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

12/7/2020

66 Comments

 
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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.  
66 Comments
Sydney Concreting link
2/15/2021 12:00:46 am

Doing some concreting yourself can be rewarding, but it does require time, patience, preparation, and knowledge – all of which a qualified builder already has. The wisest course of action, of course, is to hire a professional and save yourself the hassle and potential danger.

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Eli Richardson link
2/24/2021 08:34:55 am

I'm glad you talked about the importance of working with a professional with the right tools when it comes to a concrete job. My wife and I want to make a small storage space in our backyard. I really enjoy fishing, and my wife likes biking, we're both enthusiasts of water sports too, and with time we have gathered a lot of sports stuff that doesn't fit in our home anymore. That's why we want to have a space to store all the sports equipment and have it at our reach at the same time, so we'll definitely follow your advice of hiring a concrete professional for the job. We appreciate your tips about the benefits of getting a professional concrete contractor.

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Stephen Mocko link
5/4/2021 02:40:02 pm

I don't have doing some concreting myself. Whenever I need, I will definitely consult with a professional.

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Braden Bills link
5/11/2021 08:05:51 am

I want to get a nice foundation made, but I want to make sure that it's done right. I can see how trying to do this myself could end up causing some problems! I'll be sure to find a professional to ensure that I do things correctly.

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Concrete Contractors Tempe link
5/15/2021 10:54:57 pm

Agree! There are some projects that do-it-yourself homeowners should consider hiring professionals to complete. Concrete work can be expensive to demolish and haul away. By hiring a concrete professional, homeowners can be sure that the work actually adds value to their home.

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Ella Starr link
6/21/2021 02:21:06 pm

How interesting that you talk about how using the right amount of concrete is very important for mixing concrete. I just moved into a new home and I'm decorating. I want to find a decorative concrete company in my area actually.

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Chris Pederson link
6/22/2021 09:04:47 am

I think hiring someone who knows the area you live in is a great idea. They would know the different strategies needed to pour the concrete. Maybe I can find a professional this week so they can help me out next month.

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beverly minyard link
6/23/2021 11:41:59 am

Wow doing your own concrete is hard work, using the heavy-duty tools that you mentioned would probably be expensive too! My wife and I were thinking about doing our own driveway for our new home but we may end up going with a professional to get the best results. Thank you for this awesome blog post and for telling me when to get a professional in the field!

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Tez link
7/22/2021 04:48:37 pm

I agree that with what you said about correct water amounts since I am likely to put too much or too little water in. I need a new driveway poured. I'll have to hire a contractor to set up the foundation.

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Chance Cook link
7/30/2021 07:22:25 am

I thought I could pour my own concrete. But I don't have the right tools so I know the surface would be uneven. Hopefully, I can find a professional to help me pour it this weekend.

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Grandrapidsconcrete.net link
9/10/2021 12:36:36 am

To do some concrete work yourself can be rewarding, but it takes time, patience, preparation, and knowledge – all of which a qualified builder already possesses. The best course of action, of course, is to hire a professional and save yourself the trouble and potential danger.

Reply
Braden Bills link
9/20/2021 08:37:41 am

I want to get some concrete floors installed, but I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a concrete specialist to install it for me! I can see how trying to do it myself could cause problems in the long run.

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cheap concreters link
9/23/2021 01:51:12 am

The climate can significantly affect the nature of the substantial blend, the present itself with, and can keep on harming the substantial in the hours and days after. When blending substantial yourself, you'll likewise have to consider the region's overall environment as this can influence the drawn out toughness of your substantial thus you should make changes in accordance with your blend.

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Greta James link
10/1/2021 08:13:28 am

Thank you for the advice about using the correct tools when leveling concrete. My driveway is cracked and has weeds growing in the concrete. I was thinking about taking on this project myself, but it sounds like it would be a good idea to consult a professional so the work can be done correctly.

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Hailey Miller link
10/7/2021 07:46:25 pm

Thanks for pointing out that using incorrect tools can lead to uneven surfaces and bumps. This is helpful because I want to improve my driveway before my parents come to visit next weekend. I guess I should look for experts on Monday who can fix my asphalt driveway within five hours.

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Holland Custom Concrete link
10/19/2021 04:18:01 am

I think hiring someone who knows the area you live in is a great idea. They would know the different strategies needed to pour the concrete.

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Chance Cook link
10/28/2021 07:44:31 am

I feel like I would have the wrong tools to deal with concrete on my own. So I'll get a professional to help me. That way it also turns out really nice.

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Rick Jones link
11/11/2021 06:29:54 pm

I feel like improper preparation is a big issue. I know I would mess it up. So I'd rather have a professional handle all of that.

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Roofing In Gulf Shores Al link
11/29/2021 01:31:59 pm

With today’s improved concrete designs and pouring methods any contractor can be confident of producing good

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Our site link
12/22/2021 09:18:07 am

Strong, heavy-duty tools are necessary when working with concrete. Pouring concrete is time-sensitive, Thank you for making this such an awesome post!

