Tools to Use

• The most common tools in concrete finishing and layout are trowels. These come in all sizes for every type of project from concrete floors to small steps. A square trowel is used to shape and form concrete into a flat surface. This trowel is also used to grout tile and brick. Spreaders are used to spread large quantities of concrete over a surface while hand floats are used to put a final surface texture on the material before it dries and sets.
  
  

Installation and Layout

• Most concrete surfaces are poured from a wheel barrel or concrete mixer. The concrete is spread across the surface until it is generally flat and level. In a floor installation, a bull float is used to carefully flatten the top surface of the concrete. While in a smaller installation like a flower garden patio, a hand-held float will be used to smooth out the surface. Once the installation is complete, the final surfacing takes place.
  
  

Surface Preparation

• The surface preparation technique depends on your final surfacing product. For a stain, or paint a smooth surface is required. So, the concrete is carefully smoothed to a very flat and level base. A self-leveling coating may then be applied to the concrete, or the stain or paint will be applied directly to the concrete. It depends on whether or not added water protection is needed and if you like the final texture of the concrete. All concrete must be cleaned and washed before any resurfacing agent is used.
  
  

Texturing

• In some cases, a texture is used to enhance the beauty of the concrete. The most common is a feather texture which is applied with a feathering tool. This tool is raked across the surface of the concrete a few hours before it is fully dry. This creates a rough, scaly surface. Stamps may also be used to add a texture. The stamp is a flat tool with a texture surface that is pressed into the soft concrete leaving an impression like wood grain or even grout lines.
  
  

Stains and Paints

• After the surfacing and texturing is complete, a stain or paint is applied to finish the concrete. A concrete stain may be used to create what looks like an authentic wood surface. Using both light and dark browns will create the illusion of hardwood with a "grain" pattern. Stains and paints may also be used to give the concrete the look of stone. When the colors are mixed, marble and granite patterns are created. Typical patterns include using tan and white paint for a natural white marble or gray and black to achieve the look of granite.