Troweled concrete: the ideal solution for high-resistance industrial flooring
Troweled concrete is one of the most in-demand techniques in the construction of industrial flooring, thanks to its high resistance, durability, and versatility. A perfect finish for high-demand environments such as factories, warehouses, logistics centres, and workshops, trowelled concrete ensures a robust surface that can withstand heavy loads and constant traffic from industrial machinery.
What is troweled concrete?
Troweled concrete is a surface finishing technique achieved using a concrete trowelling machine. These mechanical trowellers, also known as "helicopters", provide a smooth, uniform finish that increases the surface's resistance and durability. Unlike other finishes, trowelled concrete is characterised by its smooth, wear-resistant, and easy-to-maintain surface, making it the ideal choice for industrial flooring where high resistance and safety are required.
Advantages of troweled concrete
Troweled concrete offers multiple advantages compared to other industrial mortars. Discover its main benefits:
Maximum abrasion resistance
The wearing layer created by trowelled concrete provides superior resistance to abrasion, even under intense use conditions. This feature makes it an ideal choice for high-demand industrial settings, where the surface must withstand the constant movement of equipment and materials without deteriorating.
High impact resistance
Trowelled concrete is exceptionally impact-resistant, making it perfect for areas with heavy traffic and frequent use of industrial machinery. Its structure allows it to absorb impacts without cracking or becoming damaged, 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 trap dust or debris on the surface. Its ease of maintenance means lower costs for cleaning products and repairs, significantly reducing long-term maintenance expenses in industrial spaces.
Exceptional durability
The troweled finish is known for greatly extending the lifespan of the flooring, as it resists wear, heavy loads, and impacts. This minimises the need for frequent repairs, making investment in this type of flooring cost-effective as it maintains its functionality for the long term.
Versatile aesthetics
In addition to its strength, trowelled concrete also offers great aesthetic versatility. It can be combined with pigments, hardeners, and other treatments to achieve different colours and textures, creating an attractive yet functional flooring that does not compromise durability or its capacity to withstand rigorous industrial conditions.
How is troweled concrete made?
The application process of trowelled concrete is demanding and requires a series of specific steps to guarantee an excellent quality finish. Here are the basic steps to create trowelled concrete:
1. Base preparation
- Cleaning and levelling: clean and level the base well. If necessary, add a layer of compacted gravel or sand.
- Installation: set up formwork to keep the concrete in place and establish the boundaries of the work area.
2. Pouring the concrete
- Concrete mixing: prepare a concrete mix with a fluid yet firm consistency. The basic proportions include cement, sand, gravel, and water.
- Pouring and levelling: pour the concrete onto the surface and level it with a screed or large trowel, ensuring it is even and free of any uneven areas.
3. Initial smoothing
- Initial setting time: allow the concrete to begin setting. Wait until it is firm but still moist enough to support the weight of a person without deforming.
- Smoothing with a hand trowel: use a hand trowel or float to smooth the concrete surface. This step will remove imperfections and provide a base surface for trowelling.
4. Mechanical trowelling
- Using the trowelling machine or "helicopter": this is the key step. Once the concrete has set a bit more and has consistency to support the trowel, use a power trowel or "helicopter" with metal blades rotating over the concrete surface. The blades can be adjusted to different angles to achieve a finer finish.
- Multiple passes: make several passes over the surface. The first passes are usually done with the blades at a lower angle to avoid removing too much moisture. With each pass, the angle of the blades is increased to achieve a smoother, sealed finish.
5. Finishing and curing
Cutting expansion joints: if the surface is large, cut expansion joints with a special saw to prevent future cracks.
Concrete curing: cover the surface with a curing layer (water, plastic, or a chemical sealant). This will prevent the concrete from drying too quickly, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
6. Additional tips
- Weather conditions: avoid trowelling concrete on very hot or very cold days, as it can affect the setting time and the quality of the finish.
- Moisture control: maintain proper moisture control in the concrete; if it is too dry, it will be difficult to trowel, and if it is too moist, it may not set correctly.
Applications of troweled concrete
With its combination of strength and aesthetics, troweled concrete is a versatile solution for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Indoor troweled concrete
Troweled concrete is an excellent choice for industrial indoor flooring that faces aggressive conditions and wear. Its durability and strength make it ideal for environments requiring high performance. Examples of these spaces include:
- Factories and production plants.
- Workshops and commercial spaces.
- Warehouses and logistics centres.
- Loading and unloading areas.
- Garages and parkings.
Outdoor troweled concrete
Troweled concrete is also highly suitable for exterior areas with vehicle traffic and spaces with heavy footfall. Its ability to withstand weather conditions and wear makes it perfect for the following applications:
- Parks.
- Sports complexes.
- Recreational areas.
- Outdoor traffic areas.
Differences between trowelled concrete and polished concrete floors
The differences between troweled concrete and polished concrete floors are mainly in the finish, application technique, and recommended uses for each type of flooring. Below are the key aspects that differentiate them:
Troweled concrete
- Finish: it has a smooth but non-glossy surface, achieved with mechanical trowels or "helicopters."
- Technique: a powder hardener is applied to the fresh concrete and then integrated through trowelling, which provides high abrasion and impact resistance.
- Uses: ideal for industrial and commercial floors that require heavy load resistance and constant traffic, such as warehouses, factories, and garages, due to its durability and easy maintenance.
Polished concrete floor
- Finish: smooth, glossy surface with a reflective appearance similar to marble or granite.
- Technique: created through mechanical polishing, using abrasive discs of progressively finer grits to achieve a mirrored effect; a sealant is often applied to protect the finish.
- Uses: recommended for interiors of commercial spaces, offices, or homes seeking a modern and elegant aesthetic, as its smooth and glossy finish is less resistant to heavy traffic and outdoor weather.
How much does troweled concrete cost? Price per m² in 2025
This product stands out for its excellent price-quality ratio: it provides an attractive decorative finish at a much lower cost than other systems. Its price per square metre ranges between £20 and £55 GBP, making it a cost-effective and efficient option for any project. Additionally, thanks to its easy maintenance, long-term costs are reduced.
Troweled concrete colours in trend for 2025
At Topciment, we are experts in advanced flooring solutions, offering a wide range of 24 troweled concrete colours that suit various styles and aesthetic needs. For industrial flooring, traditional colours like grey, red, and green remain popular, but 2025 trends point towards warmer and more modern tones, such as earthy colours, whites, creams, and dark shades.
We invite you to explore all our options and find the perfect colour for your project, ensuring not only an attractive aesthetic but also maximum resistance and durability.
With our experience and commitment, we advise you on selecting the most suitable tones, ensuring exceptional results in every application.
High-Quality troweled concrete products
To achieve an optimal, durable finish in troweled concrete flooring, at Topciment we offer specialised products that guarantee professional results: Stonecem® Industrial and Stonecem® Industrial Compact.
These mortars are designed to ensure the strength and desired appearance in high-traffic industrial floors. Learn more about our industrial mortars and find the perfect solution for your paving project.