concrete screed power trowel

What is difference and similarity between concrete screed and power trowel?

Concrete screed and power trowel are complementary equipment in concrete surface finishing, working sequentially to achieve a flat, smooth, and dense concrete surface.

Concrete Screed

• Core Function: Spreads, levels, and screeds freshly poured concrete to ensure uniform thickness and initial flatness.
• Construction Stage: Used immediately after concrete placement, before the concrete sets (plastic stage).
• Key Effect: Creates a level base by removing excess concrete, filling gaps, and controlling surface elevation, laying the foundation for subsequent finishing.

Power Trowel

• Core Function: Polishes and densifies the concrete surface to eliminate imperfections (e.g., scratches, bubbles) and achieve a smooth, hard finish.
• Construction Stage: Operated after the concrete has partially set (initial set to final set), when it can support the machine’s weight without deformation.
• Key Effect: Enhances surface smoothness, wear resistance, and aesthetic appeal by troweling and compacting the concrete surface.

Collaborative Workflow

1. Pour concrete onto the construction area.
2. Use a concrete screed to spread and level the concrete, ensuring accurate thickness and flatness.
3. Wait for the concrete to reach initial set (when finger pressure leaves a slight indentation).
4. Operate the power trowel to polish the surface until a smooth, dense finish is achieved.