At what stage is a hand finishing trowel typically used in the finishing process?

A hand finishing trowel is typically utilized in the finishing process after the floating stage, specifically during the final finishing phase. This stage is crucial as it enhances the surface smoothness and overall appearance of the concrete. The trowel helps to refine the surface, eliminate imperfections, and ensure a desirable finish that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

During the initial stages, such as pouring or screeding the concrete, other tools are used, such as shovels or screeds, to prepare the surface and level it according to specifications. The floating phase follows, where the surface is leveled and compacted using a float, which helps to embed aggregates and begin the smoothing process.

In contrast, proper jointing occurs after the initial finishing tasks are completed, focusing on controlling cracking by creating planned weak points in the concrete. However, hand troweling is specifically aimed at achieving a polished surface in the final phase, making it essential for high-quality flatwork concrete finishing.