The first step in preparing a site for concrete is for masons to set the forms that hold the concrete. The forms must be set to the proper depth and aligned. Masons direct the pouring of the concrete and supervise the laborers who spread it. Next they guide a straightedge across the top of the concrete to level it. Then masons smooth the concrete with a bull float, a long-handled tool.
Finishers then press an edger between the forms and the concrete.
They guide the tool along the edge to give the concrete slightly rounded edges. Next they use a tool to make grooves at specific intervals in the concrete. Finishers then trowel the surface with a powered or hand trowel to remove any imperfections. As a final step, masons re-trowel the concrete back and forth to create a smooth surface. For concrete that is not supposed to have a smooth surface, masons brush the surface with a broom or stiff brush.