Floats

About Floats

Plastering floats are essential hand tools used to apply, spread, and smooth various materials including plaster, render, concrete, and grout across walls, floors, and ceilings. Available in a range of materials and designs, each type of float serves a specific purpose in achieving professional finishes across different plastering and rendering applications. From traditional wooden floats to modern polyurethane and magnesium alternatives, these versatile tools remain indispensable for achieving smooth, level surfaces in construction and renovation work.

The material composition of a float significantly affects its performance and suitability for specific tasks. Sponge floats excel at finishing and cleaning tile grout, whilst rubber floats are ideal for texture rendering. Polyurethane and polystyrene floats offer lightweight durability for general plastering work, and wooden floats provide the traditional surface texture preferred for certain finishes. Magnesium floats combine strength with reduced weight, making them popular for large-scale plastering projects where arm fatigue can become an issue during extended use.

Quality floats from trusted brands like Marshalltown, Draper, Faithfull, and Tyzack are built to withstand the rigours of professional site work whilst delivering consistent results. Whether you're skimming plaster, applying external render, grouting tiles, or finishing concrete, having the right float for the job ensures efficient application and a superior finish that meets professional standards.

Jargon Buster

• Float: A flat-surfaced hand tool used to spread and smooth plaster, render, concrete, or grout. The material of the float's face determines its specific application and the finish it produces.
• Skimming: The process of applying a thin, final coat of plaster to create a smooth surface ready for decoration. Typically requires a plastering float with a smooth face for achieving a level finish.
• Rendering: Applying a protective and decorative coating of cement-based mortar to external walls. Render floats often have textured or rubber faces to achieve specific surface patterns.
• Grout Float: A specialised float with a rubber or sponge face designed specifically for pushing grout into the joints between tiles and cleaning excess material from tile surfaces.
• Magnesium Float: A lightweight yet durable float made from magnesium alloy, offering superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to wooden floats, reducing user fatigue during extended plastering sessions.
• Straight Grain: Refers to wooden floats with parallel wood grain running the length of the float, providing optimal strength and consistent surface texture when floating plaster or concrete.

Who Uses Floats?

Plastering floats are essential tools for a diverse range of construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts:

• Plasterers and Renderers: Professional tradespeople who rely on various float types daily for applying and finishing plaster and render to walls and ceilings
• Tilers: Use grout floats and sponge floats extensively for grouting between tiles and achieving clean, professional finishes
• Bricklayers: Employ floats for finishing concrete and mortar work, particularly on block and brickwork projects
• General Builders: Require floats for various finishing tasks across different aspects of construction work
• Maintenance Workers: Use floats for repair work, patching, and restoration projects in commercial and residential properties
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners tackling bathroom tiling, wall plastering, or repair projects benefit from having appropriate floats for achieving professional-looking results
• Concrete Finishers: Specialists who use floats for levelling and finishing concrete floors, paths, and driveways

How to Choose the Right Floats

Selecting the appropriate float depends on several key factors related to your specific application:

Material Application: Different materials require different float types. Sponge floats are ideal for grouting and cleaning tiles, rubber floats work best for textured render finishes, polyurethane and polystyrene floats suit general plastering work, whilst wooden floats remain the traditional choice for achieving specific plaster textures and concrete finishing.

Surface Area and Project Scale: For large-scale commercial plastering, lightweight magnesium floats reduce arm fatigue during extended use. Smaller projects or detailed work may benefit from more compact floats that offer greater control. Consider the size of the float relative to the surfaces you'll typically be working on.

Handle Design and Comfort: Ergonomic handle design significantly impacts user comfort during prolonged use. Look for floats with comfortable grips that suit your hand size and working style. Some floats feature open handles whilst others have closed grips – personal preference and the specific task should guide your choice.

Build Quality and Durability: Professional-grade floats from established brands like Marshalltown, Draper, and Faithfull offer superior longevity and consistent performance. Check that handles are securely attached and that float faces are properly bonded to backing boards to withstand regular cleaning and the rigours of site work.

Specialist Requirements: Consider whether you need specialist floats for specific tasks such as deep sponge floats for extensive grout cleaning, rigid plastic floats for durability on rough surfaces, or lightweight options for overhead ceiling work where weight becomes a critical factor.

Popular Accessories

To maximise efficiency and achieve professional results when using floats, consider these complementary products:

• Hawk Boards: Essential for holding plaster or render whilst working, allowing efficient material transfer to the float
• Mixing Paddles: Power tool attachments for preparing consistent batches of plaster, render, or grout
• Plastering Trowels: Used alongside floats for applying and finishing plaster, particularly for edge work and corners
• Sponges and Cleaning Cloths: For wiping down sponge floats and cleaning tile surfaces after grouting
• Buckets and Mixing Containers: For preparing materials and cleaning tools between applications
• Knee Pads and Protective Wear: Essential PPE for floor work when using floats on horizontal surfaces
• Spirit Levels: Ensuring surfaces are level when floating plaster or concrete
• Dust Sheets and Site Protection: Protecting surrounding areas during plastering and rendering work

Safety Information

Whilst floats are relatively simple hand tools, observing proper safety practices ensures comfortable and injury-free use:

Hand and Wrist Health: Repetitive floating motions can strain muscles and joints. Take regular breaks during extended plastering sessions, vary your working position, and ensure your float handle provides adequate grip comfort. Properly warming up before starting work and maintaining good technique helps prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Material Hazards: Many plastering and rendering materials contain substances that can irritate skin. Always wear appropriate gloves when working with cement-based products, and wash hands thoroughly after use. Consult COSHH data sheets for specific materials you're working with, and ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors.

Tool Maintenance: Keep floats clean and in good condition. Dried plaster or render on float surfaces can scratch fresh work and reduce effectiveness. Clean floats immediately after use, and check regularly that handles remain securely attached to prevent accidents during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a plastering float and a trowel?

A float has a larger, flatter surface and is used primarily for spreading and levelling material, whilst a trowel has a smaller blade and is used for applying material and achieving very smooth finishes. Floats are typically used before trowels in the plastering process – the float levels and smooths, then the trowel provides the final polished finish.

Can I use the same float for plaster and grout?

It's not recommended. Plaster and render floats typically have polyurethane, wooden, or metal faces, whilst grout floats have rubber or sponge faces specifically designed for pushing grout into tile joints and cleaning tile surfaces. Using the wrong type can damage both the float and your work surface, producing poor results.

How do I clean and maintain my plastering float?

Clean floats immediately after use before materials dry. For plaster and render, scrape off excess material then wash with clean water. Sponge floats should be rinsed thoroughly and wrung out. Wooden floats benefit from occasional light sanding to maintain their texture. Store floats flat in a dry location to prevent warping, and check handles regularly to ensure they remain securely attached.

Why would I choose a magnesium float over a traditional wooden float?

Magnesium floats offer significant weight savings compared to wooden floats whilst maintaining excellent strength and durability. This reduced weight helps prevent arm fatigue during extended plastering sessions, making them particularly popular for large commercial projects. They also resist warping and provide consistent performance in various weather conditions, though some plasterers still prefer wooden floats for the specific texture they impart to traditional plaster finishes.

What size float should I buy for general plastering work?

For general plastering, a float measuring approximately 350-400mm in length provides a good balance between coverage and control. This size suits most wall and ceiling applications whilst remaining manageable for detailed work. However, your choice should also consider the typical scale of your projects – larger commercial work may benefit from bigger floats for efficiency, whilst renovation and repair work might require more compact sizes for accessing restricted areas.