If you’re crafty or looking to save some money on a renovation, you might be tempted to DIY a new concrete patio. While this project is doable for some homeowners, it can lead to disaster if not prepared for properly. In today’s blog, we’ll explain some ways the project can go wrong so you know how to avoid them when doing your own. For more renovation tips for projects big and small, check out our blog.
Problem 1: No Concrete Form
When pouring concrete for a sidewalk, patio, or even a countertop, you’ll need a concrete form. This frame holds the concrete in place while it dries and helps it set up in the exact correct shape. If you try to attempt a patio without a form, you’ll end up with sloppy edges and a patio that won’t hold its shape while drying, leading to cracks and unlevel surfaces.
Problem 2: No Level
While the top surface of the poured concrete needs to be level to create a beautiful, even surface that’s free of ridges, the ground below it has to be level too. In fact, this step should be done before the concrete is mixed. Prepare for your new patio properly by prepping the surface it’s going on, including a nice smooth landscape for the concrete to rest on. If it’s not completely level, the construction can easily crack later on, which will cost you money in repairs.
Problem 3: No Measurements
If you don’t know the exact right measurements, you could end up with the wrong space prepared, an ill-fitting form, or the wrong amount of concrete. Remember the saying, “Measure twice; cut once?” The same goes for concrete, but instead, measure twice and pour once.
Use these tips to construct a beautiful yard fixture that can be enjoyed by family and friends for years to come. Feel like it’s worth it to enlist the pros? Visit our website for a free quote on your home project.