Concrete 101: The Supplies You Need for Concrete Work

The Concrete Supplies You Need at Each Stage of a Concrete Job

If you’re taking on concrete jobs, you know that equipment is a big deal. It’s the reason you’re able to get straight lines and flat surfaces. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about flatwork, patios, pads, or decorative. You need equipment that will help keep the job on track. At KC Bobcat, we work with contractors, property owners, and crews who do this every day. Check out the tools will make your life easier on every stage of a concrete job. 

Tools for Prepping the Base

The strength of your concrete starts with what’s underneath. Compact the base to avoid shifting later on, then reinforce it with rebar or mesh to help the slab hold together.

Rammer

A rammer compacts soil tight. It’s good for big job sites and small, narrow spaces. We carry Multiquip rammers as small as the MTR40HF and as big as the MTX80HDR. 

Plate Compactor

Plate compactors flatten and pack the base evenly. You usually use a plate compactor before you pour. We like Multiquip’s reversible plate compactor models. 

Rebar Bundles

These are steel bars that strengthen the concrete and reduce cracking. At KC Bobcat, we stock rebar bundles in multiple sizes that you can buy in small or large quantities. 

Wire Mesh

Wire mesh is the grid of steel wire laid in the form to help hold the slab together. Our availability depends on the location, so your best bet is to contact us for the most accurate information about wire mesh for concrete. 

Tools for Pouring & Moving

Once your forms are set, it’s time to get the mix in place. At this stage, you’ll need to move concrete quickly, keep it consistent, and stay ahead of the pour. 

Buggy (Track or AWD)

Buggies move wet concrete fast from the mixer to the pour site. We carry track and all-wheel drive concrete buggies by Multiquip. 

Plaster/Mortar Mixer

Mixers blend small batches of concrete, mortar, or grout evenly. Having a plaster/mortar mixer on a job site will make you a lot more flexible, especially if you’re doing more than just one big pour. We’ve got a lot of Multiquip mixer models available, so your best bet is to check out our inventory online. 

Tools for Finishing the Surface

This is where the job starts to take shape. A good finish means no dips and no high spots, so the right tools will make it easy to smooth out the slab of concrete.

Screed

Screeds level fresh concrete. There are lots of different kinds of manual, handheld, and walk-behind screeds. At KC Bobcat, we carry magnesium screeds by Kraft Tool, kangaroo screeds by Bon Tool, and vibratory screeds by Multiquip. 

Trowel

A trowel smooths and compacts the surface after screeding, giving it a more finished look. We carry mini, margin, finishing, and pool hand trowels by Marshalltown. We also carry large walk-behind and ride-on trowels by Multiquip. 

Edgers and Groovers

Edgers round off the slab’s edges, and groovers cut shallow lines to help control cracking. We have both Kraft Tool edgers and groovers available. For the most accurate pricing and inventory on Kraft Tools, contact your Supplies sales rep. 

DAY1 Finishing Aid

DAY1 is a finishing aid you spray on while you’re floating or troweling. It will keep the surface workable for a longer time, especially when it’s hot, dry, or windy.  

Tools for Sealing & Protecting

Once the slab is cured and cut, sealing helps protect it from the elements. It’s the last step of the process, and it will keep your work looking good long after the job’s done. 

Concrete Sealers

Concrete sealers protect against moisture and stains. It’s super important to have the right sealer for the job, which is why we carry multiple sealer options by Brickform. 

Tools for Cutting

These tools can be used at multiple stages of the process. At the beginning, when you’re prepping the base, you may need to cut rebar. Once the concrete’s down, you’ll need to cut control joints to help prevent cracking. You might also need to trim edges along the way.

Handheld Power Cutter

A handheld saw works great for clean concrete cuts. It can also come in handy if you need to cut through hard items like rebar. We carry multiple handheld power cutter models, both wet and dry, by Husqvarna. Check them out on our website for the most up-to-date availability. 

Walk-Behind or Ride-On Concrete Saw

If you’re looking for a saw that will cut relief joints in newly poured concrete, we’d go with a larger Husqvarna concrete saw. We have walk-behind and ride-on models, with a wide range of cutting depths and blade sizes. 

Come & Check Out Our Concrete Supplies

No matter how long you’ve been in concrete, our Supplies team can help you figure out what products you need. We’ve got the tools, the brands, and the know-how to back you up. Stop by or give us a call to get started!