Research
Decorative Concrete

Applications

Staining Concrete

Stamped Concrete

Concrete Overlays

Concrete Resurfacing

Concrete Polishing

Concrete Dyes

Colored Concrete

Indoor Concrete

Concrete Floors

Garage Floor Coatings

Concrete Countertops

Fireplaces, Sinks & Furniture

Basement Floors

Radiant Floor Heating

Outdoor Concrete

Concrete Patios

Concrete Driveways

Concrete Pool Decks

Outdoor Kitchens & Counters

Outdoor Fireplace

Concrete Walkways

Concrete Pavers

Concrete Walls

Repair & Maintenance

Foundation Repair

Concrete Crack Repair

Basement Wall Repair

Building with Concrete

Concrete Homes

Concrete Basements

Decorative Concrete

Desired Properties

Concrete Mixtures

1. The concrete mix is workable. It can be placed and consolidated properly by yourself or your workmen.

2. Desired qualities of the hardened concrete are met: for example, resistance to freezing and thawing and deicing chemicals, watertightness (low permeability) , wear resistance, and strength. Know what you are trying to achieve with the concrete.

3. Economy. Since the quality depends mainly on the water to cement ratio, the water requirement should be minimized to reduce the cement requirement (and thus reduce the cost).

Take these steps to reduce the water and cement requirements:

• use the stiffest mix possible
• use the largest size aggregate practical for the job.
• Use the optimum ratio of fine to coarse aggregate.

Discuss how to achieve your goals for the concrete with your ready mix supplier.

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