The Dangers of DIY Concrete Pouring & When to Call a Professional

Here is what you need to know before you start your own DIY concrete project and when to call a professional. If you’re planning to put in a new concrete driveway, patio, or other surfaces, you should do plenty of research beforehand. When pouring concrete yourself you can unfortunately run into practical and aesthetics issues and many times safety concerns. 
Pouring Concrete Yourself: What Can Go WrongPouring your own concrete correctly requires knowledge, skill, and careful planning, along with the right materials, tools, and equipment. It is a lot more complicated than spreading gravel, laying pavers or even pouring asphalt.
Many are able to pour their own concrete and it is doable with the correct research and commitment. Here are some common DIY concrete mistakes you will want to avoid and think through before attempting pouring your own concrete:
1. Improper Preparation

• To achieve a long-lasting concrete surface and avoid cracks, it’s important to establish a solid base. This involves using a plate compactor to make sure the soil is tightly packed, carefully leveling the surface, and building, installing, and leveling forms (borders). Excavating the area with a shovel and clearing plants and debris is not enough to prepare a site for pouring concrete. If your concrete is sitting on top of loose soil, it will quickly start to crack, crumble, and degrade as the soil settles.

2. Incorrect Tools 

• Using the wrong tools can leave you with an uneven surface and lead to bumps, holes, and cracks. Strong, heavy-duty tools are necessary when working with concrete. Pouring concrete is time-sensitive, it’s very important that you have everything you need before you begin mixing your concrete.

Some tools you will need:

• Concrete mixer (electric mixers are most efficient)
• Bull float or darby to flatten the wet surface
• Magnesium float to smooth bumps
• Large wheelbarrow to transport your concrete
• Heavy-duty concrete groover for installing control joints
• Broom or concrete brush to create enough texture to avoid a slippery finish

3. The Wrong Amount of Water

• Using the right amount of water is very important when mixing concrete. This is one of the most common mistakes DIY concrete homeowners make, not using the correct amount of water. You want your concrete to not be runny or chunky, but smooth and malleable. This step is very important in order to keep the appearance and durability of your concrete.

When to Call a ProfessionalThe best way to make sure you end up with high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing concrete is to work with a team of knowledgeable, experienced professionals who are local to your area and know your climate.
You most likely want to call a concrete professional if:

• You’re unsure of what you want or need
• You have a particular (or custom) design, color, or texture in mind
• You’re dealing with a slope or uneven ground
• You don’t have the right tools

If you just don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself for any reason, contacting a professional is the way to go!
Are you looking for a professional concrete company you can trust? Have questions about your project?
A-Concrete is your best commercial and residential concrete contractor Whether you’re looking to replace your old, cracked concrete driveway, install a new pool deck, or design a unique custom porch with incorporated lighting, we’ll give you a beautiful, functional result that will last for years to come.
Call us today at 970-667-6905 or contact us online to get a free estimate. We service the Northern Colorado area for all commercial and residential concrete projects! We can handle any size concrete project.