When should a broom finish be applied on a concrete slab?

• A. During the initial screed phase
• B. Before any stiffening occurs
• C. After the surface has stiffened sufficiently to hold texture but before final set
• D. After the surface has fully set and gained hardness

Answer: (D)

Broom finishing depends on the concrete’s stiffness at the right moment. The texture should be applied once the surface has stiffened enough to hold the broom pattern but before the concrete reaches its final set. If done too early when the surface is still plastic, the broom will drag and smear, making the texture uneven. If done too late after it has fully set, the surface is too hard to take the texture at all and the broom marks won’t form properly. Applying at the proper stage gives a consistent, slip-resistant surface with a clear, uniform pattern.