My uncle, a retired finisher from Phoenix, said something that stuck with me.

We were talking about that big commercial pour I did last Tuesday, and he asked me how many times I walked the slab before the final trowel. I said maybe twice. He just shook his head and said, 'Kid, your feet are your best gauge. If you aren't feeling every square foot for soft spots, you're just guessing.' I'd never really thought about it like a physical check. How many passes do you guys usually make before you're sure it's ready?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_viola25d ago

Man, your uncle is spot on. I lost count of how many passes I make, but you're right, you just have to feel it out.

jennifer_jenkins25d ago

What if you're just feeling it wrong?

the_spencer25d ago

My old foreman in Texas used to time his passes by the sun. He'd say if your shadow is in a different spot and the slab still feels cool and firm underfoot, you're on the right track. It's less about counting and more about that consistent feel. The guy never had a callback for curling.