DIY Builds
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Should I spray water on my concrete after it is poured?

Properly curing your concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and resistance for many years. The first 7 days after installation you should spray the slab with water 5-10 times per day, or as often as possible. Once the concrete is poured the curing process begins immediately.

How much does a wooden handicap ramp cost?
How much does a wooden handicap ramp cost?

between $100 and $250 per linear foot Wheelchair ramps made of wood typically cost between $100 and $250 per linear foot to install. Installing a...

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Can wood be too old to burn in a fireplace?
Can wood be too old to burn in a fireplace?

As long as your wood is seasoning properly and you don't need to burn it right away, there's no harm in waiting two, three or even four years....

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WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CURE MY NEW CONCRETE SLAB?

To get the strongest finish out of your new concrete slab for years to come we suggest taking the time to properly cure your new slab for at least 7 days after installation (28 days is ideal). Curing is the process of controlling the rate and extent of moisture loss from concrete during cement hydration. Curing plays an important role in strength development and durability of concrete. This is done by continuously wetting the exposed surface thereby preventing the loss of moisture from it. If water evaporates too quickly, it will weaken the finished product with stresses and cracking. To put it simply, the goal is to keep the concrete saturated during the first 28 days. The first 7 days after installation you should spray the slab with water 5-10 times per day, or as often as possible. Once the concrete is poured the curing process begins immediately. To protect your new slab and ensure an exceptional finished product you should wait 24 hours for foot traffic (including pets), 10 days to drive light vehicles or add furniture, and 28 days for heavy pick-up trucks and RVs. After 28 days the concrete is cured and you will have a strong and stable slab. After this point you can paint or stain your concrete if you’d like. Properly curing your concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and resistance for many years. To get the strongest finish out of your new concrete slab for years to come we suggest taking the time to properly cure your new slab for at least 7 days after installation (28 days is ideal). Curing is the process of controlling the rate and extent of moisture loss from concrete during cement hydration. Curing plays an important role in strength development and durability of concrete. This is done by continuously wetting the exposed surface thereby preventing the loss of moisture from it. If water evaporates too quickly, it will weaken the finished product with stresses and cracking. To put it simply, the goal is to keep the concrete saturated during the first 28 days.
What keeps copperheads away from your house?
What keeps copperheads away from your house?

Some of the most popular snake deterrents are West Indian lemongrass, onion plants, garlic plants, marigolds, and Viper's Bowstring Hemp to name a...

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What to use to fill gaps in shed?
What to use to fill gaps in shed?

Sealant. For a small investment you can also treat the walls and roof of your shed with a wood-based sealant. Applied with an easy to use gun,...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

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What is the thinnest concrete can be poured?

Pouring Too Thin This is the most common application for DIY concrete pouring. Be sure you never make your slab thinner than four inches for any application. Six inches is the minimum thickness for a concrete slab that may see any kind of heavy vehicle traffic.

Although a less common problem than concrete too wet, too dry is not good either. Portland cement is the active ingredient in concrete, and cement needs sufficient moisture to cure with full strength. If troweling a sample pile of concrete doesn’t create a smooth, wet, muddy surface in three strokes of the trowel, your concrete is probably too dry. Concrete can be strong and long lasting, but only if it’s thick enough. Are you pouring a concrete slab for a shed floor or DIY patio ? This is the most common application for DIY concrete pouring . Be sure you never make your slab thinner than four inches for any application. Six inches is the minimum thickness for a concrete slab that may see any kind of heavy vehicle traffic.

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Expecting Reinforcing Mesh to Stop Cracking

No one wants a concrete project to crack, but don’t put your trust in the kind of standard welded wire mesh typically used for concrete reinforcement. It won’t stop cracking, but it will hold the cracked concrete pieces together. Mixing your concrete with reinforcing fibers and using reinforcing rods laid down on a 12-in. x 16-in. grid pattern greatly reduces the chance of crack formation. Also, two weeks after pouring, use a masonry saw to make cuts one-third of the way through the thickness of your concrete slab. Make these cuts in a 10-ft. x 10-ft. grid pattern. Any slight cracks that may form will follow the saw cuts and be hidden by them.

Is sand a good base for concrete slab?
Is sand a good base for concrete slab?

As a general rule, stay away from using sand as a subbase. You're better off using gravel; your concrete will last longer and have less of a chance...

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What is the longest lasting exterior paint?
What is the longest lasting exterior paint?

Acrylic paint “Acrylic paint lasts the longest and is also known for resisting all sorts of damage caused by weather and other natural variables....

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »
How far apart do trusses need to be?
How far apart do trusses need to be?

Roof trusses should be 24” apart, on center. Trusses are allowed to be closer together, at either 12” or 16” on center, but building codes allow...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »
How to waterproof wood cheaply?
How to waterproof wood cheaply?

There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed...

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