Beat Labor Shortages by Renting a Power Laser Screed

Labor shortages continue to challenge the construction industry. For many contractors, finding reliable workers who can deliver consistent results has become increasingly difficult. Concrete projects feel this strain more than most. Large pours require coordination, skill, and timing. When crews are short-staffed, the quality of the final finish may decline, timelines may slip, and stress levels on the job can rise quickly. For companies juggling multiple projects at once, the shortage of experienced hands can become a constant obstacle.

More contractors are turning to technology to reduce their dependence on large teams. Power laser screeds have become one of the most effective tools for completing concrete placements efficiently, even with limited manpower. By renting this equipment instead of purchasing it, contractors gain access to advanced leveling and finishing capabilities without committing to a long-term investment. This approach helps teams stay productive during labor shortages while avoiding equipment expenses and storage concerns.

Closeup of concrete pouring during a commercial construction project.

Workforce Challenges Impacting Concrete Projects

Concrete work requires precision and timing, especially during large pours. When a team lacks enough workers, the entire process can become rushed or uneven. Inconsistent labor availability may force project managers to rearrange schedules, delay pours, or rely on less experienced workers who may not be familiar with advanced finishing techniques. This environment often makes it more challenging to maintain consistency across slabs or keep projects on track.

Finding skilled finishers has become harder for many companies. Some workers have transitioned to other industries. Others may not have the experience needed to deliver a smooth and level finish on large commercial floors. While training new workers may help in the long run, it takes time and money. Meanwhile, deadlines continue to pressure crews each week.

For contractors managing multiple job sites at once, the shortage can become even more noticeable. Crew members may be spread thin or moved from one pour to another before they can complete the work. Scheduling conflicts grow, and delays may ripple into the next phase of the project. These problems can ultimately affect the overall relationship with clients who expect jobs to stay on schedule.

Increased Stress and Greater Risk of Errors

As labor shortages persist, pressure on project managers and supervisors continues to increase. Limited staffing can push workers to perform tasks more quickly, potentially increasing the risk of mistakes. In concrete work, errors can create long-term problems, including uneven surfaces, dips, humps, or improper slab tolerances. Rework costs can multiply and cut into profit margins.

Short crews may also rely heavily on overtime to keep up. Extended hours lead to fatigue, which may further increase the risk of poor finishing or slow reactions during critical moments in the pour. This often results in stress felt across the team. When a project starts falling behind, it can be challenging to get back on track, especially if additional labor is unavailable.

Clients expect predictable timelines, and delays may harm the contractor’s reputation. Even when industry-wide labor shortages cause delays, clients may still perceive them as poor planning or insufficient resources. This can affect bidding success on future projects and may reduce opportunities for repeat work.

Power Laser Screeds Offer a Practical Response to Labor Shortages

One of the most effective ways contractors are addressing workforce gaps is through advanced concrete finishing equipment. Power laser screeds are designed to level large areas of concrete efficiently and accurately. This equipment helps create smooth, uniform floors at a pace that manual methods cannot match. Crews can place and finish more concrete with fewer workers while still meeting high project standards.

Manual screeding requires multiple skilled workers to guide and level the slab. This process takes time and relies heavily on team coordination. A power laser screed uses automated leveling equipment to guide the screed head with reliable accuracy. This reduces the physical strain on workers and decreases the need for large finishing teams.

Renting a power laser screed offers several advantages. Contractors do not have to buy, store, or maintain the equipment. They can access high-performance tools on an as needed basis without hiring or training an operator, which may help control costs during slower seasons. When a pour requires additional capacity or extra precision, a rental gives the team the capabilities they need without long-term overhead.

Productivity Gains With Fewer Workers

A power laser screed may help crews complete large pours more quickly. The machine’s accuracy and automated controls allow teams to move across the slab at a consistent pace. This speed helps reduce finishing time and may help teams avoid delays caused by tightening schedules or unpredictable weather.

With fewer manual passes needed, teams can focus on the remaining finishing steps rather than spending hours leveling concrete by hand. This keeps workers fresher throughout the pour and helps reduce errors caused by fatigue. Even with a smaller crew, contractors can maintain the speed and consistency needed to stay on schedule and deliver the high-quality results your clients expect.

We Help Keep Projects on Schedule Despite Labor Gaps

Labor shortages are not going away anytime soon, and the impact on concrete work is especially demanding. Deadlines are tighter, skilled workers are harder to find, and the pressure to deliver flawless floors has never been greater. Power laser screeds give contractors a practical way to overcome these challenges by increasing precision, reducing manual labor, and helping crews work more efficiently.

If your team is stretched thin or juggling multiple job sites, renting a power laser screed could be the advantage that keeps your projects moving forward. Instead of slowing down or risking mistakes, you can bring advanced accuracy and speed to the job exactly when you need it.

Ready to take the pressure off your crew and keep your pours on track? Rent a power laser screed from Myles Construction Services for your next project. Contact us today to learn more.Â