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.

Concrete slab with nine drainage holes and visible cracks

Concrete Frost Heave Around Posts: Diagnosing Drainage vs Depth Problems

Introduction Frost heave around posts is when frozen ground lifts a post and its concrete, moving it out of alignment; it’s usually caused by water in the soil that freezes and expands. In plain DIY terms, that means either water is getting to the post base, the post isn’t deep enough below the freeze line […]

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Brick wall with exposed rebar frame against blue sky

Repairing Settlement Cracks Along a Garage Stem Wall: Drainage Checks and Patch Strategy

Introduction Repairing settlement cracks along a garage stem wall means checking why water is pooling, fixing drainage, and then sealing and patching the cracks so the wall stops moving and water stops getting in. Start by looking for low spots, clogged drains, downspouts that dump by the foundation, and any gaps at the slab-wall joint,

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Red concrete formwork braces with yellow safety railing

Concrete Step Risers: Setting Consistent Heights and Avoiding Trip Hazards

Introduction Concrete step risers are the vertical faces of stairs and they need to be consistent from top to bottom to keep steps safe and comfortable. On a DIY job that means measuring, forming, and checking each riser before you cast, and if a specific height matters for code or accessibility, check local rules or

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