When handling a construction project, of course you want to get all the details right. But one part that should never be rushed is concrete installation. Whether it’s the foundation, a wall, a pillar, or another structure, concrete is a core part of the job, and everything else is built around it.
This vital factor is why every step in concrete construction matters. From the size of the project to the finished look, there’s a lot of analysis that goes into choosing and installing a concrete piece. Here, we’ll share the 5 essential steps to follow in your next concrete construction project.
Both poured and structural concrete require the site to be ready to handle the stress of heavy lifting and placement. Consider the climate, ground, and grading before you begin carrying loads of cement or concrete to the area. Clear the ground of anything that could be dangerous to your workers or cause the concrete to be unlevel.
You may need to adjust the earth to make stable ground or use subgrades to create the type of foundation needed for the finished product. Note that if you’ve never used structural concrete, the site work is handled a little differently. This article by FMP Construction explains more about prepping for structural concrete use.
Forms are the structures that support your concrete while it’s poured and cured into its finished shape. These temporary pieces can be wood, plastic, metal, or insulated concrete, but just because they’re only there for a short time doesn’t make them any less vital to the overall project.
Install the forms as necessary to hold the rebar in place, prevent the liquid concrete from leaking, and ensure the right size and shape. Most residential construction companies use wood forms and wood or metal stakes that are easily removed after the concrete cures. Always ensure your forms are in optimal condition and can handle the grade or slope.
Once the temporary forms are placed, you can begin mixing your concrete with water. Follow the instructions on the package. For larger projects, you may choose to parter with a ready-mix concrete truck company. These trucks have a drum on the back that spins, which keeps the concrete wet and malleable.
Because concrete can harden quickly once it settles, you should have a plan for where you’re pouring the material before you mix it. A ready-mix truck gives you more flexibility because the concrete stays in motion, preventing it from hardening.
Once packaged concrete is wet, pour it into the forms quickly. Use your concrete rake to guide the wet material into the form without any pockets forming. When it reaches the top edge, use a scraper (such as a board) to screed across the top and smooth it.
Now, it’s time to use your float to perfect the poured concrete before it dries. The float compacts the concrete, evening it out and adding details. While the concrete is still wet, make any adjustments to the finish and insert the edges and joints.
For finished concrete that needs to be completely smooth or requires special details, grab your steel trowel. Once the concrete starts to harden, run your trowel across the surface to leave behind a smooth finish.
What kind of texture does the finished project call for? This final step is where you make that happen. The typical finish is a “broom,” in which a special construction broom creates a rough surface across the concrete. However, there are many other types of finishes, such as textures, smooth, and stamped.
After the concrete surface is textured, the concrete cures, which takes about four weeks. To help the concrete cure evenly without any discoloration or curling, use a liquid chemical curing compound. You’ll notice the concrete appears firm within a few days, but it shouldn’t be considered completely ready for use until 28 days after the last step is finished.
There are different types of concrete, so how long yours takes to harden depends on whether standard or fast-setting. Other factors, such as the temperature outside, the weather, and the water-cement ratio, play a role in concrete curing time.
Concrete is the core of your construction project. Homes are built upon its foundation, pillars that hold up walls and roofs are created from concrete, and other vital parts of a structure rely on a correctly constructed concrete pour.
Yet, pouring concrete isn’t just about mixing the cement and applying it to a mold. Other factors, like climate, temperature, water ratios, and finished details matter. Because of the essential job concrete has in every construction project, most people choose to hire professional contractors to do this part. But if you’re confident handling these five key steps, you’re now ready to start the concrete stage of your project.
