Great job. Dry pour has been around for 75 years in the back area of farms for paddocks. It works for light loads. The only people hating it are concrete workers. Thanks to guys like you and CCL folks, dry pour is a diy for everyone.
When you were misting the sidewalk for the first time with the water, all I could think was wow that would’ve been really cool to take those stepping stones that were there previously and push them down into the concrete to make a stepping stone pattern in the concrete with the stones.
I've poured a lot of heavy wet concrete in my life. When I first started seeing these dry pours I thought it was a bad idea, but for quick walkways I actually may be trying it soon.
Awesome. We agree... I wouldn't do it for a foundation or anything structural, however, this little walkway was super easy all the way around. It is holding up just fine and of course, if we have any issues we will let everyone know. Thanx for the comment. God Bless and Be Safe!!
Nice video! And helpful because I’m thinking of creating a small patio pad and totally got turned on to this idea by watching Cajun Country channel! I have watched many others working this same idea chain. You have done a good realistic how to demonstration that helps me to envision my own possibilities of success. Thanks!
The finished product in the thumbnail is not what I would consider a success. So frustrating watching people do something the wrong way, and acting as if they’re experts. This method DOESNT work! It looks like crap, and is exponentially more complicated. You’re trying to reinvent the wheel and in doing so create so much extra complexity that opens up all sorts of issues. Plus, you will never be able to get a proper finish on the concrete and your pad will be uneven and extremely rough. It’s going to shred bare feet like a damn cheese grater. Do not do this, it doesn’t make it any easier. Just mix the concrete first, like we have been doing for centuries. There is a reason this isn’t “the way”.
@@watavuemountain481 on the plus side, since this became a thing, a bunch of “DIYers” have attempted to do one of these pads or walk ways. Every week I get a at least one call to come tear out their “dry pour” and replace it the correct way. When the home owner realizes how much easier pouring mixed concrete is compared to the mess they made dealing with dry concrete its like a light goes off in their head. When I show up at 7am form it all up, pour, finish and cleaned up 1 pm, they look astonished. I like to get my 13 year old son on these jobs and have him do all the mixing by hand in just a wheel barrow that way the home owner can see how much easier it actually is dealing with wet concrete rather than fine dust with a bunch of aggregate in it. Again, if the dry method was easier, created a better end product, was less time consuming, it would just be the way to do it. It’s none of those things.
This method really works with the advice from experienced people. Listen to them and apply and see what the results are. If you are satisfied thats all that matters
God is good myfriend! And every day is a blessing. Also glad this project turned out well. I may try this for my dog kennel. Much easier to keep the smell of dog pee away if you can just spray it down.
I’m from Louisiana.. I’ve been watching as many videos on this dry pour as I can find…. I’ll have to do this by myself…. I think I can handle doing this……
Awesome!! It’s as easy at it looks and we’re confident you can do it. You can PM is on Facebook. The link is in our bio.. Be Safe and God Bless!! facebook.com/watavuemountain
I subscribed!! Great video. We just bought a fixer upper and we will be doing a sidewalk from the porch to the street. Great video, looks good. Blessings from Georgia
Thanx a million. We are in Georgia also when at “suburbia” our off grid property is in Alabama. Thanx for subscribing, the comment and for checking us out. Good luck with the fixer upper. Maybe some of our videos can help. Be Safe!!
looks like an easy job. Good thing because your going to need to do it again every year. This is going to shatter like a piece of glass. There is a reason you mix this b4 you place it.
You may want to cut lines intermittently to hope if it cracks it cracks on the lines that are halfway through. Or while making it they have foam to push in to pull out later to make those crack lines. You must not have freezes, otherwise gravel underneath allows for drainage from the concrete. 😊Seal it, and if you ever stain it, throw the stain on top after it’s wet, not mixed it as it takes too much otherwise. That’s only when it’s still wet.
Great job. Great you had the guts to try it. Trying to talk my hubby into doing a slab, but no way , to scared to fail. Great shirt! Blessings , ♥️ from 🇨🇦
Thank you so much. I’m hopeful that if you could get him to watch us muddle through it and have good results it would build his confidence. Prayers it goes your way. Thanx for checking us out. Be Safe!
I’ve watched ppl add a top layer of mortar, 3/4 concrete, and the 1/4 mortar, that lays directly on the top. It prevents rocks from rising to the top, and gives a smoother look they claim. I’m going to try it for my patio, they quoted me $3700-$4400, and that’s when it became a DIY. Materials not even $1k, if it lasts 5yrs, I’ll be happy, hopefully it lasts longer.
Great idea. We will probably try that for our next project too. They absolutely crush us with labor charges too, that’s why we do just about Everything ourselves. Thanx for checking us out. Be Safe!!
