Top 5 Benefits of Using a Bull Float for Concrete Smoothing

A bull float is a staple in any concreter’s toolkit, but what exactly is this tool, and what does it do when used in the concreting process? If you’re new to the world of concreting or are just curious about how these tools work, then this is the blog for you.

Let’s discuss what bull floats are and the role they play in the wider collection of available concreting tools and equipment. We’ll help you decide on the best type of bull float for your needs and exactly how this handy tool can improve the concreting process!

What Is A Bull Float?

A bull float is sometimes called a concrete float, and consists of a flat metal, wood or resin rectangle with a handle on top. There may also be a pole attached that allows the bull float to be used from a distance.

Bull floats are used on the surface of concrete after it has been levelled using a concrete screed and are a more precise way to smooth your concrete’s surface. They can be used right up against the concrete or from a distance–long handles allow you to smooth the centre of your concrete without having to stand on it.

Bull floats come in different sizes and can come with features like rounded ends (to prevent sharp lines in your concrete), telescopic handles for length extension and different finishes to make cleaning easier or to rough up the concrete surface if needed. They’ll generally be designed for easy use over long periods of time, which means light materials and handles that are comfortable to hold.

Bull Float Materials

• Wood: These bull floats are used to open up the pores of concrete and are made from wood that can resist warping and light wear. They can force moisture to the surface of your concrete, which is handy if it is setting faster than you’d like.

• Aluminium: One of the most popular materials for a bull float, magnesium floats are comfortable to use and come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. They are exceptionally durable too!

• Resin: These work similarly to wood floats, and are more durable and longer lasting but also a little pricier. Take care of them and a resin float will last you for many years.

Bull floats are deceptively simple tools that can make a big difference in how your concrete looks and performs. Here are five benefits you’ll get when using a bull float on your levelled concrete!

Buy hand tools online at Aus Slate-Crete Supplies, or visit one of our distributors if you’d prefer to shop in person.

1. Smooth Your Concrete

The most obvious benefit of using a bull float is that you’ll have concrete with a smooth and level surface. Screeding will create a flat surface, but it often leaves marks and small bubbles and pits on concrete, which is where a bull float becomes important.

The surface of a bull float can be angled as you work, so it’s easy to use one to push and pull one over your concrete to smooth it out. Combine this with telescopic handles, and you can smooth your concrete without ever having to set foot on a fresh surface.

Smooth concrete is a hallmark of a professional job and looks so much nicer than a lined and bumpy surface. An even concrete driveway, path, set of stairs or patio looks fantastic and is also surprisingly grippy, leading to fewer slips in wet or icy weather.

2. Compact Your Concrete

Using a bull float can help with your concrete’s strength and density, too. By going over the surface with a bull float, you can help remove air bubbles in the concrete, which in turn will lead to a denser and more durable surface. Removing bubbles now will also prevent small pock marks from appearing from when the bubbles rise and pop later on.

If you have used a vibrating screed on your concrete to level it, this may have caused various elements inside, such as aggregate, water and sand, to separate. Using a bull float you can ‘re-mix’ the surface and smooth out any imperfections that have appeared.

3. Work In Your Colour

Have you used a dry shake hardener to add some colour to your concrete? You’ll need to use a bull float or a hand trowel to work the colour into the concrete so it spreads evenly and adheres correctly.

Dry shake hardeners strengthen the surface of your concrete and create a vibrant and bold colour that is more intense than an integral colour that comes pre-mixed into your concrete. You’ll need to work in any dry shake hardener you apply with a bull float for even colour coverage–make sure to leave the colour to ‘wet’ up before you use the float, otherwise the colour may tear.

4. Finished Corners

The corners of your concrete may not be as prominent as the centre, but it’s still important to make them smooth and precise for a professional finish. Using a bull float with squared edges allows you to smooth and flatten the concrete right to the very edges of your concrete slab.

This isn’t just for looks, either! Upturned or rugged edges are easier to break when walked or driven over, leading to an uneven and potentially cracked look for the edges of your concrete. So ensure the longevity of your slab by making sure the whole area has been smoothed by a bull float.

5. Longer Lasting And Better-Looking Concrete

Using a bull float to smooth and even your concrete is a vital step in the entire concrete pouring and curing process, as it contributes to the longevity and good looks of your slab. By removing air bubbles and evening out the layers of different materials inside your new slab, you create a stronger concrete structure that can withstand greater weights and impacts. Not only does this mean your concrete structure will last longer, but you won’t have to spend money on repairs you might need, had you not used a bull float in the first place.

Concrete that has been smoothed with a bull float looks more professional and will take on colours from paint easier, too. A smooth, sleek-looking concrete driveway, garden path or patio can even add value to your property!

Want more information on the types of concreting tools and equipment you’ll need? Make sure to read our blogs on Choosing The Right Concrete Tools For Your Project and The Top 12 Tools You Will Need When Working with Concrete.

Discover Quality Bull Floats In Melbourne At Australian Slate-Crete Supplies

No matter what kinds of concreting tools in Melbourne you need, there is one place you can go that has it all. Australian Slate-Crete Supplies is one of the best concrete tool suppliers around and specialises in decorative concreting tools and mixes. Whether you need hand tools, stencils, coloured hardeners or concrete sealers, you can find a great range of them at quality prices right here.

Leave us a message online or call us on 03 9408 7722 for more information about our range of concreting tools and equipment for sale. Our collection of high-quality bull floats makes it easy to find the right one for your next concreting project!