What is the finishing technique used on slabs to produce a smooth surface intended for thin finishes like tiles or paint?

Troweling is the finishing technique specifically designed to create a smooth surface on concrete slabs. This process involves using a trowel or a similar tool to refine the surface of freshly poured concrete. The objective is to eliminate any imperfections and achieve a level of smoothness that is ideal for thin finishes, such as tiles or paint.

The smooth surface produced by troweling allows for better adhesion of these finishes, ensuring a sleek and professionally polished look once completed. In addition, this technique helps in achieving the necessary surface characteristics that thin finishes require for durability and aesthetics. A properly troweled surface will also aid in the prevention of moisture ingress and surface damage over time, making it a critical step in the construction process for areas that will receive additional flooring or paint.

Other finishing techniques, while useful for different purposes, do not achieve the same level of smoothness or fineness as troweling. For instance, floating is typically used to initially smooth the surface – but it does not produce the fine finish required for thin coverings. Broom finishing creates texture, which is not appropriate when smoothness is the intended outcome. Jointing is mainly a method used for creating joints in concrete to control cracking, and does not influence the surface smoothness