Another kick sss channel! LOT'S of folks want to do it themselves and not hire a contractor. Thank you and have a safe day! Looks awesome! No more mud!
Thank you so much for the compliment. We are learning that through UA-cam and reading we can all do a lot more than we think. The clean feet is definitely a game changer. Thanx again, Be Safe!!
( this is from another site where a civil engineer is talking about dry pour concrete) @mikehewitt1253 1 month ago (edited) Dear all, let me try to help everyone understand concrete. The cement part of any mortar or concrete reacts with water in a hydraulic chemical reaction (exothermic reaction i.e. generates heat). When thoroughly cured, meaning allowing enough time for this reaction to take place and preferably throughout all the cement particles where they become irreversibly hardened and water proof. However, cement on it's own will shrink significantly and crack all over so it needs a binder - sand - this 'stretches' the cement through the mix so when it hardens via Curing it's bonded to lot's of already hard sand particles and more cement particles alike creating a hard material that doesn't crack - mortar. However 😁 mortar is not strong in itself. For strength we add Aggregate, ideally for strength you want some flat, some irregular stones (not pebble like) of 3 sizes - pea size, golf ball size and halfway between those - giving us Concrete when Cured throughout. Now, I've watched many dry pour vids with interest and listened to the nay sayers saying it has to be WET to cure and therefore dry pour is nonsense......... Time for education folks where (after that which I have outlined above) you will be surprised that I'm on the side of dry pour ....... SORT OF...... When dry pouring, it is tamped thoroughly down before spraying - this is GOOD - but cement particles and sand particles and aggregate elements throughout will not all receive moisture, will not Cure and will remain as dust in parts - not good. BUT Wet is not great either! It's CONVENIENT. The best, strongest concrete is Mechanical Concrete which is made with JUST ENOUGH water to provide moisture throughout for correct curing. The test is - grab a small fist full, squeeze hard together in palm of hand and if doesn't hold shape and crumbles when released from pressure, needs more moisture. The shape should Break cleanly in two pieces without crumbling - if stretches in the break test, it's too wet. So my recommendation to all is........ Dry pour mix thoroughly together with rake, add moisture by spraying so as not to over-wet BUT rake that moisture throughout and THEN Tamp down hard compacting it all properly and level off. All this 24 hrs later stuff is inadequate - Minimum curing time is a month - covered to keep that minimum moisture in the mixed pad, base, driveway, - shouldn't be touched, don't go near it - best of both worlds here as easy as Dry Pour and stronger than the normal convenient Wet stuff which because of too much moisture cannot be as compacted and consolidated to provide the same strength. Go Mechanical guys, it's the best. Anyone want to hear my views on Earthcrete, which I find fascinating - by the way - I'm a Civil Engineer - spent an entire year studying Concrete - an entire bloody year on nothing but concrete. PS DON'T use quickset anything, you won't have enough time for all rake work, use standard Portland.
Your wife is pretty AND she’s got some guns on hers! Had no problem with that sack of concrete. Great vid, thanks for sharing. And you made some great points.
Some people also run a broom over the top to give it something for your feet to grab onto. I am sure there is better wording but it give it a brushed look and not as slippery.
Yeah absolutely. We did the paint roller and got a similar result. Not quite as deep as a broom does but still rough enough for good grip. Thanx for the suggestion and the comment. Be Safe!!
Put a thin board down in the middle, cut the bag in half width-wise beside it, flip it over on the board, then pick up both ends and pour it out. Some other YT video did it so you don't have to lift the bag after moving it in place. Lifting heavy stuff sucks, so any shortcut is always appreciated.
Great idea. If we ever do it again we will have to give it a whirl. Thanx for checking us out and the recommendation, we’re all about work smarter not harder. Be Safe!
Your giving me hope that I can do the same in my front and back yard too. I should work from back to front just in case I mess it up lol 😂looks great!!!❤❤
You Absolutely can do it. We would do the same. Use the back as your tester then you’ll be a little smoother on the front. Thanx for the compliment and for stopping bye. Let us know how it goes. Be Safe!!
It hasn’t cracked on its own. Someone drove over it and it did crack there. We think it is perfect for a walkway and nothing heavier than foot traffic, so No we don’t wish we went thicker. Thanx for the comment. God Bless!!!
@@watavuemountain481 I really appreciate your quick response. I noticed at the end of the video that you were wearing a “beards and bibles” shirt. I knew I could sense the Holy Spirit within you. I just subscribed to your channel. I came to the Lord back in 2011 and it changed everything for me and my family. Where once I was blind, now I see. May God bless you abundantly, my brother.
@Fit.For.A.Firefight. Absolutely Brother, God is good All the time. We appreciate you subscribing. We try to spread The Word as much as we can. God Bless!!
