What float sizes are available?
What float sizes are available? |
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Sponge float sizes |
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Sponge floats range in size from small ones of about 200mm (8″) long, meant for use in plastering and grouting, up to mortar sponge floats which can be as long as 460mm (18″). Some are also available in different widths.
Sponge floats are available in dense, medium and coarse grades. The smaller, denser ones are most suitable for use with wet plaster. |
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Rubber float sizes |
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Rubber floats again come in various sizes. Those used for grouting tend to be smaller than those for plaster or render, to make it easier to get into narrow grout lines.
Margin floats are the smallest type of rubber float, at just 60mm (2½”) wide – ideal for reaching awkward spaces when grouting kitchens and bathrooms. |
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Magnesium float sizes |
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Magnesium floats are available in several sizes, ranging from 300-500mm (12-20″) long and from 75mm (3″) to 100mm (4″) wide.
The smaller ones are good for going round the edges of concrete and smoothing the corners, whereas the longer floats are more suitable for large areas. |
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Wooden float sizes |
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Wooden floats vary greatly in size. Most are around 280mm (11″) long and about 120mm (5″) wide.
Some are long and thin – up to 460x75mm (18 x3″) – and are used mainly for smoothing concrete. |
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Plastic float sizes |
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Plastic floats are available both in small and medium sizes, for floating plaster, and large sizes for working on render and concrete.
You can get mini pointed floats measuring just 150x45mm (6×1¾”) for getting into tight spaces, all-round medium floats of around 280x110mm (11″x4½”) and large rendering floats up to 460x150mm (18×6″). |
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Big vs. small float |
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Is big always beautiful? Both large and small floats have their place. Obviously, if you’ve got a wide open expanse of wall to deal with then it’s tempting to go for the biggest float around.
But the larger the float, the heavier both it and the plaster will be to move around the wall. If you’re new to plastering, a medium-sized float may be a safer bet – plus a small one for tight corners. |
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