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Dorothy Turner link
1/5/2022 02:35:34 pm

It is a lot more complicated than spreading gravel, laying pavers or even pouring asphalt.

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Aussie Concreters of Berwick link
1/25/2022 11:42:03 am

Home renovations and DIY projects not only saves you money but they’re heaps of fun too! There’s a sense of achievement in completing DIY projects and most people are proud to have a degree of sentiment in their home too. Thank you for the beautiful post!

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Tommy Amador link
1/27/2022 01:12:02 pm

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. Thank you for taking the time to write a great post!

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Concreters of Mornington link
1/28/2022 10:26:05 am

What Can Go WrongPouring your own concrete correctly requires knowledge, skill, and careful planning, along with the right materials, tools, and equipment. Thank you for sharing your great post!

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Jeff Carbine link
2/24/2022 03:17:21 am

I'm glad that you talked about establishing a stable foundation is critical for achieving a long-lasting concrete surface and avoiding fractures. One of my parents' friends needs to know this article because they are trying to find specific information about it in a couple of days. Thank you for the tips about concrete installers.

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Anastasia Bonilla link
2/27/2022 02:11:52 pm

This involves using a plate compactor to make sure the soil is tightly packed, carefully leveling the surface, Thank you, amazing post!

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John Carston link
4/4/2022 09:50:13 pm

My favorite part of this article is the importance of checking the appearance and durability of the project. My uncle mentioned to me last night that his friend was looking for a concrete construction that could provide a precise plan for the warehouse facility he is planning to build, and he asked if I had any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article, I'll be sure to tell him that he can consult a well-known commercial concrete construction as they can provide more information about the process.

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Vivian Black link
4/14/2022 06:31:38 am

Thank you for pointing out when laying a foundation, you will need the right amount of water when mixing the concrete. I did not know that it is such a common mistake to not get this right. We are going to be pouring a foundation before we begin building a large storage unit on our land. Since we don't have the knowledge or experience with the right amount of moisture, we will probably call a professional.

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Ryan Tompkins link
4/21/2022 03:13:55 pm

This is one of the most common mistakes DIY concrete homeowners make, not using the correct amount of water. Thank you for the beautiful post!

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Roofing Companies link
5/8/2022 04:37:03 am

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. Thank you for taking the time to write a great post!

Reply
Max Jones link
5/10/2022 01:41:22 pm

Thanks for the advice to use the right tools when concrete pouring to ensure you avoid uneven surfaces and cracks. My dad wants to create a new driveway for his home because what he currently has is basically a dirt road that leads to his home. I'll share this info about the right tools with my dad as he looks for a concrete contractor.

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Roofing Contractors link
5/25/2022 01:35:14 pm

It really shows. Pouring concrete requires knowledge, skill and careful planning as well as the right tools and materials for the job, so if you’re considering taking on the challenge yourself,

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Mark link
6/7/2022 02:00:46 pm

Concrete is great we always suggest to call someone because its always the little details that get missed by doing it yourself. Those details usually end up coming back around in a couple of years.

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Grandrapidsconcretecontractors link
6/7/2022 02:02:33 pm

Concrete is great we always suggest to call someone because its always the little details that get missed by doing it yourself. Those details usually end up coming back around in a couple of years.

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Victoria Addington link
6/16/2022 08:58:06 am

I agreed when you stated that it’s vital to establish a solid base to achieve a long-lasting concrete surface. My friend told me that he wants a building that is made of concrete. I should advise him to hire a contractor that specializes in commercial concrete services.

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Columbus GA Concrete Contractor link
7/5/2022 06:01:58 am

Thanks for writing this great article. I’ve been using some of these techniques on by blog.

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Afton Jackson link
7/8/2022 01:01:58 am

With how many factors can go wrong with concrete placement, I feel like I better avoid trying to do anything without an expert's assistance. If I tried to, we could end up with an uneven and unattractive space that won't be a good enough foundation for our patio. I'll work with a concrete expert from the area so we can handle this properly.

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Enterprise Resource Management Services link
7/8/2022 01:10:14 pm

Enterprise resource management services allow the different departments to communicate and share information more easily with the rest of the company. It collects information about the activity and state of different divisions.

Reply
web integration solutions link
7/29/2022 01:35:51 pm

This is one of the most common mistakes DIY concrete homeowners make, not using the correct amount of water. Amazing post thank you so much!

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John Mayhem link
8/9/2022 09:38:07 am

There is a time and a place when you should attempt to do a DIY <a href="https://www.topekaconcreteco.com/" target="_blank">concrete</a> job. This should only be for small jobs and nothing large like attempting to pour your own driveway.

