The Concrete Levelling Tools You Need

Concrete levelling jobs are more common than you might think if you have regular home projects. To get the best result, hire a professional. But if you’re looking to do it yourself, there are different concrete levelling tools that can help you.

Popular levelling tools

1. Bull float – The bull float has two main purposes – it condenses and levels concrete. A bull float is made of rectangular flat wood and has a long handle. You should make sure the handle is long enough to be able to use it within a few feet of concrete. You push and pull the bull float across the concrete’s surface to level it and condense it. There are many sizes available depending on how large the concrete you want to put down.
2. Shovel – Another basic, but very effective, concrete levelling tool is the steel shovel. There are many types of shovels: square point and round-point shovels. Choose the right one suited for the concrete levelling job.
3. Trowel – This tool is not the garden trowel, but rather, it is a large tool made of steel that can be used to level concrete surfaces. It can also be used to compress higher areas or lift lower ones. A trowel can be used to release trapped air or moisture from concrete.
4. Screed – You may not have ever heard of it, but a screed can be used to level concrete. It is mostly used on uncured surfaces. It flattens concrete and makes it more durable by pushing it down releasing trapped air. Concrete surfaces that are weaker or more easily damaged often have trapped air.
5. Rubber floats and magnesium floats – These floats are similar to wooden ones, but they are much smaller and easier to use. The magnesium float is designed to be used with concrete that has been heavily aerated and the rubber float will level the surface and finish grouts and fillers off.

The right way to level concrete

1. Concrete laying

Slowly load the concrete mix onto the surface where you want it to be placed and then level it. You don’t need to worry about concrete accumulating in certain areas. You can correct this issue with screeding concrete levelling tools. Keep it within the limits of the surface.

2. Create four levelling points

This is where the length of your screeding tools comes into play. You need to use the blade’s length to create four points or more that are equal to the blade’s length. This will be your guide when you level so make sure to make it precise.

3. Start levelling

You now have your tools for levelling concrete. Use the levelling points to move from one end of the surface to the other with the side of your blade. Pay attention to drainage and the fall of concrete. It is not a good idea to repair a concrete patio drainage problem.

4. Final touches

Now it’s time to finish the final touches. To make it level and smooth, do some final runs to add concrete or remove it. You have a variety of tools that you can use. Some require you to bend over while others allow you to stand.

Bonus Read: How To Cut Concrete: Right Tips & Tricks

Summary

It is crucial to use the right tool for the job at all times. This depends on the location of the concrete, the type of concrete, your skill level, and many other factors. A magnesium bull float is better for concrete that has been air-entrained because it doesn’t stick. A wood bull float is better for concrete that is not air-entrained. It is important to understand the nuances of different concrete levelling tools and how they work. This will help you achieve a smooth and flat surface. It could be a wise decision to hire a local concreter who has experience in this field if you don’t have the time.