When can floating be done on concrete?

Floating on concrete is a critical finishing technique that smooths out the surface and integrates any necessary additives or textures. The correct option emphasizes that floating should take place after the initial setting of the concrete has occurred, which typically means the concrete has progressed enough to support weight but is still workable.

At this stage, the surface will have begun to harden, but it retains moisture, making it possible to manipulate without damaging the underlying structure. This timing is crucial because if floating is attempted too soon, when the mix is still too wet, it can disrupt the surface and lead to inconsistencies. Conversely, if floating is performed too late, when the surface is overly hardened, it may not be possible to adequately achieve the desired finish.

The other options either imply conditions that are not optimal for floating or misunderstand the timing relative to the curing process. For instance, floating on a surface that is completely dry would prevent achieving a smooth finish as the concrete would not respond to the tools effectively. Similarly, floating should not be done while a water sheen is still present because this indicates that the concrete is still too wet. Finally, thinking about floating before the final curing ignores the fact that the initial setting is when the concrete is best suited for this process. Therefore, the