Broom Finish vs. Slick Finish Concrete

Two Finishes, Two Purposes

When K&H pours your concrete, you choose between two finishes: broom finish and slick finish. Both are included in our standard pricing — no upcharge for either. The right choice depends on where the concrete is going and how it'll be used.

What Is Broom Finish?

Broom finish is created by pulling a broom across the surface of the concrete while it's still wet. This leaves fine parallel grooves in the surface that provide traction — especially important when the surface gets wet.

Broom finish is the industry standard for outdoor concrete surfaces. It's what you'll see on most driveways, sidewalks, and patios across the Tri-Cities.

What Is Slick Finish?

Slick finish (also called trowel finish or smooth finish) is created by steel troweling the concrete surface to a smooth, flat texture. It's clean and easy to sweep, but it doesn't provide the same traction as broom finish.

The Simple Rule

If it's outdoors and uncovered, use broom finish. The traction matters for safety, especially during Northeast Tennessee's rainy seasons and occasional ice. If it's covered or indoors, slick finish gives you a cleaner look that's easier to maintain.

During your estimate, we'll discuss which finish makes sense for your specific project. If you're not sure, we'll give you our recommendation based on the application and location.