A concrete finisher smooths and finishes concrete surfaces. Concrete is one of the most common materials used in construction projects. The substance is composed of gravel, sand, water and cement. Concrete is used in creating floors, sidewalks, walkways, roads and curbs.

Pouring, setting and finishing concrete takes teamwork. A typical team includes a concrete mason, a finisher and other laborers. A concrete mason and a concrete finisher can share similar duties, and some employers require a concrete mason to take on all of the duties that are typical for a concrete finisher. At times, the titles for a concrete mason and finisher can be used interchangeably. A concrete finisher can also be known as a cement finisher, cement mason, finisher, mason or concrete mason.

Careful preparation is involved when dealing with concrete. During the entire process, a finisher or mason must monitor the weather. For example, wind can easily produce irregularities on wet concrete.

Formwork is the basic foundation for laying and aligning concrete, a task typically performed by a concrete mason. Once the foundation has been prepared, concrete is then cast by laborers. After a concrete mason levels and floats the concrete, a concrete finisher presses an edging tool between the forms and concrete. A finisher produces a slightly rounded edge by guiding the edging tool along the edge and surface with the purpose of preventing any chipping or cracking. Concrete finishers then use an important tool called a groover, which helps control cracking by making joints and grooves at precise intervals.

A concrete finisher can create different textures on concrete by using various tools and techniques. For a smooth surface, a finisher uses a smooth, rectangular tool called a trowel. A finisher develops a smooth finish by moving the trowel back and forth on the concrete surface. For a coarse finish, a finisher uses a broom or stiff-bristled brush to brush the surface. A pebble finish can be produced by embedding small chips of gravel into the concrete's surface.

No matter what surface the finisher uses, he or she then applies sealing and hardening compounds. These can be used to cure the concrete surface. A concrete finisher then takes the time to closely evaluate the surface with the purpose of finding any rough or uneven areas, and he or she cleans any chipped areas by using wire brushes.