Best Finishing Trowels of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Finishing trowels are essential tools for any professional or DIY enthusiast who wants to achieve a smooth and polished finish on concrete, plaster, or other surfaces. These tools are designed to help you spread and level materials evenly, without leaving any lumps or bumps behind. Finishing trowels are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, each one suitable for different types of jobs. Whether you're working on a large construction project or a small home renovation, a high-quality finishing trowel can make all the difference in achieving a flawless finish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

REFINA PLAZIFLEX 14" Foam Backed Plaster Trowel Cover #TOP 1
REFINA PLAZIFLEX 14" Foam Backed Plaster Trowel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NELA 18" Black Edition Finishing Trowel Cover #TOP 2
NELA 18" Black Edition Finishing Trowel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NELA 14" Black Edition Finishing Trowel Cover #TOP 3
NELA 14" Black Edition Finishing Trowel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Finishing Trowels

#TOP 1

REFINA PLAZIFLEX 14" Foam Backed Plaster Trowel

228174N
Black,Silver,Blue
REFINA PLAZIFLEX 14" Foam Backed Plaster Trowel Cover
REFINA PLAZIFLEX Plastering Trowel -14" x 5.5" (350mm x 140mm) 1mm Foam Backed Plaster Trowel - Lightweight Interchangeable Plastering Tools for Gypsum Plaster & Skim Coat

The REFINA PLAZIFLEX Trowel is designed to enhance your plastering experience. Its flexible design reduces drag, allowing you to achieve precise results faster, especially in tight curves. With its specialised flexible plastic, you can trust this trowel to deliver consistent, superior finishes on your projects. Its lightweight construction means you can work comfortably for longer periods, helping you create intricate details without fatigue. This trowel sets a new standard for professional plastering tools.

What We Like
Flexible for precise results
Lightweight for comfortable use
Interchangeable blades for versatility
Engineered for superior performance
#TOP 2

NELA 18" Black Edition Finishing Trowel

black
NELA 18" Black Edition Finishing Trowel Cover
NELA 18" x 4.72" Black Edition Plastering Finishing Trowel

The NELA Black Edition Trowel is an essential tool for achieving a perfect finish in plastering. Its generous size of 18 inches by 4.72 inches allows you to cover larger areas efficiently, saving you time on your projects. The high-quality design ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. With the NELA brand, you can trust in its performance and craftsmanship, giving you confidence in your plastering work.

What We Like
Large coverage area
Durable construction
Trusted brand quality
#TOP 3

NELA 14" Black Edition Finishing Trowel

SKU9087
Black
NELA 14" Black Edition Finishing Trowel Cover
NELA 14" x 4.72" Black Edition Plastering Finishing Trowel

The NELA Black Edition Trowel is a high-quality plastering tool designed for a smooth finish. Its 14" x 4.72" size allows you to cover large areas efficiently, making your plastering tasks quicker and easier. With the durable construction from Nela, you can expect long-lasting performance that withstands regular use. The sleek black design not only looks professional but also ensures that you have a reliable tool at your disposal for achieving flawless surfaces. This trowel is perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Efficient large area coverage
Durable and long-lasting
Sleek professional design
#TOP 4

QLT by MARSHALLTOWN Concrete Finishing Trowel

Marshalltown - FT164
Carbon Steel
16 x 4 Inch
QLT by MARSHALLTOWN Concrete Finishing Trowel Cover
QLT by MARSHALLTOWN Concrete Finishing Trowel, Square Shank Mounting, 16 x 4 Inch Carbon Steel Blade with Soft Grip Handle, Concrete Tools, FT164

The Marshalltown Finishing Trowel is designed to help you achieve a smooth finish on your concrete surfaces. Featuring a soft grip handle, it ensures increased comfort during use, making your work less tiring. The tempered, polished carbon steel blade provides durability and efficiency, allowing for a professional finish. Additionally, the square shank mounting prevents the handle from turning, giving you better control while working. This trowel measures 16 x 4 inches, making it suitable for various finishing tasks.

What We Like
Comfortable soft grip handle
Durable carbon steel blade
Prevents handle from turning
Achieves smooth concrete finish
Various blade sizes available
#TOP 5

R.S.T. 11-Inch Lightweight Finishing Trowel

RST
RST6025
Blue
R.S.T. 11-Inch Lightweight Finishing Trowel Cover
R.S.T. Lightweight Finishing Trowel Rtr6025, Blue

The R.S.T. Finishing Trowel features a wool finish that provides a smooth application on surfaces, making your work easier. Its generous size of 11 inches by 4.5 inches allows for efficient coverage, helping you to complete tasks more quickly. The plastic handle offers a comfortable grip, ensuring that you can work for extended periods without discomfort. Additionally, the carbon steel blade is durable and designed for long-lasting performance, making it an excellent choice for your finishing needs.

