Screeding The process of leveling and smoothing wet concrete immediately after it is poured by using a straight-edged board or mechanical tool.
Screeding is synonymous with strike-off and serves as the baseline for all subsequent concrete finishing. It requires pulling a wood or aluminum screed board across the top of the forms in a sawing motion. Proper screeding consolidates the concrete slightly and prepares the surface for the aggregate-settling trowel work that follows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screeding
What is screeding?
Leveling and smoothing freshly poured concrete by drawing a straight board or mechanical screed across the forms.
What is the correct technique?
Pulling the screed across the forms in a sawing motion, which cuts the surface to grade and lightly consolidates the concrete.
What comes after screeding?
Floating, then troweling if specified, and finally the broom texture required on public sidewalks.
Can screeding be skipped on a small repair?
No. Even a single flag needs the surface cut to grade, or the finished slope and levelness will be wrong.