On stiffer concrete, a forward-turn, forward-pass combination on a rider allows the finish to always ________ the concrete being floated or troweled.

• A. face
• B. follow
• C. cover
• D. touch

Answer: (A)

When finishing stiff concrete with a rider, the tool should present its face to the surface being worked. The face is the flat, broad surface that actually smooths and seals the concrete. Keeping the face of the finishing tool in contact with the concrete as you run a forward-turn, forward-pass ensures the finish is applied evenly and pressingly, producing a tight, uniform surface on the stiff mix. If the tool isn’t oriented with its face toward the surface, you risk gouging, tearing, or an uneven finish. The other expressions don’t describe the essential orientation needed for proper finishing on stiff concrete.