Sometimes, it’s better to call in the pros than to attempt a project on your own.

Tolley Concrete is here and ready to help with all of your concrete needs. However, we do understand that sometimes you want to tackle a project yourself. While there’s nothing wrong with that, concrete pouring can be a little tricky, though, especially if you’ve never done it before. There are a few things that can easily go wrong and undermine the quality of your completed project. 

Why DIY Concrete Isn’t Always a Great Idea

There are several challenging aspects to pouring concrete that you need to keep in mind if you choose to handle the task yourself. Here are a few things to remember.

  • Safety first. Concrete is relatively safe to work with, but you still need to use protection for your eyes, ears, skin, and respiratory system. A face mask, safety glasses, alkali-resistant gloves, long pants and sleeves, and work boots are necessary. Use ear plugs when operating heavy machinery.
  • The right tools. Using the wrong tools can result in a poor quality finished product. You’ll need a large wheelbarrow, electric concrete mixer, bull float or darby, magnesium float, heavy-duty concrete groover, and a broom or concrete brush.
  • The water to concrete ratio. It is vital that you have the correct ratio of water to concrete mix. Do not add extra water to soften the mixture, as this can lead to a runny mix that compromises the strength of the concrete.
  • Preparing the ground. This involves more than simply clearing the plants and debris from the area. You’ll also need to use a plate compactor to compress the underlying soil and create a firm base in order to prevent cracks as the concrete settles. 
  • Consider the weather. Obviously you’ll want to do your work in nice weather, but you also need to consider your area’s climate. Freezing winters require the use of air-entrained concrete for best results.

Let the Professionals Help

If this seems overwhelming or you want to make sure your project comes out right this every time, we can help! Call Tolley Concrete to make sure it is done right. We are happy to provide you an estimate, so give us a call at (863) 324-1100.