basic finishing for concrete pad

[Tarheel Slim]

Im pouring a small pad in front of my garage door,i would like some tips on finishing the concrete ,i plan to use a 2x4 to float or get my concrete level,then i was just going to edge it,should i broom finish the surface that will be leveled by the 2x4 or can i just leave it alone and just edge it,i also have a expansion and contraction strip to put between the new pad and the garage concrete floor.I need to know the right working time ,its going to be 5 degrees celsius or 41 degrees ferinheight tomorrow morning,is this ok weather for my 9x12 pad,was going to do it today but with rain in the last 2 days,they let me cancel and move the truck to tomorrow morning,any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[Chris705]

is the temp 41* and not predicted to fall below freezing overnight? If not then yes ok to pour tomorrow. You have the 9x12 pad "formed up" with form boards on the 3 sides? Keep your stakes below the top of the form boards and then you can use a 2x4 to screed the surface level.....I highly recommend finding a bull float you can use or rent. Place the concrete, roughly rake it, push it into shape and begin the screeding process by sawing the 2x4 back and forth while pulling it along. The bull float will push down the aggregate and bring the cement to the surface. Don't overdo this. The concrete will take time to set as you aren't doing a very big area....once you screed then you can use the bull float to smooth it off, go over it a couple of times always keeping the leading edge slightly raised. Run your edging tool around the entire form....by the time you get all that done you can then run the bull float one last time going over your edge tool marks....then use a broom to put in your broom finish (pulling the broom towards you), rinse the broom after each pass, slightly overlap by an inch or so each broom pass. Go over the edges on last time and clean up your tools.... a cure and seal spay would help a lot to keep the slab moist thru the curing process....leave the forms on for a day or two.... All set....

Good Luck!!

 

[Tarheel Slim]

Thanks Chris705 what you said makes sense,tomorrow morning might not be ideal to pour concrete,but great for the next 3-4 days not overnight frost.Hey is it ok if i only use the skreet board and dont use a bull float?or do i need the bull float after to pull water and the fine concrete mix to top surface in order to be able to do a decent broom finish,also can a regular old corn broom be used for a broom finish ,i know the correct way it use a proper concrete broom,strapped for cash these days some of you my know how that goes.

 

[Tarheel Slim]

I meant screed board...

 

[Chris705]

I am not a mason but I do not think you will get the finish you are after if you don't use a bull float. Should be able to rent or even borrow. Rent from a big box store for cheap. Screed board just to strike off concrete. I used my stiff bristled broom with an extension handle that extends to get my slabs broom finish, that's how I learned to clean after each pass.. if happen to have a broom to apply asphalt sealant that also works.