What is a Bull Float?
The large, long-handled tool pushed across wet concrete to flatten ridges and push aggregate down.
What is a Bull Float?
A bull float is a large, long-handled tool pushed across wet concrete to flatten ridges, push aggregate down, and bring the cement "cream" to the surface. It's an essential tool in concrete finishing, used after screeding and before troweling. Understanding the bull float helps you understand professional concrete finishing.
What is a Bull Float?
The bull float is:
- Large float: Typically 3-4 feet wide
- Long handle: Handle attaches to float for reaching
- Aluminum or magnesium: Lightweight material
- Flat surface: Smooth, flat bottom
What It Does
The bull float performs three critical functions:
1. Flattens Ridges
- Removes screed marks: Smooths marks left by screeding
- Creates flat surface: Establishes initial smoothness
- Removes high spots: Levels any remaining high areas
2. Pushes Aggregate Down
- Settles rocks: Pushes larger aggregate below surface
- Buries aggregate: Keeps rocks from appearing on finished surface
- Creates smooth layer: Prepares surface for final finishing
3. Brings "Cream" to Surface
- Cement paste: Brings fine cement paste to top
- Smooth layer: Creates smooth, workable surface
- Prepares for troweling: Essential step before final troweling
When It's Used
The bull float is used:
- After screeding: Used after concrete is screeded
- Before troweling: Prepares surface for final troweling
- While concrete is wet: Used when concrete is still very workable
How to Use It
Technique matters:
- Push across surface: Push bull float across concrete in smooth passes
- Overlap passes: Ensure complete coverage
- Don't overwork: Several passes are usually enough
- Watch for consistency: Surface should be smooth and level
The Bottom Line
A bull float is the large, long-handled tool pushed across wet concrete to flatten ridges, push aggregate down, and bring the cement "cream" to the surface. It's used after screeding and before troweling to prepare the surface for final finishing. Without bull floating, aggregate stays near the surface, making troweling difficult and creating a poor finish. It's an essential step in professional concrete finishing.
Need professional concrete finishing? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We use proper tools and techniques, including bull floating, to achieve smooth, professional results.
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