Full Answer
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.
Do you have to use a bull float on concrete?
1:052:46Bull Floats - Finishing Tips for Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you are using a concrete with air the mag. Float is a great tool to use let's take a look atMoreSo if you are using a concrete with air the mag. Float is a great tool to use let's take a look at how they're used. As. We talked about one of the most important tools in the finishing.
How heavy is a bull float?
Product informationManufacturerQLT by MarshalltownPart NumberMB48Item Weight9.68 poundsProduct Dimensions49 x 8.4 x 4.2 inchesItem model numberMB486 more rows
How do you do a bull float on concrete?
1:294:00How to Finish Concrete with a Bull Float - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn. Then as you pull it back you're just lifting it up. So then it slides right back it's just likeMoreOn. Then as you pull it back you're just lifting it up. So then it slides right back it's just like what you would do if you were skiing. Something like that or surfing.
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.
What type of bull float should I use?
Magnesium and aluminum hand floats are probably the most used float types. Aluminum floats are stronger than magnesium; however, magnesium floats are a lighter option. Magnesium floats are particularly good for smoothing the surface of the concrete out.
How soon can you finish concrete after pouring it?
0:538:14When To Start Finishing Concrete After The Pour - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's going to depend on how wet or how dry you pour the concrete. The wetter you pour the concreteMoreIt's going to depend on how wet or how dry you pour the concrete. The wetter you pour the concrete the longer it's going to be after you get done pouring before you start finishing. It's going to
Why do you power float concrete?
Power Floating concrete will make a concrete surface flatter and smoother but it will also make the surface denser too. This means the surface will last longer, be more attractive and easier to maintain.
What is a jitterbug for concrete?
The concrete tamper, or jitterbug as it is sometimes called, is used to embed aggregates down into the concrete mix. It is typically used on a "harsh mix." That means mix that has large aggregate. Use the tamper to push the aggregate into the slab, being sure to fill in voids left by your footprint in the mix.
What's the difference between a float and a trowel?
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.What is a Float? - Wonkee Donkee Toolshttps://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk › floats › what-is-a...https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk › floats › what-is-a...Search for: What's the difference between a float and a trowel?
How do you make concrete smooth and shiny?
Diamond polishing is one of the most common methods used to get a shiny glass-like surface. It uses industrial diamonds to smooth, grind, and ultimately polish the surface. The grit you use determines the level of sheen you'll get on your floors. The finer the abrasive grit, the better.How To Make Concrete Smooth And Shiny Like Glasshttps://paradigmconcretefl.com › how-to-make-concrete-s...https://paradigmconcretefl.com › how-to-make-concrete-s...Search for: How do you make concrete smooth and shiny?
When should I brush my concrete?
When it comes to brooming, timing is critical—brush too early and the surface will be weak, brush too late and there won't be enough texture. It must be done while the slab is still soft, but after the bleed water has dissipated. Depending on the weather, this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours.Broom Finish - When & How to Broom Concretehttps://www.concretenetwork.com › slip-resistant-coatingshttps://www.concretenetwork.com › slip-resistant-coatingsSearch for: When should I brush my concrete?
Do I need a float to finish concrete?
Finished concrete is intended to be flat and floating helps achieve that. It is important to float the concrete before excess moisture or bleed water rises to the surface and accumulates. Excess water can significantly weaken concrete; therefore, floating must occur before too much water bleeds to the surface.
Do I need a bull float for a sidewalk?
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.
Why do you use a magnesium float on concrete?
Magnesium. 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 a wood float used for in concrete?
Wood floats rough up the surface of concrete more than does magnesium, almost forcing moisture to the surface while opening the surface up (or increasing porosity) for surface applications of color, hardener, etc.
How do you make concrete floats?
Concrete can be made to float if it is shaped like a boat. A boat-shaped or hollow object will displace a volume of water greater than the actual volume of solid material in the object. The object is said to be “buoyant” when it floats due to low density.
Do you have to use a bull float on concrete?
After pouring the concrete and screeding it level, the bull float is the first tool we use when finishing the slab. The job must be done right after screeding because the concrete will still be wet enough to shape. This keeps the surface smooth without digging the magnesium board into the concrete by accident.
How long do you wait to float concrete?
