Concrete

Concrete is where I keep my step-by-step guides for planning, pouring, and finishing concrete projects.

Topics include base prep, forms, reinforcement, thickness, mixing and placing, finishing, curing, sealing, and long-term durability. I also cover troubleshooting—what to do when concrete cracks, scales, dusts, or cures unevenly.

If you’re new to concrete, start with the planning and prep articles. They prevent most of the expensive mistakes.

Various hand tools laid out on a concrete surface

Jobsite water control on concrete and masonry projects: hoses, sprayers, and ways to keep cleanup sane

Introduction Jobsite water control on concrete and masonry projects means managing hoses, sprayers, and cleanup to keep the work area clean and safe. Plan how you will rinse tools, wash down dust, and drain or divert water so it stays where you want it. Keep a simple setup in mind for when you pause work […]

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Precast concrete wall panels stored outdoors under cloudy sky

Concrete dust respirator habits: storage, filter changes, and staying protected on off-and-on tasks

Introduction Concrete dust respirator habits are the routines you follow to store, maintain, and use your respirator so you stay protected when working with dusty concrete. Store it in a clean, dry place and inspect seals and straps before each use. Check manufacturer instructions for any care steps and avoid exposing the respirator to extreme

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Worker using concrete screed to smooth freshly poured concrete

Sprayers for concrete curing compounds: tip selection and cleanup that avoids clogs

Introduction Sprayers for concrete curing compounds are tools used to apply liquid sealers evenly over fresh concrete to control evaporation. When selecting a sprayer, choose one compatible with curing compounds and pay attention to tip size and spray pattern to minimize clogs. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for setup and maintenance to support even coverage and

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Close-up of hammer drill breaking concrete into pieces

Marker and layout tools for concrete and masonry: soapstone, paint pens, and what survives wet work

Introduction Marker and layout tools for concrete and masonry are simple implements used to mark lines and reference points on stone, brick, or poured surfaces. Soapstone sticks mark clearly on damp or rough surfaces, while paint pens provide visible lines that can stay legible in wet conditions. These tools are intended for use during layout,

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Red concrete pump booms against clear blue sky

Infrared thermometer hacks on concrete and stucco: spotting hot spots and curing temps without guessing

Introduction An infrared thermometer lets you measure surface temperatures without contact, helping you spot temperature patterns on concrete and stucco. Use it to scan flat areas and edges to identify unexpected hot spots and cool zones. Read the readings as indicated by the device’s scale or color display. When evaluating curing temps for stucco, use

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Trowel smoothing sealant in concrete joint

Sealant tooling tricks on concrete, stucco, and brick: backer rod, bond breakers, and getting clean lines

Introduction Sealant tooling tricks are the practical steps you use to finish joints on concrete, stucco, and brick with clean, smooth lines. This article covers backer rod, bond breakers, and straight-line tooling as core methods. It aims to help you get a neat, durable seal without guesswork. Sealants vary by material, so choose products appropriate

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Corded drill with drill bit drilling into brick wall

Choosing blades for concrete, brick, and block: masonry vs diamond vs segmented—matching blade to material

Introduction Choosing blades for concrete, brick, and block means matching the blade type to the material you cut. Masonry blades are the basic option, while diamond blades handle harder or denser masonry, and segmented designs help with cooling and debris removal. Consider material hardness and whether you need a continuous or segmented edge. Blade design

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Yellow corded electric drill with masonry bit on wooden surface

Cutoff saw choices for masonry and concrete: gas vs electric and what changes for indoor work

Introduction Cutoff saw choices for masonry and concrete are about selecting gas or electric power and understanding how that choice affects indoor use. This introduction explains what to expect from each option, how it changes your setup, and what to check before you begin. You’ll want to follow manufacturer instructions and local rules for safe

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Concrete slab being smoothed with a long-handled screed tool

Scarifier vs grinder on concrete slabs: which tool makes a better overlay profile

Introduction Scarifier (floor planner) and grinder are two concrete tools that produce different overlay profiles. A scarifier removes material with rotating blades to flatten and roughen the surface for bonding. A grinder uses abrasive wheels to shave and finish the surface for a smoother edge. Understanding when each tool is appropriate helps avoid under- or

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Empty concrete multi-level parking garage with columns and ceiling beams

Diamond cup wheels for concrete and masonry: picking grit and segment style to avoid gouges

Introduction Diamond cup wheels for concrete and masonry are grinding tools that remove material with diamond-embedded segments. Choosing the right grit and segment style helps avoid gouges and yields a smoother edge. Test on a small area and adjust technique to balance speed, durability, and finish quality. Types of wheels include different grit ranges and

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