It must be completed before excess bleedwater appears on the surface.
How to screed concrete against a wall.
This process removes excess concrete and brings the top surface of the concrete to proper grade.
Or a better option would be an aluminum screed.
When you re hand screeding use a sawing motion across the guides as you creep forward along the guides.
The other side next to the wall has gravel at a lower level than the dpc.
This step in the finishing operation is the most important in producing a true plane surface and takes place immediately after the spreading of the concrete.
A method we often use when a path or patio is less than 6 inches below the damp proof course is to lay a line of thin kerb stones about 6 inches away from the wall and take the concrete up to them.
Screeding should begin as soon as possible after the concrete is poured.
Work your way downhill if applicable drawing excess concrete into low spots and holes.
Hand screeds can be a straight wood 2x4.
I would not recommend using one more than 12 to 14 feet long.