Can we talk about finishing with a steel trowel vs a mag float?

Last week in Phoenix I saw a crew use steel trowels for a warehouse slab. I swear by a mag float for outdoor stuff. Does one really hold up better than the other in the long run?

3 comments

3 Comments

jana_scott26d agoMost Upvoted

Mag floats are fine, but is it really that deep for a warehouse floor?

graydavis25d ago

Didn't someone say the contractor cut corners on their last job?

kim.zara25d ago

Have you tried using a steel trowel on a hot Phoenix day... because that stuff can lock in moisture and cause clouding for sure? Mag floats are great for outdoors since they keep the surface a little rougher for traction, but on a warehouse slab where they're running forklifts all day, a hard steel finish helps avoid dusting and wear. I've seen mag-float jobs get chewed up after a few years of heavy use, especially if the mix is lean. Steel trowel gives you that dense, smooth skin that holds up better indoors. Just make sure you hit it at the right time, or you'll end up with a slick mess that's actually soft underneath.

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