Broom Finish vs Smooth Finish: Traction Comparison

Broom Finish vs Smooth Finish: Traction and Safety Comparison

Choosing between broom finish and smooth finish affects both appearance and safety. Broom finish provides high traction and is standard for outdoor use. Smooth finish is slippery when wet and should only be used in garages or interiors. Understanding the traction differences helps you choose the right finish for safety and function.

Broom Finish: High Traction, Standard for Outdoors

Broom finish is created by dragging a broom across wet concrete, creating texture.

How It's Created

• After screeding and floating, drag broom across surface
• Creates parallel ridges and texture
• Provides grip and traction

Traction Characteristics

• High traction: Texture provides excellent grip
• Works when wet: Texture maintains grip even with water
• Safe for outdoor use: Standard for driveways, patios, sidewalks
• Non-slip: Reduces slip hazards

Best Uses

• Driveways: Standard finish for driveways
• Patios: Safe for outdoor living spaces
• Sidewalks: Required for safety
• Pool decks: Provides grip around water
• Any outdoor area: Where water exposure is possible

Smooth/Trowel Finish: Slippery When Wet

Smooth finish is created by troweling the surface until it's smooth.

How It's Created

• After floating, use steel trowel to smooth surface
• Multiple passes create smooth, dense surface
• Can be burnished for very smooth finish

Traction Characteristics

• Low traction: Smooth surface has little grip
• Very slippery when wet: Water on smooth surface is dangerous
• Not safe outdoors: Should never be used where water exposure is possible
• Slip hazard: Creates significant safety risk when wet

Best Uses

• Garages: Protected from weather, no water exposure
• Interior floors: Basements, warehouses, industrial spaces
• Protected areas: Where water will never contact surface

Why Smooth is Dangerous Outdoors

Smooth concrete outdoors creates serious safety hazards:

• Rain: Becomes extremely slippery
• Dew: Even morning dew creates slip hazard
• Snow/ice: Dangerous when frozen
• Any moisture: Water on smooth concrete is a fall hazard

When Each Finish is Appropriate

Use Broom Finish For:

• All outdoor applications
• Driveways, patios, sidewalks
• Pool decks and wet areas
• Any area exposed to weather

Use Smooth Finish For:

• Garages (protected from weather)
• Interior floors
• Basements
• Warehouses and industrial spaces

The Bottom Line

Broom finish provides high traction and is the standard for outdoor use—it's safe even when wet. Smooth/trowel finish is slippery when wet and should only be used in garages or interiors where water exposure is impossible. For any outdoor application, always use broom finish for safety. Smooth finish is a slip hazard when wet and should never be used outdoors.

Safety first—always choose broom finish for outdoor concrete. The slight texture is worth it for safety.

Need help choosing the right finish? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We ensure proper finishes for safety and function in each application.