Slick Finish vs. Broom Finish Concrete

Every K&H pour comes with your choice of finish. Here's how they compare and when to use each.

Broom finish concrete texture showing parallel grooves for traction

Broom Finish

Broom finish is created by dragging a broom across the surface of wet concrete, leaving fine parallel lines. This texture provides grip and traction, making it the standard choice for outdoor surfaces.

Best For

  • Driveways
  • Outdoor patios
  • Sidewalks and walkways
  • Pool decks
  • Any surface that gets wet

Pros

  • • Excellent traction, even when wet
  • • Hides minor surface imperfections
  • • Industry standard for exterior flatwork
  • • Durable and low-maintenance

Considerations

  • • Texture can trap dirt in the grooves
  • • Not as smooth underfoot as slick finish
Slick finish concrete showing smooth troweled surface

Slick Finish

Slick finish (also called trowel finish) is a smooth concrete surface created by steel troweling. It produces a clean, polished look and is commonly used for interior slabs and covered areas.

Best For

  • Garage floors
  • Covered patios
  • Interior slabs
  • Shop and utility floors
  • Shed pads

Pros

  • • Clean, smooth appearance
  • • Easy to sweep and clean
  • • Good for interior applications
  • • Smooth surface for equipment or vehicles

Considerations

  • • Can be slippery when wet
  • • Not recommended for uncovered outdoor areas

Which Should You Choose?

The simple rule: if it's outdoors and uncovered, go with broom finish for safety. If it's covered or indoors, slick finish gives you a cleaner look that's easier to maintain. During your estimate, we'll talk through which finish makes sense for your specific project.