Can you pour concrete directly on sandy soil?

If you're lucky enough to have sandy soil in your yard, you can simply remove the grass and topsoil and pour a layer of gravel for extra drainage. Make sure the surface is firm and level before you start pouring concrete as well.

lawrencetoolrental.com - Don't Make These Common Concrete Pouring Mistakes

Is it profitable to build a granny flat?

Generally, property values increase over time so you instantly increase the value of your property portfolio by building a granny flat on your...

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What's better Loglap or shiplap?

The answer to this question really depends on the look you are going for. If would like a more rustic log cabin design then you would most likely...

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Thinking about pouring a concrete slab for a new backyard patio this spring? This is a great weekend project that you can tackle on your own with the right preparation. If you haven’t had much experience working with concrete in the past, however, there are a few common errors you should keep in mind to make sure you get a great finished product.

Being Careless With the Mix

Different applications call for different concrete mixes, so make sure you get the right ratio of cement, sand and course aggregate before you start pouring. Add water to the mix gradually to ensure the concrete doesn’t get thin and runny. Ideally, the wet concrete should be the consistency of a smooth, thick paste. Adding too much or too little water can ultimately compromise the strength of your concrete slab.

Failing to Prep the Site

To prevent cracking and crumbling, concrete patios need to be built on solid, well-drained soil. If you live in a region with lots of clay in the soil, you will need to dig down further and backfill with layers of compacted sand and gravel. If you’re lucky enough to have sandy soil in your yard, you can simply remove the grass and topsoil and pour a layer of gravel for extra drainage. Make sure the surface is firm and level before you start pouring concrete as well. Line the perimeter of your patio with braced wooden forms to ensure the concrete stays within the desired area. These forms also need to be carefully leveled to prevent concrete from spilling over one side or another. Taking time with your prep work can make the final installation much easier.

Neglecting to Reinforce the Slab

Concrete is strong in many ways, but it lacks tensile strength which can make it vulnerable to cracking. To prevent cracks and make your patio as durable as possible, it’s a good idea to reinforce the slab with a steel mesh. This entails pouring about half of your concrete into the form, placing the pre-cut steel mesh and then pouring the rest of the concrete over the mesh. At Lawrence Tool Rental, our concrete buggies make it easy to move large volumes of concrete around your work site. Give us a call or contact us online to get the tools you need for your next DIY project today.

How much does a 8x8 shed cost to build?

The average cost to build a shed is $3,634, with most homeowners paying between $1,767 to $9,567 (or $20 to $175 per square foot). ... Cost...

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Is it worth insulating shed floor?

Insulating a shed floor will always reduce the internal height of the shed as you must layer insulating products above the already existing floor....

Last updated Mar 14, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Is rebar required in footings?

decks.com - Using Vertical Rebar for Concrete Footings - Decks.com

Using Rebar for Concrete Deck Footings

Plain concrete deck foundations without rebar are acceptable under the minimum standards of construction established in the International Residential Code. However, placing reinforcing steel within footings is a relatively easy and inexpensive practice that can provide increased performance. Footings with large bearing areas or unstable soil can benefit from adding rebar to prevent cracking. When rebar is placed within a footing, it should be completely encased in concrete by a minimum of 3 inches on all sides. When rebar is allowed to project out of the footings, it is susceptible to more rapid corrosion. Over time, rebar allowed to corrode into the footing can weaken the footing, creating areas subject to cracking.

What is the thinnest most effective insulation?

Thermablok® Aerogel is a revolutionary advancement in thermal technology offering the thinnest insulation available to prevent thermal and cold...

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How thick should the plywood be for a roof?

Standard roof sheathing thickness is ½” to ⅝” thick. If you are using OSB for your roof deck, then ⅝” is the recommended thickness. For plywood,...

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Should there be maggots in my compost?

Don't worry, maggots help break down compost pile Soldier fly larvae are voracious consumers of high nitrogen materials such as kitchen food scraps...

Last updated Nov 17, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

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Why is cardboard a good insulator?

As regards to its insulation properties, cardboard is actually a great insulator as it has poor thermal conductivity. The definition of...

Last updated Sep 23, 2018