What process is used to smooth concrete after it is poured?

Screeding is the process used to smooth concrete after it has been poured. It involves using a straightedge, such as a board or a metal bar, to level and smooth the surface of the wet concrete to the desired height and finish. This step is crucial as it helps to remove excess concrete and fills in low spots, creating an even and uniform surface.

This process is essential for ensuring that the concrete sets properly and achieves the intended finish. Once the screeding is done, additional finishing techniques, such as troweling or floating, may be employed to further refine the surface, but screeding is the foundational step that establishes the level and smoothness before any other treatments are applied.

Stamping, on the other hand, is a decorative process applied after the concrete has been set, while polishing is a procedure aimed at achieving a high-gloss finish on cured concrete surfaces. Troweling is typically used after screeding to further compact and smooth the surface, but it's not the initial smoothing method used during the pouring process.