I used to think a power trowel was overkill for a 10x12 patio

My buddy in Phoenix kept telling me to just rent a 36-inch walk-behind for anything over 100 square feet, but I insisted on doing it by hand for 'better control'. After my arms felt like jelly on the third one last summer, I finally caved and tried his way. The finish was way more consistent and I saved about 90 minutes of work. Anyone else have a specific size where you finally switch to the machine?

3 comments

3 Comments

jamie_white1mo ago

My 20x20 driveway slab was the breaking point for me. The power trowel gave it that perfect smooth finish I could never get by hand after getting tired. I won't touch anything over a small walkway without one now.

the_joel1mo ago

Come on, it's just a driveway. A hand trowel works fine if you take your time and don't rush the job. Renting that big machine seems like overkill for a one time project.

evan_wilson1824d ago

Fair point, but idk, I've done a few bigger slabs by hand and it really comes down to how good your technique is and if you're willing to put the time in. A power trowel is nice but it can also mess things up quick if you don't know what you're doing, especially on a hot day. Maybe it's just me but I still prefer the feel of a hand trowel even if it takes longer.