Ready mix concrete is a practical substance for DIY enthusiasts to keep on hand. The material is perfect for many at-home projects, from designing garden decorations and patios to creating door stops. No matter what your intended design, it’s important to use your concrete wisely. Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind.

Do:

Gather your materials.

The beauty of using ready mix concrete is that you don’t need a mixer handy since that work is already done for you. Consistency is key to any high-quality concrete, and relying on a professional truck delivery takes the guesswork out of that element. You may, however, still need some key materials during the course of your DIY job, including shovels, buckets, and digging bars to break up tough spots on the ground. You’ll also need a screed to level out your concrete after you’ve poured it.

Buy enough concrete.

You can purchase this type of concrete by the cubic yard, although you’ll typically see it referenced as simply a yard. To determine how much you need, keep in mind that a single yard is the equivalent of about nine wheelbarrows full of the material.

Determine the length, width, and thickness of your project, multiply those figures together, and the final amount is the volume you should purchase. Buying too little could affect your project’s integrity, since you don’t want what you’ve already installed to cure faster. Do the math in advance and buy a little bit extra so there’s no room for error.

Don’t: 

Ignore weather conditions.

Always keep an eye on the weather conditions before you begin using your concrete mixture. If it’s under 40 degrees, the substance is at risk of undergoing a natural freeze-thaw cycle, quickly losing its strength and integrity. By contrast, if it’s warmer than 68 degrees, then the water in the mix may evaporate, causing the poured concrete to harden quicker than it should. Both situations can negatively affect the result of your DIY project.

Leave skin uncovered.

Concrete can irritate the skin since the cement in the mix is alkaline. This can lead to anything from dryness to a burning sensation. Protect yourself from top to toe by wearing work goggles, long sleeves, long pants, heavy-duty work boots with steel toes, and protective work gloves. If your skin comes into contact with concrete, wash it promptly and apply a barrier cream to protect it from further damage.
 

If you’re seeking a supplier for ready mix concrete, turn to Schreiter Ready Mix & Materials in O’Fallon, MO. Proudly serving homeowners and contractors, the concrete company mixes the product for you so you can get on with your job. They’re also authorized suppliers of Redi-Rock® for retaining walls. Visit the website for more information, and call (636) 240-2600 to speak with a representative.