Masonry Floats & Concrete Floats

About Masonry Floats & Concrete Floats

Masonry floats and concrete finishing floats for plasterers, concreters and masonry tradespeople. Our range covers hand floats, bull floats, walking floats and specialised concrete floats in magnesium, aluminium, wood and foam — all from professional-grade brands.

The choice of float material affects the surface texture of the finished concrete or render — magnesium floats are the most common choice for professional bricklaying and concrete work in the UK.

Browse related collections: [Brick Trowels](/collections/brick-trowels) | [Plastering Tools](/collections/plastering-tools) | [All Bricklaying & Masonry Tools](/collections/bricklaying-masonry-tools)

Fast UK delivery. Trade pricing available.

How to choose

**Choosing the right float for your application:**

1. **Magnesium float** — lightweight, does not corrode, leaves a smoother finish than aluminium. The standard choice for UK bricklaying and concrete work.
2. **Wood float** — traditional material, produces a textured 'wood float finish' on render. Requires wetting to prevent sticking.
3. **Plastic/PVC float** — lightweight, used for final texturing on sand and cement render. Produces a fine, uniform texture.
4. **Foam float** — used for textured decorative finishes. Available in coarse and fine cells for different effects.
5. **Bull float** — large flat float on a pole for finishing concrete slabs over large areas before trowelling. Essential for floor screed work.
Trade Tip

**Trade tip:** Dampen your float slightly before use on sand and cement render — a dry float drags and tears the surface. Keeping a small bucket of water on-site for wetting tools is a basic habit that produces significantly cleaner render finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a float and a trowel in plastering?

A float is used to apply and lightly compact the plaster or render, leaving a slightly textured surface. A finishing trowel is used after the float to burnish and smooth the surface to a fine finish. Floats are typically more rigid; trowels more flexible.

How do I clean a magnesium float?

Rinse under running water immediately after use before mortar or render sets. For hardened material, use a stiff brush and water. Avoid acid cleaners on magnesium as they will corrode the alloy.

Can I use a bull float for plastering walls?

No — bull floats are designed for horizontal concrete slab work. For wall plastering, use a standard hand float or a feather edge rule for ruling off.