How does this new concrete look?

[Snoonyb]

He probably screeded off and is just using the thinset to fill the voids in the aggregate.

 

[zannej]

I initially misread that as screwed off instead of screeded off.. LOL.

Is screeding when you smooth the liquid cement over the area?

 

[Snoonyb]

Yes, it's the initial leveling process, then tamping to bring up the cream, bull-float and fresno.

 

[JoeD]

Screeding is when you take a board and lay across the concrete on the two solid surfaces on each side. Then saw it back and forth so that the concrete in the hole is level with the existing edges. The sawing action brings up the cream and works the rocks down a bit so you have a smooth surface.