ᐅ How long is it possible to finish concrete?

Hello,

Is it still possible to trowel or mechanically smooth cast concrete the next day?

Concrete reaches about 30% of its final strength after one day.
However, this process is not linear. Smoothing the surface at that point won’t be easy anymore, but I could imagine it is still possible with considerable effort.

But: Sorry?!? Who "forgets" to smooth the surface immediately during or right after pouring?

copy/paste (found via Google):

Concrete curing process
Fresh concrete hardens in three stages:

• Liquid
• Setting
• Hardening

Concrete is poured into the formwork in a liquid or plastic state. It is completely soft and follows only the laws of gravity. Concrete cannot be kneaded or piled up but flows and settles along the path of least resistance. This state lasts for about 1 hour after mixing.

When the concrete is "setting," it no longer flows but still has a moist and workable surface. The cement slurry can still be washed out. This is how exposed aggregate concrete, for example, is produced.

After about 24 hours, the concrete is fully hardened or set. Its surface can now only be worked on with heavy equipment and a lot of force. However, the industry also provides appropriate tools for this stage of hardness.

Well then...

Nobody has forgotten about it either.
Almost all construction companies have advised me against it and said that the concrete in the garage is already smooth enough without a screed.

Hmm, so it will probably come down to grinding after all.

hegi___ schrieb:

Nobody has forgotten about that.
Almost all the construction companies advised me against it and said the concrete in the garage is already smooth enough without a screed.

Hmm, so it will probably come down to grinding after all.

Yes