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enterprise resource management (erm) link
8/15/2022 12:22:38 pm

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. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with us! It is so appreciated!

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Tex Hooper link
8/23/2022 05:55:06 pm

You make a great point about making sure you have the right tools. I need to get a new driveway poured. I'll have to hire a contractor.

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Jessie Holloway link
9/6/2022 04:47:49 pm

Thanks so much for the guidelines on pouring concrete yourself. I've tried to pour myself before and I can never get it to turn out even. I've been wanting to redo my garage floors and I think I'm just going to look for a professional to do it this time.

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Iris Smith link
9/19/2022 08:33:05 pm

Your statement that utilizing the incorrect tools might result in an uneven surface with lumps, holes, and fractures struck a chord with me. My father made the decision to renovate our yard. I will advise my father to work with a residential concrete expert so they can choose the best tool to use to prevent an uneven surface.

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Collins link
10/12/2022 07:49:29 am

I was one of those people who like DIY jobs and it really backfired on me. I spent more on my driveway repair than what it would have cost if I only hired a pro. Now, I just hire a pro whenever I have concrete jobs to be done.

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concrete patio contractor link
10/23/2022 09:35:21 pm

If you're not sure where to start, try this simple project: make your own concrete planter. Start by mixing concrete according to the instructions on the package. Once it's mixed, pour it into a mold (you can use anything from a plastic container to a balloon). Let it set for at least 24 hours, then pop the mold and voila! You've got your very own concrete planter.

Not feeling creative? That's okay - there are plenty of other ways to use concrete around your home. For example, you can use it to make a stepping stone path in your garden, or create a concrete table top for your patio furniture. The possibilities are endless! So get out there and start experimenting with concrete. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy working with this versatile material.

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Adam Golightly link
12/5/2022 04:29:25 pm

My cousin has been thinking about getting some concrete curbs that can surround where he plans to put his garden. He really wants it to look perfect, so he has bene thinking about getting a professional in a week. I'll be sure to tell him that they will have the right tools that will cause him to have an even surface without cracks, holes, or bumps.

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Jose Ram link
12/10/2022 12:15:21 pm

I always tell people concrete is expensive, but it lasts for years. However, it will only last for years when poured correctly!

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Leonardo Dickinson link
12/13/2022 01:00:54 pm

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. I’m so thankful for your helpful post!

Reply
Olivia Smart link
12/14/2022 10:13:31 am

Thank you for explaining that you should call a professional if you are working with a slope. My husband and I have been thinking about redoing our driveway. It's on a small slope, but I think it might be better for us to get help than to figure out how to do it on our own.

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Concrete Contractor of Pittsburgh link
12/14/2022 11:43:44 am

Thanks for the great information. Looking forward to the next one.

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Concrete Contractor Salt Lake City link
12/15/2022 05:23:10 pm

Awesome as always. Thanks for sharing!

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Concrete Contracting Company link
12/16/2022 04:42:27 pm

Thanks for posting this great article. I shared it on my FB

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Concrete Red Deer link
12/21/2022 10:13:13 am

Thanks for sharing this insightful post

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James Hernandez link
12/28/2022 02:35:32 pm

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. I’m so thankful for your helpful post!

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https://columbusgaconcreteservice.com/ link
1/9/2023 12:12:39 am

This is a good post, it teach me many things. Thank for your share!

Reply
Concrete Service Edmonton link
1/10/2023 01:18:09 pm

Thank you for sharing this.

Reply
Calgary Concrete link
1/17/2023 08:28:22 am

I think this is really informative! Thank you for this!

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Sydney link
2/13/2023 01:40:54 pm

This is a great article. We do concrete and recently finished a project where they had first did DIY concrete driveway and oh man we had to do so much work. We practically had to tear a lot it down and do it again because it was done very badly.

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Kevin link
2/15/2023 05:23:55 pm

This is a very good written article! Everyone should know when exactly they should call for a professional concrete contractor to help them out!

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Concrete Contractor Fort Lauderdale link
2/20/2023 08:30:42 am

Thanks for posting. Looking forward to the next one!

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Cocnrete Contractor Grand Rapids link
2/20/2023 11:55:55 am

Thanks for posting. I just shared it on my FB and instagram.

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Concrete Contractor Cincinnati link
2/20/2023 01:28:42 pm

Smart! Thanks for sharing this with everyone. Share more pls!

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Iris Smith link
2/22/2023 01:13:27 am

Thank you for emphasizing the need for using the proper quantity of water while mixing concrete. My mother wants to construct a home. I'll advise her to seek out expert concrete services to ensure the finest possible water-concrete ratio.

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Kevin link
2/22/2023 09:40:24 am

I made this mistake with my DIY project. I added to much water to the concrete and messed it up i had to call a professional to come and be able to fix it for me!

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Sealcoating Aurora IL link
3/25/2023 11:17:31 pm

It's really important to hire a professional for this!

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