Concrete Pad Help.....
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 435
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Concrete Pad Help.....
Hey Guys,
Is anyone on here experienced with concrete pads enough to give me some pointers on me DIY'ing my own.
I am building a new garage, that is about double my current one and all the concrete people in the city seem to be too busy to talk to me.
I figure I will have to do all the prep myself and have a cement place truck in the concrete when I am ready for it.
So any volunteers to let me bounce my questions off of, it will most deffinitly involve free beer if anyone is local
.
Is anyone on here experienced with concrete pads enough to give me some pointers on me DIY'ing my own.
I am building a new garage, that is about double my current one and all the concrete people in the city seem to be too busy to talk to me.
I figure I will have to do all the prep myself and have a cement place truck in the concrete when I am ready for it.
So any volunteers to let me bounce my questions off of, it will most deffinitly involve free beer if anyone is local
.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,654
Likes: 2,017
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Wow, it`s not rocket science but once concrete starts to set up it can quickly get away from you, then it`s it`s toast with no second chances. It`s a bad deal if your not totally prepared with knowing how to place, secrete and finish concrete.
I would look to hire a professional concrete finisher if at all possible, even if it`s after his normal work hours (as long as you can get concrete delievered at that time) to be on hand when $3-4,000 worth of concrete comes pouring down the truck chutes.
I would look to hire a professional concrete finisher if at all possible, even if it`s after his normal work hours (as long as you can get concrete delievered at that time) to be on hand when $3-4,000 worth of concrete comes pouring down the truck chutes.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: Regina,Saskatchewan
I have a couple of concrete books you can borrow if you like.I did the pad for my shed and a couple of other small projects around the yard.I was debating whether or not to do my garage pad but when I started pricing out what it would cost me vs what someone would charge it wasn't worth me doing it and you know how cheap I am. I am assuming that the contractors get a better price for the concrete than what an individual would get and that is why there wasn't much difference.I used a company called R/R Construction and I was happy with them.They came over with a bobcat and leveled the site and set up the forms and we had an arrangement that the install time could be flexible.A couple of days later they had a cancelation so they came over and did it.One thing to watch out for is that the longer it takes the concrete to cure,the stronger it is.Some of the best concrete is supposed to be the stuff used for bridge pilings in water as it takes so long to cure as it is under water.Once it sets up, cover it with plastic to slow the drying time and keep it wet.
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
My parents did a lot of their own cementing. They poured a garage pad, and their own basement. My dad used to work for redi mix back in the day so he does know somestuff.
If you have any specific kinda questions, ask away and I will let you know what he has to say about it.
I wouldnt be scared to do it yourself. Ive done a few pads when I was younger for my friends grandparents, and I remember it wasnt that hard. We mixed our own cement and everything. I remember my buddies grandparents telling us we saved them a whole ton of cash by helping them.
DIY is the only way to go, Im gonna keep my eyes on this thread as I plan to set a pad or two down myself this summer.
If you have any specific kinda questions, ask away and I will let you know what he has to say about it.
I wouldnt be scared to do it yourself. Ive done a few pads when I was younger for my friends grandparents, and I remember it wasnt that hard. We mixed our own cement and everything. I remember my buddies grandparents telling us we saved them a whole ton of cash by helping them.
DIY is the only way to go, Im gonna keep my eyes on this thread as I plan to set a pad or two down myself this summer.
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
Im not sure how one would practice pouring small pads?
I say just do the research, get some help for sure, ask lots of questions and go for it.
Besides its a garage pad, not a watch your building!
I say just do the research, get some help for sure, ask lots of questions and go for it.
Besides its a garage pad, not a watch your building!
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Regina
Sounds like you are the perfect candidate to sign up at the Garagejournal.com
My garage came with the house, so I don't have much firsthand knowledge, but I'm know plenty of people over there have done this. Plus, they've got lots of other great knowledge about garage and dream garage building.
Good Luck!
My garage came with the house, so I don't have much firsthand knowledge, but I'm know plenty of people over there have done this. Plus, they've got lots of other great knowledge about garage and dream garage building.
Good Luck!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,099
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From: Yorkton Sask
its not rocket science as long as you don't want a professional finish on the floor. level it, dig the parameter about 10-12 inches deep and if you want the extra strength do a (t) spot in the middle the same depth. lots of rebar tied at 12inch centres, then pour a 5 inch slab. there's an art to powertrowelling, but if you just want a surface, a trued 2x4 on a long pole will work for screteing it. good luck!!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: saskatoon,sask
hey guys long time no talk anyways what do you need to know xplict i have 7 years of concrete experience between royal concrete finishers (commercial slabs) and asl. (sidewalks,curbs,jersey wall,ect) how big of slab are you doing?
Not to try and hijack the thread, but what do ya do now??