4 Ways to Build a Foundation or Lay Down a Walkway More Efficiently

Concrete is an economical material with a long lifespan and low maintenance, which makes it a popular choice for applications like slab foundations, sidewalks and garden paths. However, the process of installing concrete can be more time-consuming and labor intensive than other options due to its heavy weight and fast drying time. However, if you take these factors into consideration you can lay down concrete with ease. Whether you’re building the foundation for your new home or adding a walkway to an existing one, here are four ways to make laying the concrete for your project more efficient. These tips will be helpful for building professionals and laypeople alike.

Set Up Forms in Advance

Leaving your concrete mixing in a truck or drying up in the sun can add time and expense to your project. Work more efficiently by having your forms already built and set up when your concrete arrives on the job site. If you’re doing it yourself, building concrete forms is a relatively simple project. For elaborate or complicated designs, consider using a temporary material like wet sand or clay to test your forms. This will be especially helpful if you are putting concrete into a tricky or less accessible spot.

Rent a Concrete Dispenser

One of the most important things you must do to save time and money is to make sure the concrete settles correctly the first time. You’ll want to make sure you lay the concrete quickly so that it settles in the way you want it to. The fastest and easiest way to get your concrete on the ground is to use an efficient concrete delivery system. These machines can spread concrete quickly and evenly, which means fewer workers are needed to smooth out the surface. Concrete dispensers are profitable investments for contractors, but renting one is also a great way to make your DIY project sail smoothly.

Purchase Already Mixed Concrete

Stirring concrete is a long, tedious task that requires a lot of elbow grease. Instead of busting your biceps and fighting a battle against the sun, have your concrete delivered already mixed. Ready mixed concrete is often nearly as affordable as bagged dry concrete, and it’s a major bargain when you factor in all the time you save.

Make Use of Existing Concrete

Are you building over an existing foundation or walkway? Save material by making use of the existing concrete remnants instead of removing them. First, build your forms around the old concrete and tear out any pieces you don’t need. Clean the concrete thoroughly with a pressure washer and concrete cleaner, then completely saturate it before adding the new material in order to achieve a good bond.

Although concrete installation is a little more work than other options like wood or paving stones, the work will pay off with many years of maintenance-free use. Concrete doesn’t require time-consuming upkeep and will never rot, mold or mildew, and it can be formed into any shape your project requires. There can be problems. The concrete can settle incorrectly. Quick-drying can make it difficult. However, if you set up forms in advance, rent a good concrete dispenser, purchase already mixed concrete, and take advantage of the leftover concrete at the site, you are much more likely to see quick and efficient success.

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