MACHINE TROWEL CONCRETE AVAILABLE

Machine Troweled Concrete: The Cost-Effective, Smooth Finish

For projects demanding a smooth, flat, and durable finish without the cost and complexity of full polishing, the Machine Troweled finish is the perfect solution. This technique uses a rotating machine with steel blades to mechanically compress and smooth the surface of the concrete as it cures.

The result is a hard, dense, and remarkably flat surface that offers a refined, yet distinct, aesthetic.

While it provides a sleek appearance similar to a light polish, it is important to note the specific characteristics this method imparts: a slight variation in colour and an aggregate-free surface.

WHY CHOOSE MACHINE TROWELED CONCRETE?

Sleek, Polished Appearance

Machine trowelling creates a highly dense and smooth surface that reflects light beautifully, giving the floor a sense of depth and quality. It provides an excellent, uniform appearance that is well-suited for industrial settings, warehouses, garages, and large commercial spaces where functionality and a clean, smooth aesthetic are key priorities.

Exceptional Density and Durability

The intense mechanical action of the machine trowel forces water and air out of the concrete surface, resulting in a significantly harder and more durable wear layer.

This increased density makes the surface highly resistant to dusting, abrasion, and tire marks, ensuring a long-lasting and low-maintenance floor that can withstand heavy-duty use.

Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient

The machine trowelling process is one of the most efficient ways to finish a large concrete slab. It requires less time and labour than fully honed or polished finishes, making it a highly economical choice for achieving a smooth, professional result on large-scale projects.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Subtle Colour Variation

The high-pressure action of the machine trowel can cause a subtle, attractive variation in the concrete’s colour known as burnishing. This is a natural effect of the process, which can lead to areas of slightly darker or lighter colouration, adding character to the floor. If a completely uniform colour is your goal, other finishing methods may be more suitable.

Aggregate Will Not Show

Unlike exposed aggregate or fully polished concrete, the machine trowel method closes the concrete surface and prevents the underlying aggregate (stone/pebbles) from being exposed. The resulting finish is the colour of the cement paste alone, creating a more uniform, monochromatic look without the flecks and colours of the internal aggregate.

HOW IT WORKS

Achieving the perfect machine troweled finish requires expert timing and technique:

1. Initial Float: After the concrete is poured and screeded, a float is used to level the surface and bring “fat” (cement paste) to the top.

2. Trowel Passes: Once the concrete has achieved the correct plasticity (usually firm enough to walk on), a power trowel is used. We start with large float pans, then progressively switch to steel finish blades for multiple passes.

3. Burnishing: In the final passes, the blade angle is increased and speed is intensified to achieve the final burnished, hard, and smooth finish. This technique compacts the surface, closing the pores and maximizing hardness.

4. Sealing: A quality sealer or densifier is applied to protect the dense surface from future staining and moisture intrusion.

Ready to secure a durable, smooth, and cost-effective finish for your commercial or industrial space? Contact us today to discuss your vision for a Machine Troweled finish and get a free quote!