With any concrete construction project, it’s important to pick the right finishing tools for the job. There are several tools on the market, and each is designed to serve a different function. The L. Suzio York Hill Companies, South Central Connecticut’s leading supplier of ready-mix concrete products — understands that picking the wrong tools will result in uneven concrete.

Whether you want to complete intricate concrete detail work, flawlessly blend surface color, or something in between, you should know some basic information about finishing tools. Here, the company shares the fundamentals on three types of concrete finishing tools:

• Trowels: These small, handheld tools are used to smooth paving concrete. There are two types of trowels: fresno and steel. Fresno trowels attach to long handles and are best used for quick work on large areas and intricate detail jobs. A basic fresno costs anywhere from $35 to $50. Steel trowels use blue, stainless, or high-carbon steel and are the ideal tool for compacting paving concrete. Depending on the size, steel trowels cost anywhere from $24 to $40.
• Groovers: This concrete finishing tool, normally made of bronze or stainless steel, is used to contain the locations of cracks when concrete starts to dry. This finishing tool has a V-shaped bit and comes with wood or comfort-grip handles. Although size affects price, you could pay $25 or more for a bronze groover. Heavy-gauge stainless steel versions cost $35, depending on size.
• Hand Floats: Floats are used to level ridges and smooth surfaces in paving concrete before troweling. This handy tool can also be used to blend color hardener. Floats use a wide range of materials, from aluminum to rubber, and vary in price.

Now that you know what tools to purchase when you go to the hardware store, make sure to get your ready-mix concrete products from The L. Suzio York Hill Companies. Connecticut’s leading concrete supplier services Hartford, New Haven, and all other areas in the South Central region of the state. To learn more about the company’s concrete, crushed stone, asphalt, and delivery services, call (203) 237-8421 or visit them online for details.