How to Level a Concrete Floor in old Barn

[BeezFun]

After you pour and float it to get rid of any air pockets dampen it again and run your float (steel trowel) over it for a smooth finish or power trowel it.

Dampening concrete during finishing causes crazing. There's a summary of things to never do at the bottom of this brochure, using water during finishing is one of several.

 

[mjcountrybumpkin]

Fiber added to mix , no rebar or wire. And NO water to help finish. The more water the weaker the concrete. And this will sound crazy but, if you over work the concrete it will ruin it. Separates the cement from the aggregate , the top would eventually come off leaving a very ruff ugly floor.

 

[captjohn]

I would look into fibermesh mixed in with the slump. It will keep cracks from growing. Last I bought it was an extra $7 per yard.

X2 on the fiber. I have a lot of it at my house and holding up well. About to start a 40'x60' enclosed pole barn and using it. Only adding a couple pieces of rebar at the roll up doors. It's $5 a yard extra here.

 

[bobm6996]

@jel1988 I do plan to slope the floor back to front as there is a garage door and I want the ability to hose it out once in a while if necessary. I will take the suggestions regarding superplastizer or fiber being added to the concrete I do want it to last. Not looking for a real smooth surface because I will be going in and out a lot during all types of weather and do not want to be falling on my arse when the floor is wet. I may just float and light troweling and then on down the road use a sand paint or something to take any slickness out if it exists.

 

[captjohn]

I have a work shop and boat shed that I just used a bull float to finish and the surface is just fine. Not slippery at all and smooth enough for me :thumbsup: