Why is it called a bull float?

Bull Floats

This is because these floats consist of a long handle attached to a wood, resin, aluminum or magnesium float. The handle can measure anywhere from 4 feet to 16 feet long.

What is the difference between bull float and Fresno?

What it is: The fresno may look similar to the bull float, but its blade is made of tempered or “blue” steel. The fresno should only be used following the bull float. Purpose: The fresno is applied after the bull float to better seal the surface of the slab. Size: Approximately 6” x 36” but sizes do vary.

What is a bull float and what is it used for?

A bull float is used to level and smooth freshly poured concrete. Concrete used for visible projects, such as driveways, patios and sidewalks, often requires finishing. Finishing is a process that gives a concrete surface the desired smoothness, texture and durability.

What is a bull float in construction terms?

A tool or machine used to smooth unformed surfaces of freshly placed concrete.

What's the difference between a trowel and a float?

A float has a thicker base than a trowel and is usually made of plastic, sponge, rubber, wood or magnesium – a lightweight pale grey metal. It's used to even up the surface on plaster or concrete, make it firmer and give whatever texture is required. The finish will depend on the float chosen.

How to Finish Concrete with a Bull Float

How many times do you float concrete?

Push the bull float in one direction only across the concrete, keeping its front edge slightly above the surface by raising or lowering the handle. Two or three times is enough. Don't overwork the concrete or you'll weaken it by drawing too much sand and cement to the surface.

What does broom finish concrete mean?

Broom Finish concrete is concrete finished by dragging a horsehair broom, or something similar, over its wet surface. Brushing the concrete makes for a textured surface with small, but noticeable grooves. Broom Finish concrete has been the preferred utilitarian texture for exterior concrete for decades.

How long do you wait to bull float concrete?

Darbying or bull floating should be done immediately after "screeding", or after the concrete has been tamped if tamping was done. This process should be finished before excess moisture or bleedwater appear on the surface.

What defects can be caused by bull floating too soon?

More often, premature finishing or improper first (bull floating) or second floating results in trapping rising bleed water and air below the top surface of the concrete (Image 2). When this occurs, the resulting weak or soft zone below the surface causes the top surface of the concrete to flake or scale off.

What is a Fresno used for?

A fresno is a steel trowel and should be used just like a hand-held steel trowel. In fact, most manufacturers refer to a fresno as a fresno trowel. Just like a steel trowel, only use a fresno after the surface has been floated with a wood or magnesium float.

Why do you use a magnesium float on concrete?

Although they are slightly weaker than their aluminum counterparts, magnesium floats are lighter and are the most popular choice among professionals. Magnesium smooths the surface of fresh concrete and opens the pores for proper evaporation, all without pulling the surface like a wood or resin tool.

What is the purpose of floating concrete?

A concrete float is a tool used to finish a concrete surface by making it smooth. A float is used after the surface has been made level using a screed. In addition to removing surface imperfections, floating will compact the concrete as preparation for further steps.

How do I get a smooth finish on concrete?

If the concrete floor is sloped, self leveling cement can be applied to make the surface even. Ardex or other similar self leveling cementitous mixes can be applied and poured on to the surface and then ground afterwords just like regular concrete to get a smooth shine.

Should I wet concrete while curing?

ANSWER: Keeping concrete moist helps the curing process. Concrete hardens as a result of a chemical reaction, called hydration, between cement and water, not because it dries. The hardening, or curing, continues as long as moisture remains in the concrete.

How soon should I water concrete after pouring?

Properly curing your concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and resistance for many years. The first 7 days after installation you should spray the slab with water 5-10 times per day, or as often as possible. Once the concrete is poured the curing process begins immediately.

What to do if it rains after pouring concrete?

Tips for Handling Rain After Pouring Concrete

Don't broadcast dry cement onto the concrete to soak up surface water. This will impair the finish and further weaken the top layer. Instead, once the rain passes, use a float to push the water off the edge of the slab before you start finishing.

What is concrete troweling?

Trowel Finishing Concrete

A power trowel consists of one or multiple rotating blades enclosed by a safety cage. This type of concrete finishing equipment is used to create a polished, level finish on a variety of concrete surfaces. Floating, finishing, and combination blades are used to create the desired end result.

What is a mag trowel?

Magnesium and Aluminum Hand Floats

A mag float is simply a flat piece of magnesium or aluminum attached to a handle. The tool allows the user to float concrete at his or her desired pressure and angle. Mag floats are also available in a wide range of lengths and widths.

What can I use instead of a bull float?

Bull Floats and darbies serve the same purpose however, daries are typically use for small areas. Both are used to eliminates high and low spots, and to slightly embed large aggregate particles immediately after strike off. These floats will also work up more paste to the top of the slab to help in finishing later.

What is a grout float?

This is a tool that's designed to apply grout in spaces between mosaic, stones, and tiles. Grout floats are typically used by stone and tile installers. Once the grout is applied, the tile installer uses a grout float to spread out the grout before forcing it into the cracks and crevices between tiles.

What is a wooden float?

A Wooden Float is a tool with a smooth plane that is applied on freshly laid mortar and concrete during surface finishing. To use a Wooden Float, hold the handle firmly with one hand and position the plain against the surface without any tilt such that it makes full contact.