How to Finish an 8 by 16 Patio

A regular push broom gives a patio a textured finished surface.

Only the proper tools can be used to give a patio a professionally finished look. The tool you use makes a big difference in the effect of the finish. The simplest form of finish is smoothing, but this surface gets slippery when wet. Instead, you can apply a broom or swirl finish. An 8-by-16-foot patio slab requires a quick hand, otherwise the surface begins to dry, and you will no longer be able to achieve the finish.

Things You'll Need

• Metal float
• 6-foot handle
• Push broom
• Pole Extension
• Concrete float
• Plastic sheeting
• Rocks or bricks

Instructions

1. Twist a metal float onto a 6-foot handle. Run the metal float over the wet patio's surface in a back-and-forth motion. Lift the front edge slightly by applying more pressure to the back edge. This smooths the concrete's surface. Stop here if you want a smooth-finish patio surface, or continue on to give your 8-by-16-foot patio a textured finish.

2. Wait for the water, which worked its way to the surface during the smoothing process, to reabsorb into the cement. Push one finger into the concrete. If your finger leaves a deep hole, smooth the area back out and wait a little longer. If firm pressure only leaves a 1/4-inch hole, you can begin to give the concrete a textured finish.

3. Place a long-handled push broom gently onto the patio's surface. Depending on your arms' length and the pole's length, you may need a pole extension. Pull the broom back towards you without applying any pressure. This leaves small ridges on the concrete's surface and is called the brooming technique. Continue to drag the broom, in one direction, over the entire patio surface. If the broom seems to bring large amounts of concrete back with it as you pull, smooth out the concrete again, and wait for it to harden more.

4. Create a swirl finish with a concrete float. Screw the float onto a handle, then gently place it on the patio's surface. Spin the handle to turn the float and create a swirled finish on the patio's surface. Lift the float up, place it down in a new spot and spin it again. Continue until the entire surface has been finished. You can determine the placement of the swirls to create a unique patio finish; either overlap them, have the edges touch or space them apart. However, make sure to create a uniform surface.

5. Cover the 8-by-16-foot patio slab with plastic sheeting. Place rocks, bricks or other heavy objects on the sheeting's edges to hold it in place. This slows the concrete's curing process and makes it stronger. After one week, remove the plastic sheeting and enjoy your patio.

References

• Concrete Homes; Decorative Concrete; Cindy Rizzo; May 2006
• All Things Concrete: Concrete Patio Finishing
• The Family Handyman: How to Finish Concrete