When using the edger, something I noticed on a recent Cajun Country Living video (part 2 of dry pouring over an existing pad), when he was using the edger, he had the leading edge if the edger lifted ever so slightly. Not sure if his technique or you technique with the edger flat down is better, but something that others might want to experiment with.
Great point. I don’t think we captured explaining that in the video. It is super helpful to do that, it goes way smoother. Thanx for stopping bye. Be Safe!!
@@Crunchifyable2 a different guy used mortor mix on top, with great results, but that is expensive. I'm in Canada and the cheapest concrete in bags that is good stuff is CAD $6.40 per bag @ 4000 psi. That has gravel. The next is $10 per bag and also 4000 psi. That's only cement and sand mix with no gravel. I'm going to need like 17 bags for a little ramp going into my garage because my concrete driveway sunk a couple inches. I'll be getting 11 bags of cheaper and 6 bags of the $10. Also going to buy 1 more bag to do a smash test between wet mix and dry pour method. I have so much confidence in the dry pour method, I'll probably be selling my concrete mixer machine. Even with that, it's still a lot of work.
@@jakefriesenjake that’s awesome. I’m with you in the confidence of it holding up too, not worried at all. Let us know how your goes too. Good luck and Be Safe!!
Am I the only one that after pouring dry concrete all a could see was yalls feet, dirt, and grass. Saw the end results though it looks great. I just wish I could see what an how you did this.
Yes, in fact we drove over it and it cracked… made a video about that. Going to put out a “repair” video soon so we will include out one year review too. Thanx for the second comment. God Bless!!
I don't understand how this is easier than doing it the right way. It certainly isn't better for your lungs. Fine dust is bad enough, but cement when hydrated (inside moist lungs) is caustic and will burn your tender lungs. A tiny bit of almost anything won't hurt, but doing a dry pour exposes you to hundreds of times more dust due to the extensive time working with powder. I won't even get into the quality of finish or how it will never will be as strong (and resilient to spalling) as properly mixed concrete. If you prefer the surface finish of your slab to look like cratered 100 year old rotten concrete, then dry pour is for you. 1.5 inch concrete will also certainly crack (badly). If you live in an area with frost in the winter, don't even think about doing a dry pour. You will be tripping over the different levels from the plethora of heaved cracks. The weak surface also won't stand a chance against spalling with freezing temperatures. Cajun's chicken coup had a protective roof over the slab and the surface already had more craters than the moon. Out in the elements will have much more spalling. You just can't get as strong (and smooth) of a surface from damp and unmixed concrete. Properly mixed concrete has the right amount of water (to make it maximum strength) and all aggregates are consolidated because it is wet and mixed (not damp). Too much or too little water makes concrete considerably weaker. If anyone has tried to get stucco to stick that isn't quite wet enough, they will know what I mean.
Well thank you for your comment. We must admit the finish is not ideal, however, it is good enough for what we were looking for. If it does crack (badly) we will surely make another video to highlight that. As far as the dust goes, it’s a moot point, when you mix it “properly” you’re still exposed to it. We truly appreciate your insight and taking the time for a comment. Be Safe!!!
@@watavuemountain481 I realize there is exposure just opening up one of those bags, but it is far less when dumping a bag in a wheel barrel or mixer and immediately spaying it down with water. I can hold my breath in the time it takes to dump a bag and spray it, but not for the time it takes to prep a dry pour. I was just warning people (who might think dust is dust) that it isn't good to breath in cement dust because when it is hydrated it is quite caustic to sensitive lung tissue.
Yeah that way isn’t terrible for sure. This was a lot less clean up and we could finish at a slower rate. Aside from the mediocre top finish, which hopefully will be better next time, this really was easier. Thanx for the comment. God Bless!!
Great!!! No signs of cracking, chipping or degrading. We may have to do an update video since it’s been awhile. Thanx for checking us out. Be Safe and God Bless!!
Question: If you pour it wet, do you have to do it in sections to prevent it from setting before you get finished? I like the dry pour for the simple reason that you aren't under pressure to get it finished in a certain amount of time.
That’s our understanding for a pour that is this long. I have seen professionals do much larger sections in one pour, but for us newbies I didn’t want to take a chance. Also the time to finish was a huge incentive for us too. Thanx for the question, Be Safe!!
It’s about 3 feet wide and almost 14 feet long at 1 1/2 inches. The area closest to the steps is a little thicker. We just used quickrete from the big blue box store. If you take your time screeting the top you can get a really nice finish, unlike ours. And the first couple waterings need to be very light. Good luck and God bless!!! Be Safe!!!!
