Concrete floor finishing — name of the final operation In finishing concrete floors, after screeding and floating, what is the name of the final operation that produces a hard, smooth surface?

Introduction / Context:
Concrete floor finishing follows a sequence to achieve level and durable surfaces. Identifying each step ensures proper timing and avoids defects like dusting, craze cracking, or delamination.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard slab-on-grade or floor topping.
• Use of straightedges, bull floats, and steel trowels/power trowels.
• Proper timing based on bleed water and set.

Concept / Approach:

The usual order is: screeding (strike off to level), floating (embed coarse aggregate and close surface), and trowelling (final densification and smoothing). Trowelling may be done manually or with a power trowel to achieve the desired finish class.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

ACI finishing guides and standard practice manuals show this sequence as the baseline method for typical interior floors.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Screeding and floating are earlier steps; “finishing” is a generic term, not a specific operation name.

Common Pitfalls:

• Trowelling over bleed water causes delamination; always wait until bleed water has evaporated.

Final Answer:

Trowelling.