer than 1.5 meters. It takes two people to operate larger tools because it is hard to move a 3-meter ruler evenly by yourself.
A rule that you make with your hands is possible. All you need to do is take a wooden block and give it a handle. The beam’s edges must then be "corrected" to ensure that they are parallel to one another. Although a standard hand plane will work, a jointer or thicknessing machine is typically utilized for this. Drill multiple holes every 90 cm with a diameter of 4 cm to keep the homemade rule from becoming too heavy.
Apart from the lath, there is another tool that you can use that is less expensive and does not have a "tricky" design.
If you want to create a smooth concrete floor on your own, start by making sure the surface is clean and clear of debris and is appropriately prepared. To make the surface even and fill in any low areas, use a self-leveling compound. After the compound has been applied, smooth the surface by working in overlapping sections with a long-handled trowel. Before putting any finishes or walking on the floor, let it cure completely. You won’t need specialized equipment to accomplish a professional-looking result with this method.
Smoother
A concrete trowel is another helpful tool that you can use to quickly level the building mixture with your hands. On the outside, it looks like a big mop with a long, 12-meter-long adjustable handle and a working bar made of magnesium or aluminum alloy that is longer than one meter. Even novices can work with the trowels with ease because of their excellent maneuverability and light weight.
These "mops" come in a few varieties:
- Channel. Allows you to smooth out concrete that is still plastic, correcting its surface.
- Scraper. Also capable of leveling the hardening solution, but at the same time also removes excess water and cement "milk".
Basic trowels are easily manufactured and come at a low cost. This is also done with wooden bars, to which the handle is fastened. In order to facilitate easy access to all areas, the handle length ought to be in line with the length of the room.
Additionally, there are more highly productive "serious" electric and gasoline trowels available. However, their price is too high, so renting a mechanized tool is the easiest option if you’re planning a big project.
Once the most practical "assistant" has been selected, let’s practice and discuss how to prepare, pour, and level the floor.
Preparing for pouring
Make sure the old flooring and pouring are removed before creating the concrete mix. Usually, the old screed is removed "cleanly," but if it is free of visible flaws like chips and cracks, you can leave it alone and just get it ready for a fresh coat.
In a country home, to get ready a concrete screed for the floor:
- Set a mark at 1 m from the bottom of the doorway and duplicate it on all the walls of the room using a level. Pull a cord along all the marks so as not to lose them and to see how evenly the pouring will be done.
- Measure 1 m down from these marks to get the so-called zero, along which the screed will be made.
- If the old floor is laid directly on the ground, remove at least 25 centimeters.
- Level the surface and compact it (using wood and a board nailed to it or a specialized vibrating plate).
- Fill with gravel (fraction of about 45-50 mm) to a height of about 5 cm and pour it.
- Re-compact.
- Fill with 10 cm of sand, water it and compact it.
- Fill with another layer of crushed stone (this time 10 cm) and repeat the compaction.
- Add sand in those places where the plane is uneven.
Practical! The screed should be at least 7 cm thick; otherwise, it will peel and spread.
Following this, you must:
- waterproof the concrete surface (with a film at least 200 microns thick);
- thermal insulation (made of foam plastic, mineral wool, chipboard, moisture-resistant plywood, cork and much more);
- reinforcement;
- prepare formwork that will simplify the pouring process.
Preparing the solution and pouring
Either prepare the pouring mixture yourself or purchase a pre-made option. It is simpler to handle everything yourself because the latter will be highly costly. You’ll need the following for this:
- concrete mixer (preferably electric);
- several shovels;
- crushed stone;
- sand (without clay impurities);
- cement mixture (at least 400).
In order to concretize, mix:
- one part cement;
- two parts sand;
- four parts crushed stone;
- half part water.
Until a single mass is achieved, all ingredients must be well combined. Next, you must level and tamp the resultant solution with shovels before pouring it into the area between the beacons.
Crucial! Concrete should always be started from the side opposite the exit to avoid being "locked in."
Once a portion of the surface has been coated with the mixture, the remaining portion must be "reduced to zero" by using a trowel or rule to remove it.
Installing the guide beacons at a distance 30–40 less than the tool itself is required if you use a rule. It is simple to level the surface by placing it on the guides.
It is preferable to use two "mops" at once when using a trowel. These must be moved alternately in multiple directions to prevent the tool from "drowning" in the concrete mixture.
See the following video for further details on proper trowel use:
After that, let the solution sit for three to four days, making sure to wet it every day to prevent surface cracks.
The next step is to wait another month and cover the poured floor with a film. Examine the surface and moisten it with liquid during this time.
Following this period, the concrete fill is covered with a layer of screed using the following formula:
- Apply a sand-cement mortar or self-leveling mixture to the dried surface in a very thin layer.
- Leave it for several days, wetting it with water.
The floor’s concreting is deemed finished once the screed has fully dried; minor mistakes must only be removed. Grouting is done for this. Following that, you can safely complete finishing touches and install flooring.
Step | Description |
1. Prepare the Surface | Clean the floor to remove any debris, dust, or dirt. Fill in any cracks or holes with concrete patching compound. |
2. Apply a Concrete Primer | Use a primer to help the new layer of concrete adhere better. Follow the manufacturer"s instructions for application. |
3. Mix the Concrete | Prepare the concrete mix according to the instructions on the bag. Use a mixing tool or a wheelbarrow to combine the ingredients thoroughly. |
4. Pour the Concrete | Evenly pour the concrete mix onto the floor, starting from one corner and working your way across. |
5. Level the Surface | Use a screed board or a straightedge to level the concrete. Move it back and forth in a sawing motion to create an even surface. |
6. Smooth the Surface | After leveling, use a float or trowel to smooth out any remaining imperfections and achieve a uniform finish. |
7. Cure the Concrete | Allow the concrete to cure properly by keeping it moist and covered. Follow the recommended curing time for the best results. |
8. Final Inspection | Once the concrete is fully cured, inspect the surface for any uneven areas or imperfections. Sand or grind any rough spots if needed. |
With the appropriate methods and equipment, it is completely possible to achieve a smooth concrete floor on your own. You can turn a rough surface into a smooth and even floor by following the instructions provided in the article. The secret to success is to start with adequate preparation and make sure that the base is clean and ready.
From mixing the concrete to applying finishing techniques, pay special attention to every step. Smoothing the surface with a float and trowel will make it much smoother, and professional-looking finishes can be achieved with the use of grinding and polishing techniques.
Recall that patience is needed at every stage of the procedure. A better finished product will come from giving the curing process enough time and avoiding rushing. You can have a gorgeously smooth concrete floor that gives your room more style and functionality with careful execution.