How to Be Concrete Finisher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Concrete finishers are responsible for creating a smooth, finished surface on poured concrete. As a result of their skillful work, concrete finishers ensure that the surface is level, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The quality of the finished product depends on the ability of the concrete finisher to properly mix, spread, and finish the concrete.

In addition to their expertise in concrete application, concrete finishers must also pay attention to factors such as weather conditions, curing time, and the type of concrete used. Without the attention to detail of a concrete finisher, the end product may be weakened or cracked due to improper finishing techniques. Therefore, it is essential for concrete finishers to have the necessary skills and knowledge to create a durable, attractive finished surface.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer to hire Concrete Finishers who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain a concrete finisher apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically last three to four years and involve a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Obtain additional certifications. Many employers prefer to hire Concrete Finishers who have additional certifications, such as a certification from the American Concrete Institute or the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.
Develop your skills. As a Concrete Finisher, you will need to have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with a variety of tools. Additionally, you must be able to read and interpret blueprints and other technical documents.
Obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Many Concrete Finishers are required to drive trucks to transport materials to job sites.
Apply for jobs. Once you have obtained the necessary training and certifications, you can begin applying for jobs with construction companies, contractors, and other organizations that use concrete on their projects.

Concrete finishers are skilled tradespeople who must be reliable and efficient in order to produce high quality results. To become a reliable and efficient concrete finisher, it is important to have the right tools, such as a power trowel, a bull float, and a concrete saw. Furthermore, it is essential to be knowledgeable of the right techniques, such as how to properly compact and level the concrete, and how to effectively use a vibrating screed.

having a good eye for detail and an understanding of the project's specific requirements can help ensure that all work is done correctly and efficiently. Finally, having strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others is crucial in order to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. With these skills and tools, a concrete finisher can be reliable and efficient in producing the highest quality results.

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Job Description

Prepare surfaces for concrete pouring, including clearing and leveling the ground.
Construct forms for pouring concrete and set up supports.
Measure, spread, and level concrete using rakes, shovels and hand tools.
Place spacers and foundations for reinforcing steel bars.
Apply hardening and sealing components to cure the concrete properly.
Smooth and finish surfaces using trowels, float and power tools.
Cut and shape concrete according to specifications, using hand tools and power saws.
Repair, patch and restore damaged concrete surfaces.
Follow instructions from supervisors and work safely to prevent injuries.
Monitor the quality of the concrete while it is being poured and cured.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.
Knowledge of proper safety protocols and procedures when working with concrete.
Possess strong physical strength and stamina.
Ability to use a variety of power tools and hand tools to prepare and finish concrete surfaces.
Ability to mix, pour, level and smooth concrete.
Knowledge of concrete curing processes and techniques.
Knowledge of calculating material quantity estimates.
Ability to operate machinery such as trowels and screeds.
Ability to identify defects in concrete surfaces and take corrective action.
Good communication skills to coordinate with team members, supervisors and clients.

Being a concrete finisher requires a variety of skills and abilities. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to follow instructions. This includes understanding the instructions given by supervisors and being able to apply them correctly.

Being able to read blueprints and comprehend the details of a job is also essential. it is important to be able to use the various tools necessary for the job, such as bull floats, trowels, and screeds. Finally, having a keen eye for detail is important so that the finished product looks smooth and even.

Failure to possess these skills can lead to costly mistakes, delays in completion, and lack of quality in the finished product.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in concrete finishing?
What techniques do you use to ensure a smooth finish?
How do you prepare a surface for concrete finishing?
Describe the steps involved in finishing concrete.
What challenges have you faced when working with concrete?
How do you decide which tools and materials to use for a project?
What safety precautions do you take when working with concrete?
What challenges do you face when working with large-scale projects?
What processes do you use to ensure the quality of your work?
How do you ensure that a concrete surface is level and even?

Common Tools in Industry

Trowel. A tool used to level and smooth concrete, often made of metal or wood. (e. g. Spiked Trowel)
Tamper. A tool used to compress soil or other materials to make them more even and level. (e. g. Hand Tamper)
Float. A tool used to flatten and smooth the surface of wet concrete. (e. g. Bull Float)
Edger. A tool used to create an even edge along the edge of a slab of concrete. (e. g. Groover Edger)
Finishing Broom. A tool used to impart a textured finish on the surface of concrete. (e. g. Steel Finishing Broom)
Power Trowel. A motorized machine used to smooth and level concrete surfaces quickly and efficiently. (e. g. Ride-On Power Trowel)
Concrete Saw. A power tool used to cut through concrete surfaces. (e. g. Masonry Saw)
Pressure Washer. A machine used to clean and remove dirt, dust, and other debris from concrete surfaces. (e. g. Electric Pressure Washer)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Concrete Institute (ACI)
American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC)
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA)
Concrete Foundations Association (CFA)
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)
Masonry and Concrete Finishers Society (MCFS)
American Society of Concrete Polishing (ASCP)
World of Concrete (WOC)
International Masonry Institute (IMI)
American Masonry Association (AMA)

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Common Important Terms

Rebar. Reinforcing bars that are used to strengthen concrete.
Screed. A tool used to level concrete.
Mortar. A mixture of sand, cement, and water that is used to fill gaps between bricks, blocks, and stones.
Trowel. A tool used to spread, shape, and smooth concrete or mortar.
Float. A tool used to create a smooth finish on the surface of concrete.
Formwork. A temporary structure used to hold wet concrete until it dries.
Edger. A tool used to create sharp edges along the surface of concrete.
Grout. A mixture of sand and cement used to fill in cracks and gaps between tiles or stones.
Joint Sealer. A material used to fill in gaps between two pieces of concrete.
Curing. The process of allowing concrete to harden by controlling moisture and temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Concrete Finisher?

A Concrete Finisher is a professional who is responsible for smoothing, finishing and texturing the concrete surfaces of floors, walls, driveways, sidewalks, patios and other structures.

What skills are needed for a Concrete Finisher?

To be successful as a Concrete Finisher, you need to possess good physical strength and stamina, manual dexterity, attention to detail and knowledge of basic safety protocols. Additionally, you should be able to read blueprints, operate power equipment and use hand tools.

What is the average salary of a Concrete Finisher?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Concrete Finishers in 2019 was $41,550.

What is the job outlook for Concrete Finishers?

The job outlook for Concrete Finishers is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

What are the educational requirements for Concrete Finishers?

The educational requirements to become a Concrete Finisher typically consist of a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, hands-on experience and on-the-job training are beneficial to becoming successful in this profession.