If you plan carefully and are willing to put in physical labor, you can successfully complete your own concrete project. Pouring concrete can be intimidating--even a small mistake can have the potential to create a permanent problem. Take time to learn the proper steps before you start your project. If you've never worked with concrete, start with a small area like a sidewalk or a pad for a shed. Once you have determined the measurements of your project, contact a company that supplies premixed concrete in Schenectady, or in your area, to get a cost estimate. Doing a concrete job yourself instead of hiring a professional contractor can save you 30 to 50 percent. Tips on How to Pour Concrete - A successful concrete project starts with careful planning. Check with your city or county building department to see if you need a construction permit and how close to property lines you are allowed to build. Contact your local utility companies to mark the location of buried cables and wires.
- Be prepared with the proper tools before you start your job. You will need basic tools like a shovel, hammer, saw, tape measure, level, and some nails. Specific concrete tools like a tamper, float, concrete broom, trowel, and an edger can be purchased at a local hardware store. If your project requires you to remove more than a few inches of dirt, look into renting a skid loader or hiring an excavator.
- Clear the area of any obstacles including grass, rocks, shrubs, and old concrete. Remove the sod and topsoil from the base layer; a solid base will prevent cracking and movement. Use a hand tamper or a vibrating compacter to compact the gravel layer under the concrete. Use a straight edge to make sure the base is level and at the proper depth.
- Prepare a sturdy form around the perimeter of your project. Use clean, straight lumber to create your form. Brace the form by placing stakes approximately every four feet. In order to eliminate water buildup in the middle of your concrete, make sure your forms have a slight slope. For added stability, consider using wire mesh or rebar. Wire mesh will help prevent small cracks; rebar may offer more support for higher load-bearing surfaces.
- Calculate how much concrete you need to order by using an online concrete calculator or call a local concrete company and give them the measurements of your project. It's a good idea to order about 10% more than you think you need. Make sure you place your order a few days in advance since delivery schedules fill up quickly. Check the weather forecast before you decide when to pour your concrete. Hot, windy days cause the concrete to harden too quickly, and rain will ruin the surface.
- Make sure everything is ready before your concrete arrives. Check to make sure your forms are level, straight, and securely braced. Be prepared with a couple of heavy-duty wheelbarrows and several strong friends. Just before the concrete is due to arrive, dampen the base with water.
- When the concrete arrives, be prepared to move quickly. Distribute the concrete to the area farthest from the truck first and then move forward. Use a rake to roughly level the concrete along the way. As soon as the concrete is in the forms, start making it level with the forms using a screed board. Screeding is much easier with two people on the screed board and one person moving concrete with a rake or shovel.
- As soon as you are finished screeding, use a bull float to smooth the surface. If you need your concrete to have some traction, use a broom to create a design on the surface.
- Finalize the project by sealing the concrete. The sealant will help prevent cracks and discoloration. Concrete should be left to cure for 28 days.
When you are ready to tackle your concrete project, contact a company that delivers concrete in Schenectady, or in your home town.
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