So I've watched a few of these videos, and one question I have is: What do you do about the spillage of the concrete when you're screeding? Do you go back and pick it up, or does it just become edging?
Great question. You can do either. It usually isn't connected or attached to your project so you can just pick it up. We picked up some and left some in place then just covered it later with pine straw. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!
Yes Sir!! If you have the time it’s one hour between each. Of course we had a longer gap since we waited until the next day to finish. Thanx for the question, Be Safe!
@@watavuemountain481 finished mine 30 ft by 3 w thanks alot for the video saved me from mixing 48 bags of concrete in a wheel barrel great video well done!!
What if you just emptied the bags inside the form, sprayed it down to get good saturation, and mixed it right there without having to use a rented mixer or shovel it back out of a big plastic tub/wheelbarrow? Sure, you still have to apply some effort to rake the wet concrete back and forth, but it should definitely get you a more reliable consistency to get a high PSI rating. Just thinkin' because I've got a shed project coming up real soon and am looking for the "best" way to get a solid pad without renting a mixer.
I don’t think you lose any structural integrity with this method. The PSI rating is the same no matter how you mix it from our understanding so as long as you aren’t parking a heavy vehicle in your shed you should be in good shape. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!!
Great job. Dry pour has been around for 75 years in the back area of farms for paddocks. It works for light loads. The only people hating it are concrete workers. Thanks to guys like you and CCL folks, dry pour is a diy for everyone.
Thanx so much. You got that right about the haters, it’s super easy this way for the DIY’r. God Bless!
When you were misting the sidewalk for the first time with the water, all I could think was wow that would’ve been really cool to take those stepping stones that were there previously and push them down into the concrete to make a stepping stone pattern in the concrete with the stones.
Oh that’s a great idea. Would look super cool. We may have to try that next time. Thanx for the tip. Be Safe!!
Paw prints would work too😂
Yeah we almost had those too. 😂
I've poured a lot of heavy wet concrete in my life. When I first started seeing these dry pours I thought it was a bad idea, but for quick walkways I actually may be trying it soon.
Awesome. We agree... I wouldn't do it for a foundation or anything structural, however, this little walkway was super easy all the way around. It is holding up just fine and of course, if we have any issues we will let everyone know. Thanx for the comment. God Bless and Be Safe!!
I like the thought that every day people can do this. Makes me hopeful that mine will turn out half as good. Thanks for putting this up.
Good luck, it is really as easy as we showed it. Thanx for the comment, Be Safe!!
your helper is awesome she did a great job thx for posting
I couldn’t agree more. She’s always a great helper no matter the project. I’m a lucky man for sure. Thanx and Be Safe!!
Don't worry about any detracting comments, you guys did well for providing for your needs and also re-affirming it can be done.
Thank you for the encouragement!!! We try to just take it all in stride and are pretty confident it will hold up just fine. Be Safe!!
You two did an amazing job! It turned out great
Thank you so much, we appreciate the compliment!!! Be Safe!!
You guys are blessed with a beautiful countryside/ mountain property there!
Thank you so much, we couldn’t agree more. Be Safe and God Bless!!
Nice video! And helpful because I’m thinking of creating a small patio pad and totally got turned on to this idea by watching Cajun Country channel! I have watched many others working this same idea chain. You have done a good realistic how to demonstration that helps me to envision my own possibilities of success. Thanks!
Awesome!!! We are certain that if we can do it, so can you. Glad we could help. Good luck and Be Safe!!
The finished product in the thumbnail is not what I would consider a success. So frustrating watching people do something the wrong way, and acting as if they’re experts. This method DOESNT work! It looks like crap, and is exponentially more complicated. You’re trying to reinvent the wheel and in doing so create so much extra complexity that opens up all sorts of issues. Plus, you will never be able to get a proper finish on the concrete and your pad will be uneven and extremely rough. It’s going to shred bare feet like a damn cheese grater. Do not do this, it doesn’t make it any easier. Just mix the concrete first, like we have been doing for centuries. There is a reason this isn’t “the way”.
Thanx for the comment. I suppose that’s the great thing about life, everyone gets an opinion. Be Safe!
@@watavuemountain481 on the plus side, since this became a thing, a bunch of “DIYers” have attempted to do one of these pads or walk ways. Every week I get a at least one call to come tear out their “dry pour” and replace it the correct way. When the home owner realizes how much easier pouring mixed concrete is compared to the mess they made dealing with dry concrete its like a light goes off in their head. When I show up at 7am form it all up, pour, finish and cleaned up 1 pm, they look astonished. I like to get my 13 year old son on these jobs and have him do all the mixing by hand in just a wheel barrow that way the home owner can see how much easier it actually is dealing with wet concrete rather than fine dust with a bunch of aggregate in it. Again, if the dry method was easier, created a better end product, was less time consuming, it would just be the way to do it. It’s none of those things.
