Broom Finish Concrete: What It Is and Why You Shouldn’t Get It

What Is Broom Finish Concrete? 

Broom finish concrete is a type of textured surface created by dragging a broom across freshly poured concrete before it fully sets. While the finish adds traction, it’s not ideal for flooring systems that require a strong mechanical bond. In these cases, the broom finish must be removed during surface preparation to ensure proper adhesion of coatings or floor coverings.

How to Broom Finish Concrete 

Broom finishing is done by dragging a concrete broom across the surface of freshly poured concrete once it has partially set. The timing is critical—if the concrete is too wet, the broom will leave uneven marks; if it’s too dry, it won’t leave any texture at all. The process is typically performed in straight, consistent strokes to create a uniform pattern. While easy to apply, this finish can create surface inconsistencies that are problematic for future flooring systems and often must be removed during surface prep.

How Long Does Broom Finish Concrete Take?

The broom finish process typically adds minimal time to a concrete pour, often just a few minutes per section once the surface reaches the right consistency. However, timing is critical and can vary based on weather, mix design and slab thickness. Workers must wait for the surface to firm up enough to hold the broom texture without tearing or dragging. Improper timing can lead to inconsistent finishes, which may require additional surface prep or correction down the line—especially if the slab will later receive a flooring system.

Heavy vs Light Broom Finish Concrete

Broom finishes can vary in texture depending on how much pressure is applied and the type of broom used. A light broom finish creates subtle grooves, while a heavy broom finish produces deeper ridges and a rougher surface. While both can pose challenges during flooring installation, heavy broom finishes typically require more aggressive grinding to remove the texture before shot blasting. The depth and inconsistency of the broom marks—especially in heavier finishes—can interfere with achieving the uniform Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) needed for proper adhesion of coatings or overlays.

When to Broom Finish Concrete (Hint: Never!)

While broom finishing has traditionally been used for outdoor slabs like sidewalks and patios, it has no place in modern construction where long-term performance matters. The inconsistent texture and lack of a measurable Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) make it unsuitable for any flooring system—especially resinous coatings, which require a solid mechanical bond to perform as intended. Even in outdoor environments, resinous flooring systems offer far superior durability, chemical resistance and aesthetics. With the right surface prep, these systems outperform broom finish concrete in virtually every way. Bottom line: if you want a surface that lasts, skip the broom and go resinous.

Disadvantages of Broom Finish Concrete 

No Defined Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) 

Broom finish does not correspond to any measurable CSP, which is critical for ensuring proper adhesion of flooring systems. Without a reliable profile, there's no guarantee coatings or overlays will bond effectively.

Inconsistent Texture

The final finish depends heavily on timing, weather and application technique. This leads to uneven ridges and surface variations that can interfere with floor prep and result in poor performance or premature failure.

Weak Surface Layer 

The broom finish affects only the top layer of concrete—often the weakest part of the slab. Relying on this layer to support a flooring system increases the risk of delamination or cracking over time.

Extra Surface Prep Required 

Before installing most flooring systems, the broom finish must be removed, typically through grinding followed by shot blasting. This adds time, cost and complexity to the project—costs that could be avoided with proper finishing from the start.

Limits Future Flooring Options 

Broom finish concrete is unsuitable for high-performance systems like resinous coatings or polished overlays. Once applied, the finish restricts your ability to install durable, long-lasting flooring solutions without significant rework.

Lacks Performance Benefits

Compared to resinous flooring, broom finish concrete offers no protection against chemicals, UV exposure, abrasion or moisture. It also lacks the cleanability, seamless finish and customizable appearance that resinous systems provide—making it a poor choice for environments where performance and longevity matter.

Surface Prep Tips: Handling Broom Finish Concrete for Lasting Results 

A concrete subfloor should have a CSP of at least 3 for optimal bond of the flooring system; concrete with a broom finish has no related CSP number. In addition, the surface of a concrete slab is always the weakest part of the floor. Best practice is to grind off the broom finish and then shot blast the floor.

Why the two-step process? Depending upon your equipment and the degree of the broom finish, your blaster may have a tendency to drop or waste a significant amount of shot if you skip the integral grinding step.

So why not just grind? Although grinding will take off the broom finish and (depending on the PSI of the slab) may give you a possible CSP of 3-4, it will also create a very fine dust that is almost impossible to extract even with the best vacuum. Don’t take the chance. Following the grinding by shot blasting is an extra step and an added cost, but it costs much less than that of a failed floor.

Always consider all of your surface prep options and obligations before you bid to ensure your costs are built in on the front-end. If you’re unsure, give the Technical Services Department a call and we’ll walk you through best practices to ensure you put down a floor that will stand the test of time.

Sherwin-Williams Flooring Solutions: The Superior Alternative

When seeking a durable, high-performance flooring solution that will endure over time, Sherwin-Williams resinous flooring systems present a clear advantage over broom finish concrete. Whether for industrial spaces, commercial environments, or outdoor settings, Sherwin-Williams provides a range of flooring solutions designed for superior adhesion, chemical resistance, and long-lasting durability.

Opting for a resinous system means not only avoiding the limitations of broom finish concrete but also investing in a floor that offers seamless aesthetics, ease of maintenance, and the reliability required by modern environments. Do not settle for a surface that restricts your options or fails to provide the necessary protection. With Sherwin-Williams, you can ensure optimal floor performance under any conditions.

For expert guidance on choosing the right flooring system and preparation techniques, contact our team today. We're here to help you make the right choice for your project.