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.

Red metal concrete formwork with angled braces and safety railing

How to Cast Concrete With Embedded Hardware: Threads, Tape, and Keeping Inserts Clean

Introduction Casting concrete with embedded hardware means placing fasteners or inserts into the form before the concrete sets so they stay in the right place. Key takeaways Plan hardware embed locations early to avoid rework and clearance conflicts. Label inserts and keep threads clean during form setup and pour. Use release agent properly and wipe […]

How to Cast Concrete With Embedded Hardware: Threads, Tape, and Keeping Inserts Clean Read More »

close-up of various sized crushed concrete aggregate stones

Preventing Aggregate Shadowing in Thin Casts: Particle Size, Paste Content, and Vibration

Introduction Aggregate shadowing in a thin cast happens when larger particles block the cement paste, making the surface look uneven. Choose a mix with a good spread of particle sizes, and check the paste content and vibration guidance on the product label. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local rules for thin applications.

Preventing Aggregate Shadowing in Thin Casts: Particle Size, Paste Content, and Vibration Read More »

Worker smoothing fresh concrete with hand tools outdoors

DIY Concrete ‘Slump’ Without a Cone: Visual Checks That Actually Correlate to Workability

Introduction A slump without a cone is a simple visual check of concrete’s workability, based on how it holds its shape and settles. You compare the look to what you expect for your mix and application, not a hard number. Use this as a quick sanity check, then verify with the proper method if required

DIY Concrete ‘Slump’ Without a Cone: Visual Checks That Actually Correlate to Workability Read More »