concrete finisher machine

[bmxdad]

Tried Google, but nothing for what I'm looking for ...

How do they work and what kind of finish do they give? Getting a 24x36x4" pad and curious on what I should expect.

Also, do the finishers get mad if you bury things? I want to put a sewer line in, but about a quarter inch below grade, so I can uncover it later when I need it.

 

[ConCretin]

Finishers get mad at just about everything including their decision to become finishers. Don't let that stop you from building in whatever you need into your slab - they're used to it.

As to finish, a decent one will give you whatever finish you request. You probably want a 'smooth trowel' finish. Just do some research and pick a term that has a specific industry meaning so there is no misunderstanding.

Two other concerns when placing and finishing concrete are flatness and slump. You need to let the finisher know you expect a flat floor and you don't want them adding too much water to the concrete.

I'd specify that you expect the flatness to be no worse than 1/4" under a 10' straightedge. This will provide a better than average floor without requiring any unusual finishing techniques.

Unless you want to hire a testing agency to monitor the actual slump, I'd just order the concrete with a mid range water reducer. It will only cost a few bucks per yard and will give the finishers a nice workable slump without adding unnecessary water.

Just lay out your expectations, preferably in writing and get a few quotes. incorporate your specs into a simple contract before you start the work.

There are a number of other issues you should research with regard to concrete and prepping the slab but since you just asked about finishers, i'll stick with that. Good luck with your project.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I want to put a sewer line in, but about a quarter inch below grade, so I can uncover it later when I need it.

Can you elaborate on this.
Sounds unusual to me.
It would be highly illegal in NZ as there are strict minimum depths for sewer lines and 1/4 inch is not it..

OR, maybe I am not even following what you mean.

 

[bmxdad]

Naa, I just want the sealed end covered till I need it, then I can remove the concrete covering and tie into it. It would be at the proper depth, as far as the drain pipe is concerned.

LLWillysfan ... thanks for the information.

 

[Justanoldguy]

OK. Click.
The END of the pipe down 1/4 inch..
Must of been having a blonde moment... lol