That’s awesome that you’re getting so much business and that your teaching your 13 year old a trade. Be Safe!!
Love the video 😊
I have been thinking about doing this on a path behind the house.
Thank you!
Thank you sooo much. It’s really been solid for foot traffic and is just as easy as we showed. Good luck and God Bless!!
Looks fantastic and so much easier than mixong by hand which is what i wouls have to do to pour my sidewalk. Thank you!!!!
Thank you!!! And absolutely correct, much easier. We appreciate you stopping bye. Be Safe!!!
This method really works with the advice from experienced people. Listen to them and apply and see what the results are. If you are satisfied thats all that matters
We couldn’t agree more. Thanx for the great advice. Be Safe!
Looks great,for first time,its awesome.
Thank you. Hopefully next time it will be a little cleaner. Be safe!!
Good job
Thanx so much. Be Safe and God Bless!!
God is good myfriend! And every day is a blessing. Also glad this project turned out well.
I may try this for my dog kennel. Much easier to keep the smell of dog pee away if you can just spray it down.
God is good everyday!!! Great idea for the dog kennel, we are sure it will make your life easier for cleanups. Thanx for coming by and Be Safe!!
Looks great.. awesome job.!! Pay no mind to the concrete snobs😅
Thank you so much for the encouragement. We have definitely been getting mixed reviews, however, are confident we will be in good shape. Be Safe!
Great information. Thanks for the video. Keep it up , and so she knows she did a great job helping out. You did good as well .
Thank you so much. Yes she knows, she always does a great job. Appreciate it, Be Safe!!
I’m from Louisiana.. I’ve been watching as many videos on this dry pour as I can find…. I’ll have to do this by myself…. I think I can handle doing this……
Awesome!!! We are sure you can do it too, it really is pretty easy. Good luck and thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!
I want to dry pour a side walk for my home. These video's are helpful! I'd love to talk to y'all more about.
Awesome!! It’s as easy at it looks and we’re confident you can do it. You can PM is on Facebook. The link is in our bio.. Be Safe and God Bless!!
facebook.com/watavuemountain
Thank you for your video. I think that you guys did a great job. What a money saver.
Absolutely!!! Glad we could share and it definitely was a money saver. Be safe!!
You all did a wonderful job. Now I'll be doing mine next thank you ❤❤
Thanx so much. Glad we could help and good luck. Be safe and God Bless!!
Good work Guys.....woot Woot. Cabin is is looking good too, watched the loft video before this one. Best wishes
Thanx a million, we appreciate y’all checking us out. Keep up the good work too!! Be Safe!!
Looks great ! Thanks for the video.
Thanx so much, we are pretty happy with it being our first time. God Bless!
For a 1st time, I think it looks pretty good!
Thanx a million. We are pretty pleased as well. We appreciate you stopping by. Be Safe!!
Aww crazy dog signature paw prints would have been a nice finish to the sidewalk. Paw 🐾 ❤
Bahahahaha. True he is definitely one of a kind. Thanx for checking us out and for the comment. Be Safe and God Bless!!
I subscribed!! Great video. We just bought a fixer upper and we will be doing a sidewalk from the porch to the street. Great video, looks good. Blessings from Georgia
Thanx a million. We are in Georgia also when at “suburbia” our off grid property is in Alabama. Thanx for subscribing, the comment and for checking us out. Good luck with the fixer upper. Maybe some of our videos can help. Be Safe!!
looks like an easy job. Good thing because your going to need to do it again every year. This is going to shatter like a piece of glass. There is a reason you mix this b4 you place it.
Thanx for the comment. We shall see what happens. Of course if the t does shatter we will let y’all know. Be Safe and God Bless!!
Love that shirt brother you just got yourself another subscriber God bless you and your channel!
Thank you so much, God has been good to us for sure. Thanx for subscribing Be Safe!!
What a beautiful back yard
Thanx so much. We really think the new sidewalk looks great there too. Be Safe and God Bless!!
Looks good to me! I may try this for my trash cans. Thanks for the video.
Thank you so much. Best of luck in your attempt, let us know how it goes. Be Safe!!
This was a great simple project. I think this thickness would work great for a small bike storage pad I had in mind. Thanks for the content!
You’re more than welcomed, we agree. Perfect for bike storage. Good luck on you project and thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!
Very interesting. I will try this for a garden path. Not to have to mix the concrete makes this attractive. Greetings from Germany!
That’s part of the reason we tried it also. Good luck and thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!!
Thanks for taking the trouble to shoot this and upload it. I learned some good hints.
No trouble at all. Glad we could share and hopefully help. Be Safe!
