Leveling Concrete

czechsonofagun · Jul 17, 2006

I am full of questions

For leveling concrete I typically find more or less straight board and screech it with it. No, perfectly straight boards are almost not existent - anybody has some neat trick what to use instead?

mikim · Jul 17, 2006

They make aluminum ones you can buy .... but for the few times I use one - I'll work with the best 2X4 I can find in the pile ..... and "make do" ...

GeneD14 · Jul 17, 2006

The concrete crews that I have worked with in the past prefer a straight 2 x 4. A power screed is several hundred dollars.

Jerome · Jul 17, 2006

Use a extension ladder just wash it as soon as your done it has two straight edges and lots of handels.

EddieWalker · Jul 17, 2006

I can usually find a straight board in the pile, but sometimes I have to go up a grade to find something straight. I've even bought 2x6's when I couldn't find a straight 2x4.

Eddie

mikim · Jul 17, 2006

Jerome said:
Use a extension ladder just wash it as soon as your done it has two straight edges and lots of handels.

if someone borrowed my ladder and did that to it I'd be mad as

..... but darned if I won't consider trying that myself sometime if need be ...

...never even thought of that .... If anybody is going to abuse my tools - it better be me.

gotrocks · Jul 17, 2006

One suggestion: snap a chalk line on the crooked 2x4, saw it, and then use the straight edge. (Before it has a chance to bow again)

flusher · Jul 17, 2006

czechsonofagun said:
I am full of questions

For leveling concrete I typically find more or less straight board and screech it with it. No, perfectly straight boards are almost not existent - anybody has some neat trick what to use instead?

For small stuff (e.g. sidewalks, A/C pads, etc) I just turn my 4-ft spirit level upside down and use that edge to screed. Hose it off afterwards.