There are a few basic tools needed for basic concrete work. Wet concrete will crack and dry out bare skin so be sure to get waterproof gloves and boots. A watering can is used for measuring water and adding it into the concrete mix. 50-foot steel tape measure. A bucket will be needed for measuring cement and aggregate. Wheelbarrows can help with hauling small batches.

For the tools that are for concrete specifically, you will have to buy or make. A Steel finishing trowel to give the concrete a more smooth, hard surface, finish. A wood float for leveling off the concrete and to give it a rough surface. You will also need a groover or jointer for cutting joints between slabs. A Trowel to place mortar on blocks. A square shovel for mixing and placing concrete. To round off edges on concrete slabs, you will need an edger. A strike-off board or straight edge is used for removing excess concrete and to grade the surface. Use an unwarped 2×4 long enough for extending 6-inches beyond the sides of the slab. A bull-float for smoothing and leveling the surface. A four-foot spirit level for true horizontal and vertical lines on foundations, paths, and walls. To lay the concrete plumb, level, and aligned, you will need Mason’s line and pins or blocks.

Information sponsored by M3 Industries of St. George, UT.