What We Like
Comfortable plastic handle
Durable carbon steel blade
Generous size for coverage
Smooth wool finish
#TOP 6

TOOLTY Ultra Flexible Stainless Steel Trowel

TLTY8047
TOOLTY Ultra Flexible Stainless Steel Trowel Cover
Toolty Ultra Flexible Plaster Finishing Skimming Trowel - Stainless Steel Finishing Hand Tool - with Soft Grip Handle - 14 inch - TLTY8047

The TOOLTY Finishing Trowel features a flexible, springy 0.3 mm thick stainless steel blade, making it ideal for smooth finishes without scratches. Its double blade design, with rounded corners, helps to prevent damage to surfaces while you work. You will appreciate the ergonomically designed handle, crafted from rubber and plastic, which offers a comfortable, non-slip grip. This well-balanced trowel provides you with full control, ensuring your plastering tasks are efficient and precise.

What We Like
Flexible stainless steel blade
Rounded corners prevent scratches
Ergonomic, comfortable handle
Well-balanced for control
Lightweight and efficient
#TOP 7

OX Pro UltraFlex 14 Inch Finishing Trowel

OX-P530114
Multi-Colour
OX Pro UltraFlex 14 Inch Finishing Trowel Cover
OX Pro UltraFlex Finishing Trowel 14in / 355 x 110 mm

The OX Pro Finishing Trowel is a reliable tool for achieving a smooth finish on various surfaces. Its 14-inch size allows for efficient coverage, making your finishing work quicker and easier. The flexible blade helps you to adapt to different surfaces, ensuring that you can achieve the desired finish without hassle. With its durable construction, this trowel is designed to withstand regular use, providing you with long-lasting performance and reliability in your projects.

What We Like
Durable construction
Flexible blade
14-inch size
Efficient coverage
Reliable performance
#TOP 8

Nela FLEX II 16 Gold Trowel with Cork Grip

10884011BK
Nela FLEX II 16 Gold Trowel with Cork Grip Cover
Nela FLEX II 16 Trowel Gold Edition

The Nela FLEX II Trowel offers a fantastic experience with its ergonomic Biko cork grip, ensuring comfort during use. The high-quality stainless steel blade provides durability and a smooth finish, making your tasks easier and more efficient. With a new high secure bond, you can rely on its strength while working. Additionally, the rounded edges prevent damage to surfaces, giving you peace of mind as you work on your projects.

What We Like
Comfortable cork grip
Durable stainless steel blade
Strong high secure bond
Safe rounded edges
#TOP 9

Marshalltown MXS13 13x5in Finishing Trowel

MXS13
Silver
13 x 5in
Marshalltown MXS13 13x5in Finishing Trowel Cover
Marshalltown Mxs13 Plasterers Finishing Trowel 13 X 5in, Silver

The Marshalltown MXS13 Trowel features a blade crafted from high-quality hardened and tempered carbon steel, ensuring both strength and excellent performance for your plastering tasks. The aluminium alloy mountings are fully heat treated, providing durability and a perfect fit between handle and post. As the trowels are not welded, you won’t face embrittlement issues that could lead to premature breaking. Additionally, the shaped wooden handle is designed to attach firmly to the diamond shank, preventing any unwanted turning during use, which means greater control for you.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel blade
Heat-treated aluminium mountings
No premature breaking
Secure handle attachment
#TOP 10

Nela Black Edition Plastering Trowel with Cork Handle

Gndie/Ba2493
Multicolor
Nela Black Edition Plastering Trowel with Cork Handle Cover
Nela Black Edition Plastering Finishing Trowel, 16x4.72in, Alloy Steel, Modern, Ergonomic Grip, Stainless Steel Blade, Cork Handle

The Nela Black Edition Trowel is a versatile tool designed for finishing plaster work. Its stainless steel blade offers durability and smooth application, ensuring high-quality finishes for your projects. The ergonomic grip provides comfort during long usage, reducing hand fatigue. Additionally, the cork handle enhances your grip, making it easier to control the trowel. Whether you're a professional or a DIY enthusiast, this trowel will help you achieve excellent results with ease.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel blade
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Cork handle for better control
Versatile for various plastering tasks
High-quality finish results
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best finishing trowel?

Most professional plasterers will recommend a carbon steel Trowel because they simply can't be beaten. The rubber handle provides optimum grip with comfort during high-pressure moments.

2. What is the difference between a plastering trowel and a finishing trowel?

Application of the Finish Coat requires the edge of the plastering trowel has to be perfectly flat, smooth and free from any nicks - if a good finish is to be obtained so whereas any trowel can be used for the backing coat a good trowel that is in good condition is a must if a good finish is to be achieved.

3. What is a plastering finishing trowel?

Plastering trowels are used for scooping or spreading plaster or other similar materials. Made from a handle and a flat metal blade, there is a range of plastering or finishing trowels with soft handles for your comfort.

Editor's Notes

During our finishing trowel research, we found 291 finishing trowel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,194 customer reviews through our big data system to write the finishing trowels list. We found that most customers choose finishing trowels with an average price of £50.72.

The finishing trowels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of finishing trowels, including Refina, Nela, Marshalltown, RST, TOOLTY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 281 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.