Broom finish concrete – What you need to know about this versatile surface

A photo follows below of a cast in place concrete slab, installed in Washington DC. The photo was taken at the time of application of the broom finish while the concrete was still “green” and not yet fully cured.  The perimeter formboards and stakes are still in place.  You can see the texture of the thin lines left in the concrete from the broom application.  Finishing of a concrete surface should, in most cases, be done while the concrete is still just barely “plastic” at the surface yet almost near hardened.

The broom finish creates a near smooth texture that can last for years with enough tooth so that it can prevent or deter foot traffic slippage even when the surface is wet.