Although it may be tempting to mix up some DIY concrete to save money, you’ll likely spend most of your time preparing for the project.
From planning a complete and realistic budget, to considering help from professional concrete contractors, to making sure your project is allowed by the local permitting office, there’s a lot to do before you start mixing up that gray matter!
Here are eight “to-do” items to consider:
1. Permitting
Regardless of the project, check to see if and what permits you may need to comply with municipal building regulations. In this case, it’s better to ask for permission than forgiveness.
2. Outdoor Reconnaissance
If your DIY concrete project requires digging outdoors, call 811 to contact your local Before You Dig center to schedule a residential visit. This free service will send an expert out to mark any underground utility lines that could otherwise be damaged.
If you’re inexperienced in leveling soil, hire a professional excavator to level the ground before you plan or construct the wooden framing for your project.
3. Measurements
After securing proper permitting and marking utilities, measure out the length, width, and depth of your project. You can use our handy online concrete calculator to calculate how many pounds of concrete you’ll need to buy.
4. Budget
Armed with measurements, price out the concrete mix and other supplies and tools you’ll need. Check what you have on hand before spending a fortune on shovels, trowels, stakes, string, a saw, and framing wood.
5. Strong, Level Foundation
If you’re pouring concrete into an outdoor slab and you don’t have naturally sandy soil as a base for your residential project, you’ll likely need to purchase gravel to create a stable foundation.
6. Framing
Before pouring, you’ll need to be prepared to build a wooden form for your project. For a typical concrete slab, this guide from doityourself.com should help. There are also a wealth of YouTube video tutorials available for do-it-yourselfers.
7. Spacing Joints or Reinforcements
For small concrete projects, joints or steel rebar reinforcement aren’t necessary. But you’ll want to plan for a few control joints if you’re pouring a concrete slab, to help prevent unsightly cracks.
Joints can be scored into concrete after it has dried or after you’ve poured the concrete and done your first floating and smoothing pass.
If you’re planning on pouring a large, thick slab like a driveway, consult with an expert about rebar reinforcement. Plan before you pour to ensure you have the how-to knowledge and proper tools on hand or have hired a contractor.
8. Finishing
You’ll want to plan ahead when budgeting on the cost of this step.
Finishing treatments such as stains, dyes, or sealants can create a wow factor and extend the longevity of your residential concrete. There are several affordable decorative concrete techniques you can apply to dried concrete. However, you’ll definitely want to factor them in before you pour if you’re on a tight budget.
If the technique you want seems too advanced, get quotes from contractors specializing in concrete finishing and budget to have an expert do it for you.