Helpful Concrete Information

By  Mike Barone Choosing the right tools for a concrete project is essential to both the appearance and the durability of the finished product. In deciding how to choose the right concrete tools, it helps to look at each step of a project, which begins with choosing the right concrete. All concrete is composed of the same elements: Portland cement, sand, crushed rock or gravel and water. However, the elements are combined in varying quantities based on the desired surface appearance and durability of the concrete. Concrete used for indoor projects, for example, usually contains more sediment than rock, giving the concrete a smoother, more cohesive appearance. After choosing the right concrete comes choosing the right forms for it to set in. For outdoor projects, wooden 2 X 4 forms supported by 2 X 2 wooden stakes work fine. For indoor concrete projects, waterproof forms, such as slats of Plexiglas or hard rubber should be used.

By  Casey Messmer If you are considering adding a hardscaping feature to your home, there are many factors you need to consider: how big should the feature be? Where should it be installed? And maybe most importantly, what material should you use? While there are many wonderful options for hardscaping materials, concrete is one of the most durable and low maintenance making it a great option. Here are some other reasons to consider using concrete for your new hardscape feature. 1. It is customizable Concrete can be stamped to mimic most other hardscaping materials, from brick to flagstone, and it is much more durable than other options. It can also be stamped with a logo, or to look like almost any other thing you can think up. It can also be poured into any shape you want. Not only that, but it can be colored to match the exterior of your house, your patio, or any other thing you want. Whether your personal aesthetic is traditional or avant-garde, concrete can be made to fit your st

By  Joe Mouad Hardscaping refers to all of the non-living features incorporated into a property's landscape. This can include, but is not limited to, things like walkways, gazebos, walls, fences, fountains and other water features. Hardscaping allows a propertyowners to add functional features to a landscape, and to create a visually appealing area that requires less maintenance than plant life does. The Advantage of Hardscaping Since hardscape features are not living organisms, they provide a means of increasing property value and the attractiveness of the property without requiring the same level of constant care and maintenance that lawns and gardens do. This makes an emphasis on hardscaping ideal for owners who do not have a lot of time to devote to lawncare, those who live in arid regions or in areas where water use is restricted, or those who wish to improve the value of their property but are not particularly inclined toward gardening.

Here is a helpful concrete video teaching you fundamentals of concrete forming.  

By  JT Goeble   Concrete and asphalt are some of the most common materials which are used to make driveways. It is important to analyze their pros and cons before using any of the materials to construct a driveway. Asphalt contains tar which gives it its adhesive property. On the other hand, cement is responsible for the adhesive property of concrete. The two substrates give these materials their unique characteristics which also affects the maintenance process required, durability and cost. To use either asphalt or concrete to make a driveway, the base must be compact. This will ensure that it can withstand the weight of the materials and that of the load e.g. cars. The two materials are made from stones and sand.