Nicely done, I'm going to try this in a few weeks, love that shirt
Thanx a million. We are sure you’ll do a great job. Good luck and thanx for stopping bye. Be Safe!
Excellent job. I'm going to try that in my yard.
Thank you so much. We are sure you will knock it out of the park, good luck. Be Safe!!
I like the way you did the side walk gives me a ideal for me do a others project at my house thanks 😊
Glad we could help. Thanx for the comment, good luck and Be Safe!!
You may want to cut lines intermittently to hope if it cracks it cracks on the lines that are halfway through. Or while making it they have foam to push in to pull out later to make those crack lines. You must not have freezes, otherwise gravel underneath allows for drainage from the concrete.
😊Seal it, and if you ever stain it, throw the stain on top after it’s wet, not mixed it as it takes too much otherwise. That’s only when it’s still wet.
Great ideas, thanx so much. If we do anything else to it we will let everyone know. Be Safe!!
Same thought, didn't see the cuts
@@paulablackford9400 we will definitely let everyone know how it goes. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe!
Great job. Great you had the guts to try it. Trying to talk my hubby into doing a slab, but no way , to scared to fail.
Great shirt! Blessings , ♥️ from 🇨🇦
Thank you so much. I’m hopeful that if you could get him to watch us muddle through it and have good results it would build his confidence. Prayers it goes your way. Thanx for checking us out. Be Safe!
Hi, where in Canada? Im in Alberta Badlands, just moved here, bought a fixer upper. All the existing concrete slopes TO the house,arg😮😂🙋♀️🇨🇦❤️‼️
Hey, sorry we missed your comment. Hopefully all is going well. Thanx for checking us out. Be safe and God Bless!
Good job... I love it 🎉🎉❤❤
Thanx so much. Let us know how yours turns out. God Bless!!
Great vid. Been planning some small projects myself.
Thanx a bunch. Good luck on your projects. Be Safe!!
Dry pouring is a great option for elderly/handicapped people.
Bahahahaha!! We’re ok with being lumped in those categories. Thanx for the comment. God Bless!!
yours looks good for what you wanted, great job!
Thank you, we agree completely. Thanx for checking us out and Be Safe!
I’ve watched ppl add a top layer of mortar, 3/4 concrete, and the 1/4 mortar, that lays directly on the top. It prevents rocks from rising to the top, and gives a smoother look they claim. I’m going to try it for my patio, they quoted me $3700-$4400, and that’s when it became a DIY. Materials not even $1k, if it lasts 5yrs, I’ll be happy, hopefully it lasts longer.
Great idea. We will probably try that for our next project too. They absolutely crush us with labor charges too, that’s why we do just about Everything ourselves. Thanx for checking us out. Be Safe!!
Great video and walkthru. Keep them coming!
Thank you Sir!!! We appreciate that and will definitely keep pumping them out. Be Safe!!
Great job! I am about to do a walkway at my house.
Thanx a bunch. If we can do it surely you can too. Good luck and be safe!!
Love your shirt! And thats an amazing job on the sidewalk
Thank you so much, it’s all a blessing from God. We appreciate the compliment and the comment. Be Safe!
Another kick sss channel! LOT'S of folks want to do it themselves and not hire a contractor. Thank you and have a safe day! Looks awesome! No more mud!
Thank you so much for the compliment. We are learning that through UA-cam and reading we can all do a lot more than we think. The clean feet is definitely a game changer. Thanx again, Be Safe!!
Congrats! just saw the 3 week update. I know it will work.
Thanx a million, we have a sneaking suspicion it will too. Be Safe!?
( this is from another site where a civil engineer is talking about dry pour concrete)
@mikehewitt1253
1 month ago (edited)
Dear all, let me try to help everyone understand concrete.
The cement part of any mortar or concrete reacts with water in a hydraulic chemical reaction (exothermic reaction i.e. generates heat). When thoroughly cured, meaning allowing enough time for this reaction to take place and preferably throughout all the cement particles where they become irreversibly hardened and water proof.
However, cement on it's own will shrink significantly and crack all over so it needs a binder - sand - this 'stretches' the cement through the mix so when it hardens via Curing it's bonded to lot's of already hard sand particles and more cement particles alike creating a hard material that doesn't crack - mortar.
However 😁 mortar is not strong in itself. For strength we add Aggregate, ideally for strength you want some flat, some irregular stones (not pebble like) of 3 sizes - pea size, golf ball size and halfway between those - giving us Concrete when Cured throughout.
Now, I've watched many dry pour vids with interest and listened to the nay sayers saying it has to be WET to cure and therefore dry pour is nonsense.........
Time for education folks where (after that which I have outlined above) you will be surprised that I'm on the side of dry pour ....... SORT OF......
