Concrete finishing Brooms
A concrete finishing broom is a tool used to put a light texture on the surface of fresh concrete. After you bull float, finish and the surface has started to set up, you drag the broom across the slab to create a uniform, slip‑resistant finish. This is the look you see on most driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage aprons. The broom gives the concrete traction, helps water run off, and leaves the slab looking clean and consistent.
Why It Matters
A finishing broom matters because it gives the concrete the traction it needs once the slab is done. After you’ve floated and troweled the surface, the broom pass adds that clean, consistent texture you see on driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage aprons. It helps with grip, keeps the surface from getting slick when it’s wet, and gives the slab a professional, uniform look. A good broom finish is simple, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make concrete both safer and better‑looking.
Tips & Tricks When Using a Finishing Broom
Wait until the concrete sets enough so it doesn’t smear.
Pull the broom in long, smooth passes for straight, even lines.
Rinse the broom often so it doesn’t drag or clump.
Use light pressure — let the broom make the texture, not your arm.
Follow the layout of the slab and keep your overlaps minimal.
My Tool Recommendations
MARSHALLTOWN Aluminum Backed Concrete Broom for Finishing, Horsehair Fibers, 36 Inch, Made in The USA
The horsehair broom is my go‑to. It leaves a softer, cleaner texture compared to the harder nylon brooms, and it lets you broom the slab a little wetter while still getting great results. If you want a smooth, consistent finish without deep grooves, horsehair is the way to go. 48in is to big in my opinion.
MARSHALLTOWN 36 Inch Wood Backed Concrete Broom, Horsehair Bristles, Made in The USA
It’s always good to keep a stiffer horsehair broom on hand for those times when the concrete gets a little too hard. The extra stiffness helps the bristles bite into the surface so you can still pull a clean, consistent texture without having to force it.
Kraft Tool CC456-01 36-Inch Green Nylex Soft Broom
A solid nylon broom for when the concrete is getting tight and you need more bite than horsehair. It leaves a sharper, grippier texture and works great on driveways, ramps, or hot days when the slab dries fast.
Marshalltown Handle Brush, 3 Inch Yellow Polypropylene Bristles
Great for brooming stairs. or tight to reach places
Kraft Tool CC269 Hand Concrete Finish Brush
Great for brooming stairs. or tight to reach places
Marshalltown Acid Brushes, 20 Inch Size
Great brush to clean your brooms. and tools...
Click These Links if you need the Adapters Ill show you exactly the ones you need
MARSHALLTOWN Push Button Handle Adapter, For Concrete Brooms, Darbies, Fresnos
Kraft Tool CC665 Fresno to Broom Thread Bracket
Marshalltown Push Button Handle Adapter, Fits Bull Floats, Fresnos, and Brooms
New to concrete and need the essential hand tools? Start with this starter kit — it gives you everything you need to begin finishing with confidence.”
MARSHALLTOWN Concrete Apprentice Tool Kit in Canvas Bag, Includes 6 Concrete Tools
This kit comes with a mag float, trowel, wood float, margin trowel, edger, and a jointer. I highly recommend it for anyone building their hand‑tool stockpile — it covers all the essentials you’ll use on every concrete job.