5 Responses to My Spring DIY project »»

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1. David
   Comment by David | 2007/05/11 at 11:09:31

   Hey Lisa, great idea….just off the top of my head and yes I have done this several times. Of course with Canadian winters there is always the wear and tear and how to keep the looking good maintenance to a minimum. Perhaps one of the cheapest methods for you would simply be to poor a concrete slab yourself and even stamp it to make it look like patio bricks. Take the sod off, and if you want as an optional input lay gravel down first. Not necessary though! You can mix all the ingredients right there in the circle or pattern that you created while taking the sod out. You will need some elbow grease here after. A good mix is 1 part cement to 3 sand and 3 pea rocks. Rocks are again optional. You can make two batches…Mix in the first batch to form the big slab about 4 to 6 inches thick, take a hoe and just mix the sand gravel and cement and water. Keep in mind that the dryer the mix the better the cure. (Dry mix and then lots of water after and keep it covered for at least 24 hours.water it often) Remember cement or concrete cures not dries. Also best to line the edges with something such as plastic something that doesn’t absorb water. You can pull this out after it cures. You can even use white cement. and any other kind of fish tank or ornamental rock for effects. The top or second batch that you mix up later just before the bottom layer is completely cured can just have sand. dampen the top of the first layer first. This will make it easier for you to design your pattern on the top or stamp it. You can trowel it on or use a long piece of wood as a screed. Email me for more details…I have made many waterfalls here and also planters from concrete. I have even used additives in the mix such as latex, colors, resins. After you get the top design done you can seal it, paint it stain it or even acid etch it…I have done all the above in Toronto, NB and here….Good luck

2. David
   Comment by David | 2007/05/11 at 11:22:17

   Oh yeah I forgot to add…A little trick to help with the frost….while mixing the batch mix in a half a cup of
   sunlight dish soap. This helps introduce air bubbles into the mix that offset freeze/thaw problems.
   But I can’t stress enough keep the concrete wet for a long as you can it will get as hard as a rock. Soupy mixes are easier but the dry mix is better ( like thick gravy i guess) and then good and wet after. Sounds ironic but it works.

3. David
   Comment by David | 2007/05/11 at 11:28:32

   he he sorry for all the comments…I just love this kind of stuff. I got thinking more….You could use peat moss as an additive in with your cement. 1 bag of portland cement 1 sand 2 peat moss…
   You might want to even explore trying to find some latex and adding that into the slurry….k k…I’ll stop

4. Lisa R
   Comment by Lisa R | 2007/05/11 at 12:33:18

   How about you come home from Thailand and help me out?;) Thanks for the great info Dave.

5. David
   Comment by David | 2007/05/12 at 04:37:37

   Well Probably one of these days…Due to a host of many cross country differences, I will likely get pushed over the edge and return. Just got keep my head here…

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