Allow all of the water to disappear before you do anything else. This can take 20 minutes or 4 hours depending on the temperature, humidity and how hard the wind is blowing. After the bleed water is all gone, you can get out your steel finishing trowel and put on the final touches.
What is 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.
What defects can be caused by bull floating too soon?
When this occurs, the resulting weak or soft zone below the surface causes the top surface of the concrete to flake or scale off.
Why does magnesium float on concrete?
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. Most magnesium floats are extruded or cast. Molten magnesium can be cast into any shape desired.
How do you get a good finish on concrete?
Spread the concrete. Use a square shovel or a come-along tool to push and pull the wet concrete into place.
Why Should You Use Power-Floated Concrete?
While power floating concrete makes a concrete surface flatter and smoother, it also makes it denser. This results in a longer-lasting, more appealing, and easier-to-maintain surface.
When Should You Float Concrete?
When you’re through grooving and edging, float the concrete. Floating eliminates the edge markings and puts the surface one step closer to completion. If the concrete begins to firm, you may need to bear down on the float.
What Are Concrete Floats Made of?
Magnesium, aluminum, or wood floats are the most often used materials for decorative concrete work. Stainless steel, rubber, and laminated wood or canvas resin are less frequently used float materials. Bull floats feature a long handle that is used to push or pull the float across huge expanses of concrete.
How Much Does a Concrete Float Cost?
A 4-foot magnesium bull float with bracket costs between $100 and $125, while a 14-inch magnesium hand float costs $18. Wood floats are priced differently depending on the type of wood used, but are normally less expensive than magnesium.
What Is the Difference Between a Trowel and a Concrete Float?
A concrete float has a wider base than a trowel and is typically composed of plastic, sponge, rubber, wood, or magnesium – a light grey metal. It is used to level the surface of plaster or concrete, to make it firmer, and to impart any desired texture. The finish will be determined by the float selected.
What is the Purpose of Floating Concrete?
A concrete float is a tool used to smooth the surface of concrete. After leveling the surface with a screed, a float is utilized. Along with smoothing out surface defects, floating compacts the concrete in preparation for subsequent stages.
What is a power float concrete floor?
Power float concrete is a type of concrete finish achieved through the use of a machine designed to smooth and to some extent level a newly laid but hardened concrete floor after all bleed water has evaporated; a power float machine achieves this buffed and polished finish through the use of rotating circular pans.
How much does a truckload of concrete cost?
One full truckload of concrete is about 10 cubic yards and costs between $1,169 and $1,444 depending on the PSI mix. Anything less than a full truckload is considered a short load which adds $53 per cubic yard to your final price.
How much does a subbase cost?
For proper installation, a sub-base or sub-grade of gravel and sand that's delivered needs to be laid and compacted at $10 to $20 per cubic yard. A subbase reduces the possibility of shifting, resulting in less cracking. The foundation must be stable for the concrete to perform best.
How much does concrete cost?
The average cost of concrete is $119 to $147 per cubic yard, which includes delivery up to 20 miles. Pouring plain concrete costs $5 to $10 per square foot depending on the quality, while colored, stamped, or stained concrete costs $8 to $18 per square foot to install.
How long does it take for a cement truck to deliver concrete?
When you order concrete, cement trucks don't drive from house to house making deliveries. If pre-mixed, each order of concrete is mixed specifically according to the requirements of the job. Once the concrete is mixed, the driver has about 90 minutes, or 300 rotations of the truck's barrel, to deliver that load before the cement starts to set.
How much does it cost to install a 6" concrete slab?
A typical 6" thick concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot depending on the concrete quality and project size. Decorative options such as coloring, stamping, patterns, or special finishes bring the total installation cost to $8 to $18 per square foot. However, most concrete jobs are measured in cubic yards instead of square feet.
What is a short load concrete truck?
Short Load Concrete – Commonly used by residential contractors for small to medium-sized projects where the concrete is mixed on-site. The dry concrete usually fits in one truckload.
What is a lean mix of concrete?
A lean mix of concrete refers to a lower ratio of cement to liquid in the concrete. While this may not make a good driveway, it makes an excellent base layer for other types of concrete to go over. It helps to even out a rough terrain.
