Which finishing step yields a smooth, dense surface after floating?

• A. Applying a curing compound
• B. Grooving
• C. Trowel finish.
• D. Embedding coarse aggregate

Answer: (B)

A smooth, dense surface after floating is achieved with a trowel finish. After floating, the concrete has a good shape but still a slightly porous, textured surface. Moving a steel trowel across it presses and reseats the cement paste, closes small voids, and densifies the top layer, producing a hard, uniform, smooth finish.

Curing compound is about sealing moisture for proper curing, not about surface density. Grooving creates control joints, which introduces grooves rather than densifying the surface. Embedding coarse aggregate would roughen the surface by exposing aggregate pieces, not smooth it.