How do i make concrete smooth like in a garage?

Question

I have a like a little area of concrete in my backyard that's supposed to be used for basketball but me and my brother don't really use that. We both play hockey so we usually just use like shooting boards out on the basketball court. But we where wondering how do you make the concrete smooth like in a garage. because in the garage the pucks slide really easy so we would like to make the basketball court into a hockey training area.

Answer 1

they have companies that grind concrete to clean it up or smooth it...i have seen them take an old warehouse floor and when they were done you could see the light bulbs in the ceiling reflected in the floor...they also make grinding stones you can attach to the bottom of a troweling machine to knock down rough spots...call some concrete companies in your area...

Answer 2

The smooth 'garage floor' surface texture is made when the concrete is wet, by 'floating' the surface.

Rougher textures, like on a basketball court, or sidewalk, are made by running a broom across the surface of the 'still wet' concrete.

It would be difficult to change a rough surface to a smooth one, with already dried concrete.

You might consider resurfacing the concrete, with a new layer.  There are companies that specialize in this type of work.

Or you might consider renting some kind of floor polisher/grinder, like is used when installing marble chip floors.

Neither approach is inexpensive.  I'd suggest you contact some local concrete refinishers, and see what options they can provide.

Have Fun

Answer 3

You can have a thin coat of epoxy, specifically made for applying to the surface of concrete, directly applied to the existing concrete.  Besides being able to create the finish you want, it makes the surface harder.  It is often used in commercial kitchens to make a waterproof area - also easy to wash.

Contact a concrete company for "where do I find it" product suggestions.  They sometimes help out their contractor customers when they need more than just concrete.  That's where I found it.  If it is outside, you might consider a product that will resist the damage from sunlight, so it will last a longer time.

Answer 4

What you have is an interior finish as opposed to an exterior finish.  The rough surface is broomed into the concrete as it's being finished.  This makes the slab more skid resistant.  You can etch the slab with a concrete prep and then apply a finish to it using concrete resurfacer.  You would need to finish this with a steel trowel.  However, there are 2 problems.  The first is that the slab will be slippery when it rains or snows (if it snows where you live).  The second is that the surface will probably flake off.  Depending on how big an area you are talking about, you could have the slab redone.  Expect to pay $10-15/sq. ft. for tearout and repour.  Hope this helps.

Answer 5

board of wood.