We’ve talked about concrete countertops here before, but here are the actual steps to do it (an overview that will give you an idea what you are in for, when you decide to take on this awesome home project!) Remember this is going to take time: if you are at all weary of your abilities…
Concrete projects can vary from the most expansive (Hoover dam!) to the simplest fill-in for a post hole, supporting a mail box. And, because concrete is a readily available, natural material, and it’s easy to work with if you know a few simple tips and tricks, it’s the perfect building material for small jobs. Here,…
Let’s talk about how concrete works. Concrete is made simply of water, aggregate and cement mixed in proportions to a precise consistency. The key to achieving the strongest concrete is to have the mixture of ingredients properly proportioned. Thankfully products like Quikrete make the job simple and easy for the average concrete job. But, even…
Concrete as a sustainable building material Often we’ve talked about just how environmentally friendly concrete is; but you might have asked why is it environmentally friendly? What makes it such a unique, sustainable building material? Concrete is unique in that it remains an environmentally sustainable building material throughout its entire lifespan. Here are some of…
There are many jobs in the home that even the greenest do-it-yourself-er’ can accomplish. One material that makes for a good starter project is concrete. It may seem that concrete is a difficult material to work with, but with a little practice and by following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, it can be easy. A good…
It’s common for older homes to have an unfinished basement: concrete floor and sheetrock-less stud walls. But, what happens when a person wants to refinish that basement? Often the concrete floors are cracked from the foundation’s settling over years. The floors may have low spots, and, in general, just seem to be in dire need…
Stamped Concrete installation can be challenging for the nonprofessional, and concrete is also very difficult and costly to repair if a mistake is made (Once concrete is dried its difficult to remove and replace concrete without showing a seam). But with careful practice, a seasoned DIY vet, with an attention-to-detail approach, can tackle the project.…
An unfinished basement is a blank canvas: future man cave, media room, or, possibly the perfect place for a quiet master suite away from the kids. Unfinished basements are wonderful additions, but, when it comes time to build, what happens when you discover that the concrete surface is not straight and level. Many concrete pads…
A good concrete sealer will make concrete much more resistant to weather, long exposures to water, abrasions, those pesky deicing salts that litter the streets of any Montana town following every snow, and it will even protect the concrete from grease and oil stains. A good concrete sealer will also enhance the beauty of the…
Concrete is a sturdy, green, and economic building material. And, believe it or not, scientists have figured out how to add strength and green sustainability to an already incredible product. How did they do it? Scientists have discovered how to add a material called graphene to the concrete. Graphene is one of the strongest materials…