United Rentals' vast fleet of power trowel rentals will ensure your concrete is smooth and strong and reduce strain on your crew. We also offer a robust lineup of power screed rentals perfect for smoothing out wet concrete surfaces.

As an operator drags the vibratory power screed on top of the fresh concrete, it vibrates the top layer, spreading it to fill any dips, waves, bumps or cracks. It will strike off any extra concrete from the slab and leave a smooth and shiny surface. This ergonomic concrete screed reduces strain on operators, allowing them to stand up straight and take their time to finish the task. Once the concrete dries a little and has lost its glossy sheen, turn to one of our walk-behind power trowels — or finishers — for the last stage of concrete work. Trowels use rotating blades to smooth the concrete as it dries. All our trowel machine rentals are heavy-duty and ideal for large construction areas.

FAQs About Screeds & Trowels

When should I screed concrete?

• Concrete should be screed as soon as it is poured into the site. Typically, one operator is using a rake or shovel to spread the concrete into place, and another operator is using a screed to smooth the surface after them. The vibratory screed should be used slowly, so that every part of the concrete the screed is touching is vibrated and smooth. You will know the concrete is properly screed when there are no cracks or bumps and there is a shiny film of water on the top.

When to use a power trowel on concrete?

• Troweling should be completed after the concrete has dried some. The shiny film of water will have evaporated, and the concrete will be stiff enough to stand on, but the surface will still be soft and green. The walk-behind trowel can smooth large areas of concrete such as garages, parking lots and construction sites. Hand trowels are better suited for smaller surfaces.

How do I trowel concrete smooth?

• While using a screed is a slow process, troweling with a power trowel can be completed quickly. The rotating blades will move fast, so you have to move somewhat quickly too, watching the concrete to make sure it is smooth before moving on. If the blades hit the concrete too much or if the blades are pitched at too much of an angle, you will leave ridges and bumps that will have to be troweled again or fixed later with a grinder.