A spade face is the finished surface of a concrete structure created by smoothing it with the back of a spade.
Essentially, it refers to a type of concrete finish. This technique leaves a distinct texture and appearance on the concrete surface. The back of the spade is used as a finishing tool to achieve a specific aesthetic.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
- Concrete Structure: This could be a wall, a foundation, or any other element made of concrete.
- Finished Surface: The outer layer of the concrete structure that's been treated to achieve a particular look.
- Back of the Spade: Instead of using specialized concrete finishing tools, the flat back of a regular spade (or shovel) is used to smooth and manipulate the concrete.
The resulting spade face finish typically offers a relatively rough texture, although it can be smoothed to varying degrees depending on the desired effect and the technique used. It's often chosen for its rustic or textured appearance. The use of the spade also implies a more economical approach to concrete finishing.