Which tool would you select to achieve a smooth finish on a concrete surface?

Choosing a concrete finishing trowel is appropriate for achieving a smooth finish on a concrete surface because it is specifically designed for that purpose. A finishing trowel has a flat, smooth surface and is used to refine the concrete after it has been poured and leveled. This tool allows for detailed work, giving you the control needed to create a fine, polished surface. The flat blade glides over the concrete, compacting and finishing the top layer, which helps eliminate imperfections and enhances the overall texture.

In contrast, while a concrete float is useful for leveling and smoothing freshly poured concrete, it does not yield the same degree of smoothness as a finishing trowel. A power trowel, although effective for large areas, is generally used for commercial applications and may not provide the precision required for a flawless finish. Lastly, a paving trowel is typically employed for smaller jobs or in tight spaces and is not optimized for finishing larger concrete surfaces. Therefore, the finishing trowel stands out as the best tool for creating a smooth concrete finish.