When you have a project that requires concrete, one of the most challenging aspects is figuring out how much you’re going to need. You do not have to be an engineer or mathematician to do the calculations, but it doesn’t hurt to have an idea of the basic math used to estimate the correct amount. […]
Read moreFor many homeowners, the summer months are ideal for spending time outside and especially for creating new outdoor entertaining spaces. Outdoor concrete surfaces, such as patios, porches and pool surrounds, are the perfect areas to congregate and enjoy beautiful weather, holidays and time with family. Are you thinking about adding a new concrete area or […]
Read moreDeicers, such as the salts used in snow melt products, can have an adverse effect on concrete surfaces, showing up as cracks or scaling. Scaling is the flaking or peeling of a finished concrete surface, and is typically a result of the presence of moisture and deicing salt on concrete during freezing and thawing. According […]
Read moreSo, you’ve decided to be industrious and do your own concrete work. You’ve done some research on what tools to buy, how much concrete you need and even scheduled a day off from work to bust out this project. Your friends and neighbors have chimed in with a mountain of tips and even offered up […]
Read moreForms hold newly-poured concrete in place while it dries and hardens. After the concrete has fully dried, the forms are removed to reveal the final product. Understanding proper concrete forming is important if you’re considering a home project, like a walkway or patio. Improper forming can have disastrous consequences on any project. But forming doesn’t […]
Read moreSloping a concrete patio or walkway is critical to provide the drainage it needs. Concrete that is not sloped properly will not drain. This is great news for mosquitos, who will use pooling water as a breeding ground. And concrete that slopes toward your home, instead of away, can lead to rot and mold. The […]
Read moreWhether it’s for a shed, stair landing, dog kennel or hot tub, a small concrete pad is an easy and inexpensive home improvement project. Turn that section of matted grass into a functional and practical surface with a little elbow grease and this know-how. First, a disclosure: This guide isn’t meant to be a concrete-project […]
Read moreOnly three things are certain in life: death, taxes and cracks in concrete. We can’t help you with the first two, but, fortunately, there are some steps you can take to postpone the inevitable cracks in concrete. First, make sure to properly prepare the subgrade before pouring concrete. While it’s drying, concrete contracts and shrinks—which […]
Read moreAs the days of summer are now upon us, there is nothing as satisfying as walking with a pair of flip flops and pitcher of fresh beverages ready to serve a crew of eager friends as the tiki torches burn. That old concrete floor that you are walking across can kind of give off […]
Read moreIs It Better To Paint or Stain a Concrete Patio? A patio is the perfect location for outdoor entertaining and it can be used year-round in many places. Even in the coldest months of the year, a firepit or outdoor heater can transform a patio into an exterior living space. If you’re the type who […]
Read moreSloping a concrete patio or walkway is critical to provide the drainag [...]
Is It Better To Paint or Stain a Concrete Patio? A patio is the perfec [...]