What is the term for a flat metal or wood pad used to create an even surface on concrete?

The term for a flat metal or wood pad used to create an even surface on concrete is referred to as a bullfloat. This tool is specifically designed to smooth and level newly poured concrete, bridging low spots and helping to remove imperfections from the surface. Its wide, flat design allows for efficient coverage of larger areas, essential for finishing the top layer of concrete after it has been poured.

The bullfloat is typically used after the initial setting of the concrete and before it cures completely. By using this tool, workers can achieve a uniform finish and ensure that the surface is suitable for subsequent treatments or coatings.

In contrast, a float (not to be confused with a bullfloat) is a smaller tool used later in the finishing process to achieve a finer finish on the concrete surface. A leveler generally refers to any process or tool aimed at leveling various surfaces but is not a specific tool for concrete finishing. Lastly, a screed is an essential tool used for leveling the concrete immediately after pouring, but it does not provide the smoothing effect that a bullfloat does. Each of these tools has a specialized function in the concrete finishing process, but the bullfloat is distinct in its ability to produce a smooth, level surface over larger areas.