When dry pouring, it is tamped thoroughly down before spraying - this is GOOD - but cement particles and sand particles and aggregate elements throughout will not all receive moisture, will not Cure and will remain as dust in parts - not good.
BUT Wet is not great either! It's CONVENIENT.
The best, strongest concrete is Mechanical Concrete which is made with JUST ENOUGH water to provide moisture throughout for correct curing.
The test is - grab a small fist full, squeeze hard together in palm of hand and if doesn't hold shape and crumbles when released from pressure, needs more moisture. The shape should Break cleanly in two pieces without crumbling - if stretches in the break test, it's too wet.
So my recommendation to all is........
Dry pour mix thoroughly together with rake, add moisture by spraying so as not to over-wet BUT rake that moisture throughout and THEN Tamp down hard compacting it all properly and level off.
All this 24 hrs later stuff is inadequate - Minimum curing time is a month - covered to keep that minimum moisture in the mixed pad, base, driveway, - shouldn't be touched, don't go near it - best of both worlds here as easy as Dry Pour and stronger than the normal convenient Wet stuff which because of too much moisture cannot be as compacted and consolidated to provide the same strength.
Go Mechanical guys, it's the best. Anyone want to hear my views on Earthcrete, which I find fascinating - by the way - I'm a Civil Engineer - spent an entire year studying Concrete - an entire bloody year on nothing but concrete.
PS DON'T use quickset anything, you won't have enough time for all rake work, use standard Portland.
Awesome insight. Thanx for the info and the comment. Be Safe and God Bless!!
So cool what a good job
Thank you so much. Be Safe!!
Your wife is pretty AND she’s got some guns on hers! Had no problem with that sack of concrete. Great vid, thanks for sharing. And you made some great points.
Thanx for the compliments and the comment. She’s absolutely beautiful on the inside and out and doesn’t mind the hard work at all. Be Safe!
Beautiful sir!!!!! Thanks for sharing . Looks like a pro
Thanx a million for the compliment and for checking us out. Be Safe!!
Wow. You guys did a great job. Thanks for the details and slowly explaining. I'm definitely going to try this. Thanks for posting.
You’re welcome!! We are truly glad we could help and you found it useful. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Thanx and Be Safe!!
Great job .....God bless
Thank you so much. Be safe!
Amazing job boss!🙌🏽🙌🏽
Thank you we sincerely appreciate it. Be Safe!!
Some people also run a broom over the top to give it something for your feet to grab onto. I am sure there is better wording but it give it a brushed look and not as slippery.
Yeah absolutely. We did the paint roller and got a similar result. Not quite as deep as a broom does but still rough enough for good grip. Thanx for the suggestion and the comment. Be Safe!!
"Everything on youtube looks easy"... that´s gold🤣
Bahahahaha. Isn’t that the truth. That’s we try to show all the struggles in everything we do. Thanx for the comment. God Bless!!
“Hard as woodpecker lips” made me laugh 😂 This is the same thing I want to do in my back yard. Thanks for this awesome video! ❤🤘
Glad we could help and gave you a laugh. Good luck in your project. Be Safe!!
Great tutorial and you guys make it very simple. to understand. Thanks!!
@@miataman1985 thanx so much we appreciate the compliment and the comment. Glad we could help. Be Safe!!
It looks great. The only thing i would've done different is put the lines every 2 foot or so just like on a normal sidewalk but that looks awesome
Thanx so much for the comments. We appreciate the input. Be Safe and God Bless!!
Good job you 2!
Thanx a bunch. Be Safe!!
Very nice. I would make it in a few sections to avoid the cracks in the future.
Thanx for the recommendation. We may try that in the future if we have any issues. Be Safe!
cut in the middle of the bag to open it. If you screed it more, more dust will come to the surface and you won't have problems making the edge smooth.
Awesome idea. Thanx for the suggestion. Be Safe!!
Put a thin board down in the middle, cut the bag in half width-wise beside it, flip it over on the board, then pick up both ends and pour it out. Some other YT video did it so you don't have to lift the bag after moving it in place. Lifting heavy stuff sucks, so any shortcut is always appreciated.
Great idea. If we ever do it again we will have to give it a whirl. Thanx for checking us out and the recommendation, we’re all about work smarter not harder. Be Safe!
Your giving me hope that I can do the same in my front and back yard too. I should work from back to front just in case I mess it up lol 😂looks great!!!❤❤
You Absolutely can do it. We would do the same. Use the back as your tester then you’ll be a little smoother on the front. Thanx for the compliment and for stopping bye. Let us know how it goes. Be Safe!!
Great job , great video.
Thanx a million we appreciate that. Be Safe!
I didn't even watch the video.
