Screed board / screed rail A long, straight-edged board or metal rail used to strike off and level freshly poured concrete flush with the top edge of surrounding formwork.
A screed board is the primary tool used to establish the initial flat plane of a new sidewalk. By resting the straightedge on top of the parallel side forms and drawing it backward in a sawing motion, workers remove excess wet concrete. This process is critical for establishing the uniform slope required by NYC DOT regulations, preventing low spots where rain or melting snow can pool and freeze into dangerous ice patches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screed board / screed rail
What is a screed board?
A long straight-edged board or metal rail used to strike off fresh concrete flush with the top of the forms.
How is it used?
It rests on the parallel side forms and is drawn backward in a sawing motion, cutting off excess concrete and establishing the surface plane.
Why is this step important for drainage?
It sets the uniform slope required by DOT, preventing low spots where water pools and freezes into ice.
What if the forms are set wrong?
The screed only reproduces the forms. Errors in form line and grade become permanent in the finished slab.