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A vibrating screed (also called a screed board) strikes off excess fresh concrete and levels the surface right after the mix is placed. You work it within a 10–20 minute window after pouring, before the concrete starts to set. The profile is usually 1.5 to 5.4 m long, and the motor's vibration (petrol, 230 V or 400 V) consolidates the top layer and draws the cement paste up — so the slab comes out flat and ready for troweling.
These are two stages of one operation. Striking off removes the surplus mix and brings the slab to the set level — the screed rides on guide rails or form edges, pushing concrete ahead of the profile. Floating follows a moment later: the same or a lighter screed closes the surface, brings cement paste to the top and evens out minor irregularities. In practice one flows into the other — first you strike off to level, then a second pass floats the surface.
The order in the full process is fixed: deep consolidation (poker vibrator), striking off with the screed, floating, and finally power troweling on the hardening concrete. The screed handles the middle stage that decides how flat the slab is.
The most common mistake is working too fast or too late. Pulling too quickly leaves ripples, and striking off concrete that has begun to set tears out the aggregate instead of smoothing it. On longer profiles (4–5 m), make sure the vibration reaches the full width — that is why the drive has to match the profile length.
Remember the order for fresh concrete: poker vibration → striking off with the screed → floating → power troweling. The screed works wet concrete; the trowel comes in only once a boot leaves a 2–3 mm imprint.
The type depends on the job and the span. The key distinction: float screeds smooth the surface with a single profile, truss (beam) screeds strike off concrete over long, straight runs on guide rails, and double-beam screeds combine both tasks in one pass.
| Screed type | Main use | Profile length |
|---|---|---|
| Float screed | Floating floors and screeds | 1.5–3 m |
| Truss (beam) screed | Striking off long runs, roads, yards | 3–6 m |
| Double-beam screed | Striking off and floating in one pass | 2.5–4.5 m |
Choose the type and length by area: small screeds and garage floors are handled by a float screed up to 3 m, while yards and roads call for 4–6 m truss profiles. You will find the full range from Beton Trowel and Toolsa in the vibrating screeds category.
Not every job needs a drive. A hand tool (an aluminium straightedge or a bull float on a telescopic pole) works for small pours up to a dozen or so square metres and for floating alone — you strike off and level by hand, without deep consolidation. A vibrating screed is essential when flatness over larger areas and consolidation of the top layer matter: the vibration pulls out air and paste, which a hand tool cannot do.
In short: a doorstep repair, a small patio or floating a small slab needs only a hand straightedge. An industrial floor, garage or driveway needs a vibrating screed for a repeatable level and a stronger surface. Hand bull floats and powered screeds are supplied by Beton Trowel and Altrad Belle.
Vibrating screeds run on a petrol engine (mobility, no cable), single-phase 230 V (smaller floors with power access), three-phase 400 V or battery (no fumes, for indoor work). The drive is chosen mainly by profile length and power access — browse the full range in the screed drives and motors category, and start from the vibrating screeds section if you are still building your set.
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