From Pour to Polish – Delivering a Durable Warehouse Floor

Screed & Concrete

Quality concrete levelling tools are essential on any pour where finish, accuracy and long-term performance matter. For contractors working on industrial floors, the right tools help maintain levels, control flowing concrete, and deliver a surface that is ready for finishing without unnecessary rework. This warehouse renovation in Gaerwen, Anglesey is a clear example of how well-chosen concrete tools support a successful outcome.

2 photos showing the green Metes steel dapple bar and the Metex Aluminium concrete spazzle outside the warehouse ready for the concrete pour.

High strength concrete for a heavy-duty floor

The project involved pouring a new reinforced concrete floor inside a warehouse unit being renovated for future letting. The floor needed to cope with heavy loads and vehicle traffic, so an RC40 mix was specified. This high strength concrete is commonly used in warehouses and industrial settings thanks to its durability and ability to perform in demanding conditions.

The pour took place on Tuesday 13th January, starting at 8am, following preparation works completed the previous week, including installation of a membrane and placement of rebar on supports to ensure the mesh was located in the centre of the slab.

Warehouse floor ready for a concrete pour with a yellow membrane and metal rebar laid out on top of it.

Concrete delivery and placement on site

The main contractor was Gerwyn Lewis Building & Groundworks, an Anglesey-based firm with extensive experience in concrete and renovation work. Concrete delivery and pumping was handled by DC Liquid Floor Screeding from Dolgellau who supplied the RC40 on the morning of the pour. Working together, the teams focused on accurate placement and consistent levelling from the outset.

2 workers wearing high vis spreading and smoothing concrete with the Metex steel dapple bar and the aluminium spazzle.

As the concrete was poured, Metex lightweight aluminium concrete placers (sometimes referred to as spazzles or Texas placers) were used to manoeuvre and spread the material efficiently across the floor area. The concrete placers allowed the team to guide the flowing concrete into position without overworking the surface, keeping levels under control and maintaining a steady pace as the pour progressed. This stage is critical on large slabs, where poor distribution can lead to uneven finishes and extra finishing time later.

Metex concrete levelling tools in action: 2 workers wearing high vis spreading and smoothing concrete with the Metex steel dapple bar and the aluminium spazzle.

A consistent finish ready for final polishing and cure

Once placed, Metex 2m steel dapple bars were used to level and close the surface of the concrete. The fully welded mild steel construction and 38mm bottom bar helped lightly break the surface tension, producing a flatter and more consistent finish across the whole slab. The height adjustable handles made it easier for the team to work comfortably and maintain control over long passes, preparing the floor for power floating later in the day.

Freshly poured concrete warehouse floor which has been levelled and smoothed wioth Metex concrete tools.

Power floating began towards the end of the day, but unexpected freezing temperatures overnight slowed the curing process. As the temperature dropped below forecast, curing temporarily stopped, requiring the team to continue working through the night and into Wednesday morning, gradually polishing the surface as the concrete cured.

Final power floating was done on Wednesday, and was then followed by a five-day period to allow the concrete to cure fully. The next phase of the project will involve forming a ramp to allow vehicle access into the warehouse.

Worker power floating concrete on the warehouse floor which is now firm enough to walk on

Why Metex concrete levelling tools continue to perform

Metex steel dapple bars and aluminium concrete placers are designed for professional contractors working with a variety of  concretes on industrial floors, subbases and footings. Their durability and ease of use make them a reliable choice on demanding pours like this one.

To find out more about the Metex concrete tools range, speak to our team for further information or locate a Metex stockist.