Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating and avoiding the interference of a column in line with an end of a spreader which applies particulate material to the surface of freshly-poured concrete. The apparatus includes an assembly for attachment to the column for supporting an end of the surface spreader. The column assembly has a horizontal shelf and a device to affix the shelf to the column at a predetermined elevation in registration with the end of the surface spreader. A ski is mounted at the end of the surface spreader and is shaped to engage the shelf and support the end of the surface spreader on the shelf. The ski is maintained at approximately the same elevation as the shelf to readily permit the ski to be moved onto the shelf for support of the end of the surface spreader.