Concrete Finishing Tools: Bull Floats, Trowels, and Edgers
Last updated May 24, 2026
Concrete Finishing Tools
Proper tool selection and timing are everything in concrete finishing. Using the right tool at the wrong time ruins the slab surface.
Finishing Sequence
Screed Board
Drag across forms immediately after pour to level the surface to the form height. Strike off excess concrete.
Bull Float
Used after screeding to close the surface, push aggregate down, and bring cream to the top. Work in overlapping passes. Do NOT over-float while water sheen is still present.
Hand Float (Magnesium)
After the bull float and once the bleed water has evaporated. Smooths minor imperfections before edging.
Edger
Runs along the form edges to create a rounded edge that resists chipping. Use after hand floating.
Groover / Jointer
Cuts control joints at regular intervals (typically 1/4 of the slab thickness in depth). Prevents random cracking by directing crack location.
Steel Trowel
Final finishing step. Creates the dense, smooth surface on interior slabs. More trowel passes = denser, harder surface. Do not trowel while water sheen is visible.
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