DIY Concrete (Do-It-Yourself)

Get complete diy concrete patio instructions here. From preparing the ground to maintenance, learn what to do and what to watch out for.

Before you begin any concrete project, it is important to know what you are trying to accomplish.

Plan the budget and the dimensions of your project. Your budget, time and landscaping will determine the size, shape, color, and texture.

For the sake of simplicity, we will walk you through creating a square, grey concrete patio since it is the easiest and most cost effective way to pour a concrete patio yourself.

Prepare the ground - Determine if the ground is stable, and if not, you will need to remove impediments and put fill in the ground. For considerations and steps to this process, click Cutting Sod and Preparing the Ground and then come back here to learn the next steps.

Concrete Forms - This is your basic set-up shape in which you will pour the concrete. To make a basic, square concrete patio, you will need lumber (most common are 2X4's), nail screws, and steel or wood stakes. You can also use metal or plastic forms if you are planning on doing many concrete projects, but they are expensive and are typically used by professionals only. Wood forms will warp over time, but will be fine for this project. Click concrete forms to get the diy concrete form steps to set up your patio.

Compacting the fill and Final Grade - This involves making sure that you have the ground prepared at the proper height for a pour. You will need to add fill and make sure that it is compacted to create a nice base upon which to pour your patio.

DIY Concrete Reinforcement - To create a high quality and durable patio, it is advised that you add some type of reinforcement. Reinforcements are typically used on exterior projects in cold regions like Minnesota because of the freeze/thaw cycle. This cycle causes the ground to move. Typical reinforcements are fiber mesh, rebar and wire mesh. Learn how to install reinforcements here.

Install Concrete Expansion Joints - This is an essential step in any area that undergoes the freeze/thaw weather cycle. It is especially important in Minnesota. Learn how to install expansion joints here.

Before you move on to step #6, click here if you are stamping your concrete for specific instructions on how to stamp concrete.

Order Your Concrete or Make Your Own - We suggest that you only make your own concrete if your project is under 100 square feet because the consistency will not be the same throughout the patio. It will also take more time and possibly money to do the project if you don't have the equipment to mix the concrete yourself. It is easiest to find a ready-mix concrete supplier in your area and have them deliver it pre-mixed for you. Click concrete delivery to find out what to order.

In addition.....

To avoid potential problems with the concrete, you may need some first aid treatments to help with the pour. Click concrete mix to find out if you will need some pre-packaged admixtures on hand.

DIY Concrete Pouring - The first thing that needs to be considered in pouring concrete is the accessibility of your project. If you are not making your own concrete and a concrete truck needs access to your project, you may risk landscape damage from the truck.

To avoid this, you can either get several people to push wheelbarrows full of concrete from the concrete truck in the street to your patio site, or you can rent a powerbuggy (which is a motorized wheelbarrow that holds more concrete). A final option is to rent a concrete pump to move the concrete from the truck to your concrete patio site, but this is the most expensive option. Click pouring concrete to further learn about the proper tools and timing to getting your patio properly poured.

DIY Concrete Finishing - The key to concrete finishing is the right tools, the right timing, and the proper technique. This can be the most complicated part of the process and is the reason many choose to hire a contractor. To learn about proper tools, timing and technique click concrete finishing.

Cutting Concrete - This is a preventative but necessary step. You can cut your concrete before it dries with a groover, but this involves some intricate timing. It is easier for a beginner to wait for the concrete to dry and then use a concrete saw to install control joints.

It is important to install control joints because concrete may crack. Instead of having a large, unsymmetrical crack run through the patio, the concrete will more likely crack along previously made control joints that have been cut. Click here to find out more about making wet cuts, saw cuts, and decorative cuts on your patio.

Curing Concrete - Wait for your concrete to cure. This refers to the time between brooming the concrete and when it reaches full strength. Find out what things you can do to speed up or slow down the concrete curing process.

Seal the Concrete/Maintenance - Sealing the concrete is important to protect it from de-icers, oil, salt and weathering. Sealing makes the concrete finish last longer. Just like wax protects a wood floor, you need to seal your concrete to lock in the color and shine.

Does DIY concrete seem too complicated?

If so, and you live in the Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs area, request a quote on your project.

Custom Search

Return from DIY Concrete to Minneapolis Concrete Home