A concrete float is a tool used to finish a
concrete
Concrete is a composite material composed of aggregate bound together with a fluid cement that cures to a solid over time. It is the second-most-used substance (after water), the most–widely used building material, and the most-manufactur ...
surface by making it smooth. A float is used after the surface has been made level using a
screed
Screed has three meanings in building construction:
# A flat board (screed board, floating screed) or a purpose-made aluminium tool used to smooth and to "Wikt:true#Verb, true" materials like concrete, stucco and plaster after they have been p ...
. In addition to removing surface imperfections, floating will compact the concrete as preparation for further steps.
A float can be a small hand tool, a larger bull float with a long handle, or a
power trowel
A power trowel (also known as a "power float" and "troweling machine") is a piece of light construction equipment used by construction companies and contractors to apply a smooth finish to concrete slabs.
Types
Power trowels differ in the way ...
(also called a power float) with an engine. Concrete floats are generally made of magnesium, aluminum, or wood.
Gallery
File:US Navy 030514-N-8726C-002 Chief Builder R. Brett James, a U.S. Navy Reservist, volunteers his time to level out a concrete foundation as part of a Navy Misawa Seabee project.jpg, Smoothing concrete with a large concrete float, or bull float
File:Concrete float.JPG, Hand float for concrete (upside down)
External links
Bull floats and darbies.Concrete Network.
Tools
Concrete
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