A concrete specialist (also called a concrete finisher or flatwork specialist) handles the placement, compaction, levelling, finishing and curing of concrete for both structural and decorative purposes. While a groundworker pours basic foundation concrete, a concrete specialist brings expertise in high-quality floor flatness tolerances, surface finishing techniques (broom, trowel, exposed aggregate, polished), decorative concrete applications and repair. They typically work on commercial floors, polished concrete residential floors, driveways and specialist concrete features. Correct curing is as important as correct mixing and placing - a specialist will ensure the slab achieves its designed strength.
What they do
- Polished and ground concrete floor installation
- Power-floated concrete floors for industrial and commercial use
- Decorative concrete - exposed aggregate, stamped and coloured
- Concrete driveway installation
- Concrete repair and resurfacing
- Liquid screed and self-levelling compound installation
- Reinforced structural slab construction
- Precast concrete installation
When you need one
A concrete specialist is needed when quality of finish, flatness tolerance or decorative effect matters beyond what a general groundworker provides.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete floor slab - supply and pour (per sq m) | £80 - £120/sq m |
| Polished concrete floor (per sq m) | £80 - £150/sq m |
| Power-floated commercial floor (per sq m) | £40 - £80/sq m |
| Liquid screed (per sq m) | £25 - £50/sq m |
| Exposed aggregate driveway (per sq m) | £80 - £150/sq m |
| Concrete floor repair (per sq m) | £50 - £150/sq m |
Material costs (ready-mix concrete, reinforcement, formwork) are usually included in sq m rates from specialist contractors. For polished concrete, the final grit level (sheen) affects cost - higher polish levels cost more.
Qualifications to look for
The CSCS card confirms health and safety competence. Concrete finishers on commercial sites are expected to hold an appropriate CSCS card. The card level depends on qualifications held.
Vocational qualification covering concrete placement, compaction, surface finishing and curing techniques for a range of concrete types and applications.
How to find a reputable concrete specialist
Frequently asked questions
What is polished concrete and how is it made?
Polished concrete is an in-situ concrete floor that has been mechanically ground and polished using progressively finer diamond abrasive pads to create a smooth, reflective surface. A concrete densifier is applied during the process to harden the surface. The result is a durable, easy-maintenance floor that can have aggregate exposed or remain closed (cream finish) depending on how much material is removed.
Can you pour concrete in cold weather?
Concrete should not be poured when air or ground temperatures are at or below 2 degrees C, as freezing prevents the cement from hydrating correctly and weakens the finished slab. In cold weather, heating the aggregates and water before mixing, using faster-setting cement mixes, and protecting the freshly poured concrete with insulating blankets can allow work to continue. A specialist will advise on cold weather precautions.
How thick should a concrete floor slab be?
A domestic ground floor slab is typically 100mm (4 inches) thick for light pedestrian use, increasing to 150mm for garage floors where vehicles will be parked. Heavier loading such as forklift access or racking requires engineer-designed slabs of 150-200mm or more with appropriate reinforcement. The structural engineer or Building Control will specify the slab thickness.