A bull float is a concrete finishing tool that smooths fresh concrete surfaces. It features a long handle attached to a flat wood, aluminum or magnesium piece called a float. A bull float is used after the cement has been pressed down, or tamped. Bull floats are considered a basic and essential concrete finishing tool.

The handle of a bull float can measure anywhere from 4 feet (1.2 m) to 16 feet (4.9 m) long. Handles may be a threaded or a snap in type. The float includes an attachment that accepts one of the handle styles. A universal adapter that fits either a snap or threaded handle can be purchased at many tool supply stores. A bracket assembly on the bull float allows the angle to be adjusted to different positions so that the float can reach the concrete surface at the particular angle needed for each job.

The float is available in many different lengths, but the width is usually 8 inches (20.3 cm). The ends of the float may be circular or rectangular in shape. A bull float must be lightweight so that the user doesn't get overly fatigued.

Bull floating is done before the concrete surface becomes excessively moist. A bull float evens out the concrete surface and makes it level. But, bull floating not only flattens and smooths, it also presses down any large aggregate so that the result is a more solid concrete. Aggregate is the ingredients used in making concrete. These may include gravel, sand and stone.

Using a bull float properly requires strong organizational skills since bull floating must be done while the concrete is still workable, or plastic, rather than set too much. The angle and amount of pressure used on a bull float is important also. You can't push it or the cement work already done could be ruined. Usually, several passes with a bull float are needed to ensure that the surface is as smooth and as flat as it can be. This takes time and patience as another smoothing with the bull float may need to be done after the concrete reaches another stage in the hardening process.