Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Flatwork needs finishing tools for every stage of the pour, forms you can reuse and enough hands on pour day.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Bull float with handles | Leveling the slab after screeding | $519 (Bon Tool 48 in bull float kit with tote, Bon Tool) |
| Hand floats, edgers and groovers | Edges and control joints | Varies by brand |
| Finishing trowels | A smooth final finish | Varies by brand |
| Screed boards and a magnesium darby | Striking off and leveling | Varies by brand |
| Forming lumber, stakes and a form saw | Building forms | Varies by brand |
| Wheelbarrows and concrete rakes | Moving and spreading concrete | Varies by brand |
| Plate compactor rental | Compacting the base | Varies by brand |
| Rubber boots, gloves and knee boards | Working in wet concrete | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most concrete contractors buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Power trowel | Larger slabs and garage floors | Varies by brand |
| Concrete saw | Cutting control joints | Varies by brand |
| Laser level | Grade and elevation | Varies by brand |
| Skid steer or mini excavator access | Excavation and grading | Varies by brand |
| Concrete mixer | Small pours and repairs | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Rebar, wire mesh and chairs. Reinforcement.
- Expansion joint material. Every slab.
- Curing compound and sealer. Finishing.
- Form release and stakes. Forms.
- Bagged concrete. Small patches.
What a concrete kit costs
The 1 starter kit items we could price add up to $519 at the maker's listed price, out of 8 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 5 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The power trowel, saw and equipment access swing the total most. Many finishers rent the big gear by the day.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most concrete contractors buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our concrete suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the concrete services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Bon Tool: Bon Tool 48 in bull float kit with tote, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for concrete contractors, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.