A concrete floor may be placed very accurately using modern laser-controlled screeding equipment. However, this surface can very quickly be destroyed if not finished correctly. Not only will good finishing practice ensure higher surface tolerances, along with concrete mix design and curing, it is critical to achieving durability.

Finishing is a multi-step process, starting with floating. The first step removes bumps and fills low spots. It may be carried out with walk-behind power trowels or, more typically on large bay construction, multiple headed ride-on machines fitted with pans (large flat discs).

The following steps using pitched blades progressively close the surface, producing a dense, durable and smooth surface. This operation is best achieved with high quality ride-on trowels to provide greater weight and pressure over a larger footprint.