Concrete Bull Floats
Bull floats are used right after screeding to smooth the surface, knock down ridges, and bring the cream to the top. They’re essential for getting a slab flat before any hand finishing begins.
Why It Matters
Bull floats push down aggregate, bring the cream to the surface, and leave the slab flat and ready for finishing — which makes every step after this faster, cleaner, and more consistent.
Tips & Tricks for Using Bull Floats
Keep the bull float flat to avoid digging in or leaving lines across the slab.
Push down aggregate, don’t pull it up — if you see rocks rising, your angle is too steep.
Use long, smooth passes instead of short, choppy strokes for a cleaner surface.
Let the concrete set slightly before floating if the slab is too wet and the float is sinking.
Watch your edges — lift the leading edge just enough to glide without gouging.
Use a swivel bracket so you can change angle without lifting the tool off the slab.
Don’t overwork the surface — too many passes can seal it too early and trap bleed water.
My Tool Recommendations
QLT by MARSHALLTOWN 48 Inch Magnesium Bull Float with Rock-It 2.0
This is the bull float you want. If you don’t own one yet, don’t waste time considering anything else.
MARSHALLTOWN Concrete Finshers Bull Float Kit, Round End, 1 3/4 Inch Octagon Handles
The same tried‑and‑true bull float you’ve used for years, and the kit is the way to go — I don’t know why handles are seventy dollars at the store, but this saves you a chunk of cash.
MARSHALLTOWN Standard Channel Bull Float
A lightweight, U‑shaped bull float that stays rigid on long pulls and pushes down aggregate cleanly.
New to concrete and need the essential hand tools? Start with this starter kit — it gives you everything you need to begin finishing with confidence.”
MARSHALLTOWN Concrete Apprentice Tool Kit in Canvas Bag, Includes 6 Concrete Tools
This kit comes with a mag float, trowel, wood float, margin trowel, edger, and a jointer. I highly recommend it for anyone building their hand‑tool stockpile — it covers all the essentials you’ll use on every concrete job.