Once you’ve poured a new concrete surface, you can begin the finishing process, which starts with skimming, or screeding. This is done using a tool called a screed. Based on your specific job, screeds can be extremely basic, like a simple wooden 2×4, or more advanced with motors, levels and other accessories. Effectively screeding your concrete will smooth it out, creating a uniform flat surface. This should be done quickly after pouring the concrete to allow time to also float the surface before bleed water reaches the top. Here are some of the varieties of screeds you may need.
Hand screed
This variety of screed is as simple as you can get and is effective for surfaces up to 18 feet wide. The most basic version of a hand screed is a wooden 2×4, which can be improved by wrapping it in sheet metal to leave a smoother surface. Hand screeds also come manufactured from magnesium, and with handles to provide more control. Your screed should be at least a foot wider than the maximum distance between guides.
Roller screed
Appropriate for just about any size of project, roller screeds are more accurate than hand screeds. Rather than a solid piece of wood or metal, roller screeds are hollow tubes that are available up to 27 feet in length. Designed for low-slump mixes, roller screeds can be used for level or sloped surfaces, and are particularly useful when navigating around obstacles or including features like gutters.
Truss screed
A vibrating truss screed is a more precise screed than either the hand screed or roller screed. This tool is made up of steel truss, or A-framing, and rides along rails or edge forms installed along the sides of the concrete surface. The vibrations produced by a gas engine, or air powered pistons help to smooth the surface as it’s propelled either by hand or by hydraulic winch.
Laser screed
The most precise screed available, laser screeds are the most complex tool available for finishing concrete. Much of the process is automated as lasers are used to set concrete to a pre-determined height. In most cases, laser screeds are only suitable on the largest of concrete projects, however some more affordable models have been introduced for smaller projects recently.
At Maxwell Supply in Tulsa, we carry a wide range of products and supplies that allow you to finish just about any concrete project. Browse through our selection of screed keys, blades, shafts, sections, and more. And ask us about Ezyscreed’s manual screed with level.