Troweled concrete: the ideal solution for high-strength industrial floors
Troweled concrete troweled concrete is one of the most in-demand techniques in industrial flooring construction, due to its high resistance, durability, and versatility. Perfect for demanding environments like factories, warehouses, logistics centers, and workshops, trowelled concrete ensures a robust surface that can withstand heavy loads and the constant traffic of industrial machinery.
What is troweled concrete?
Troweled concrete is a surface finishing technique achieved through the use of a concrete trowel machine. These mechanical trowels, also known as “helicopters”, provide a uniform, polished finish that enhances surface strength and durability. Unlike other finishes, trowelled concrete is known for its smooth, wear-resistant, and low-maintenance surface, making it an excellent choice for industrial floors requiring high strength and safety.
Advantages of troweled concrete
Troweled concrete offers multiple benefits compared to other industrial mortars. Discover its main advantages:
Maximum abrasion resistance
The wear layer obtained with trowelled concrete provides superior resistance to wear, even under intense use. This feature makes it an ideal choice for demanding industrial environments where the surface must endure constant traffic from equipment and materials without deteriorating.
High impact resistance
Trowelled concrete is exceptionally impact-resistant, making it ideal for areas with heavy traffic and frequent industrial machinery use. Its structure absorbs impact without cracking or damaging, keeping the surface in optimal condition despite daily demands.
Easy maintenance
Thanks to its smooth and sealed finish, trowelled concrete makes cleaning tasks easier, as it does not retain dust or debris on the surface. Its easy maintenance involves lower costs for cleaning products and repairs, significantly reducing long-term maintenance expenses in industrial spaces.
Exceptional durability
A troweled finish is known to extend the floor’s lifespan considerably, as it resists wear, heavy loads, and impacts. This minimizes the need for frequent repairs and makes investing in this type of flooring cost-effective, as it maintains its functionality over the long term.
Versatile aesthetics
In addition to its strength, trowelled concrete also offers a great aesthetic versatility. It can be combined with pigments, hardeners, and other treatments to achieve various colors and textures, resulting in an attractive and functional floor without compromising durability or the ability to withstand rigorous industrial conditions.
How is troweled concrete made?
Applying trowelled concrete is a demanding process that requires following specific steps to ensure a high-quality finish. Here’s a breakdown of the basic steps to create trowelled concrete:
1. Base preparation
- Cleaning and leveling: Thoroughly clean and level the base. If necessary, apply a layer of compacted gravel or sand.
- Formwork installation: Place formwork to keep the concrete in place and define the work area boundaries.
2. Pouring the concrete
- Concrete mixing: Prepare a concrete mix with a fluid but firm consistency. The basic ratios are cement, sand, gravel, and water.
- Pouring and leveling: Pour the concrete onto the surface and level it using a straightedge or a large trowel, ensuring it is uniform and level.
3. Initial smoothing
- Initial setting time: Allow the concrete to start setting. Wait until it is firm but still damp enough to hold a person’s weight without deforming.
- Manual troweling: Use a manual trowel or float to smooth the concrete surface. This step removes imperfections and provides a base surface for trowelling.
4. Mechanical trowelling
- Using a power trowel: This is the key step. Once the concrete has set further and can support the trowel, use a power trowel machine, or "helicopter," which rotates metal blades over the concrete surface. The blades can be angled to achieve a finer finish.
- Multiple passes: Make multiple passes over the surface. The first passes are generally done with the blades at a lower angle to avoid drawing out too much moisture. Each pass increases the blade angle to create a smoother, sealed finish.
5. Finishing and curing
Expansion joint cutting: For large surfaces, use a special saw to create expansion joints to prevent future cracking.
Concrete curing: Cover the surface with a curing layer (water, plastic, or a chemical sealer) to prevent the concrete from drying too quickly, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
6. Additional tips
- Weather conditions: Avoid trowelling concrete on extremely hot or cold days, as it can affect the setting time and finish quality.
- Moisture control: Maintain adequate moisture control in the concrete, as overly dry concrete will be difficult to trowel, and overly wet concrete may not set correctly.
Applications of troweled concrete
With its combination of strength and aesthetic appeal, troweled concrete is a versatile solution for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Interior troweled concrete
Troweled concrete is an excellent choice for indoor industrial flooring that faces harsh conditions and heavy wear. Its durability and resistance make it ideal for environments where high performance is needed. Examples of these spaces include:
- Factories and production plants.
- Workshops and commercial spaces.
- Warehouses and logistics centres.
- Loading and unloading areas.
- Garages and parking areas.
Exterior troweled concrete
Troweled concrete is also highly suitable for outdoor areas with heavy traffic and spaces that receive significant foot traffic. Its ability to withstand weather conditions and wear from use makes it perfect for the following applications:
- Parking lots.
- Sports facilities..
- Recreational areas.
- Outdoor traffic areas.
Differences between troweled concrete and polished concrete floor
The differences between troweled concrete and polished concrete floor are mainly in the finish, application technique, and recommended uses for each type of flooring. Below are the key points that set them apart:
Troweled concrete
- Finish: It has a smooth but non-glossy surface achieved through the use of mechanical trowels or "helicopters."
- Technique: A powder hardener is applied to the fresh concrete, which is then incorporated through trowelling, providing high abrasion and impact resistance.
- Uses: Ideal for industrial and commercial floors that require resistance to heavy loads and constant traffic, such as warehouses, factories, and garages, due to its durability and low maintenance.
Polished concrete floor
- Finish: Smooth, glossy surface with a reflective appearance similar to marble or granite.
- Technique: Achieved through mechanical polishing, using progressively finer abrasive disks to create a mirrored effect; a sealer is usually applied to protect the finish.
- Uses: Recommended for interiors in commercial spaces, offices, or residential areas seeking a modern and elegant aesthetic, as its smooth, glossy finish is less resistant to heavy traffic and outdoor weather conditions.
How much does troweled concrete cost? Price per m² in 2025
This product stands out for its excellent cost-performance ratio: it provides an attractive decorative finish at a much lower cost than other systems. Its price per square meter ranges from $25 to $60 USD, making it an economical and efficient option for any project. Additionally, thanks to its easy maintenance, long-term costs are reduced.
Trending colors for troweled concrete in 2025
At Topciment, we specialize in advanced flooring solutions, offering a wide range of 24 colors for troweled concrete that suit various styles and aesthetic needs. For industrial floors, traditional colors like gray, red, and green remain popular, but 2025 trends point toward warmer, modern shades like earthy tones, whites, creams, and dark tones.
Explore all our options to find the perfect color for your project, ensuring not only an attractive aesthetic but also maximum resistance and durability.
With our expertise and commitment, we guide you in selecting the most suitable shades, guaranteeing exceptional results in each application.
High-quality products troweled concrete
To achieve an optimal and long-lasting finish in troweled concrete floors, Topciment offers specialized products that ensure professional results: Stonecem® Industrial and Stonecem® Industrial Compact.
These mortars are designed to ensure the durability and desired appearance for high-traffic industrial floors. Learn more about our industrial mortars and find the perfect solution for your paving project.