I'm just here to thumbs up the video for the thumbnail catchphrase "how hard can it be?"
Well thanx for stopping bye and for the comment. We appreciate that too. Be Safe!!
Thanks for sharing this project. I was wondering about that rake - it was to the right of the steps.
Thanx for the comment. We just used it to clear the Pinestraw from the path. Be Safe!
Hey awesome plus where did you get your t-shirt
Thank you so much. Shawn found it on Etsy at disciplined apparel. Be Safe and God Bless!
Right on man thanks for the video
You got it. Thanx for checking us out. Be Safe!!
Job well done
Thank you so much. Be Safe!!
Good video, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanx for the comment, be safe!!
Awesome! Only one and half inches thick with no rebar or fencing.. Has it cracked? Do you wish you would have gone thicker?
It hasn’t cracked on its own. Someone drove over it and it did crack there. We think it is perfect for a walkway and nothing heavier than foot traffic, so No we don’t wish we went thicker. Thanx for the comment. God Bless!!!
@@watavuemountain481 I really appreciate your quick response. I noticed at the end of the video that you were wearing a “beards and bibles” shirt. I knew I could sense the Holy Spirit within you. I just subscribed to your channel. I came to the Lord back in 2011 and it changed everything for me and my family. Where once I was blind, now I see. May God bless you abundantly, my brother.
@Fit.For.A.Firefight. Absolutely Brother, God is good All the time. We appreciate you subscribing. We try to spread The Word as much as we can. God Bless!!
Looks great!
Thank you, Be Safe!
When using the edger, something I noticed on a recent Cajun Country Living video (part 2 of dry pouring over an existing pad), when he was using the edger, he had the leading edge if the edger lifted ever so slightly. Not sure if his technique or you technique with the edger flat down is better, but something that others might want to experiment with.
Great point. I don’t think we captured explaining that in the video. It is super helpful to do that, it goes way smoother. Thanx for stopping bye. Be Safe!!
Don’t forget to use a palm sander to vibrate the edges along the wooden supports to provide a smooth edge finish
@@Helpfulsuggestions yeah that would have been a great idea. If we do it again we will definitely do that. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!
Recommend using graval free concrete as a top layer. Also, Maby put a couple cuts where you want it to crack
Oh yeah great idea. That would have really finished off that too real nice. Thanx for the recommendation and for checking us out. Be Safe!!
I had this idea as well or to use the feathery kind but have no experience.
@@Crunchifyable2 a different guy used mortor mix on top, with great results, but that is expensive.
I'm in Canada and the cheapest concrete in bags that is good stuff is CAD $6.40 per bag @ 4000 psi. That has gravel. The next is $10 per bag and also 4000 psi. That's only cement and sand mix with no gravel. I'm going to need like 17 bags for a little ramp going into my garage because my concrete driveway sunk a couple inches. I'll be getting 11 bags of cheaper and 6 bags of the $10.
Also going to buy 1 more bag to do a smash test between wet mix and dry pour method.
I have so much confidence in the dry pour method, I'll probably be selling my concrete mixer machine. Even with that, it's still a lot of work.
@@jakefriesenjake that’s awesome. I’m with you in the confidence of it holding up too, not worried at all. Let us know how your goes too. Good luck and Be Safe!!
You can do it. Good luck, Be Safe!!
Good job! Nice shirt.
Thanx man we appreciate it. I try to keep it entertaining with my clothing choices. Be safe!!
Am I the only one that after pouring dry concrete all a could see was yalls feet, dirt, and grass. Saw the end results though it looks great. I just wish I could see what an how you did this.
Sorry if we didn’t explain it well enough for you. Hopefully you got the general idea though. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe and God Bless!
Can u show this sidewalk 1year later? And your honest opinion on it.ty
Yes, in fact we drove over it and it cracked… made a video about that. Going to put out a “repair” video soon so we will include out one year review too. Thanx for the second comment. God Bless!!
Well done!
Thank you so much, we’re glad you liked it. Be Safe!
Great video!
Thanx so much. Be Safe!
Man that looks a 1000% better than those rocks and dirt path.
Agreed. Thanx a million. Be safe!!!
Good job!!!
Thank a million. Be Safe!
I don't understand how this is easier than doing it the right way. It certainly isn't better for your lungs. Fine dust is bad enough, but cement when hydrated (inside moist lungs) is caustic and will burn your tender lungs. A tiny bit of almost anything won't hurt, but doing a dry pour exposes you to hundreds of times more dust due to the extensive time working with powder. I won't even get into the quality of finish or how it will never will be as strong (and resilient to spalling) as properly mixed concrete.
If you prefer the surface finish of your slab to look like cratered 100 year old rotten concrete, then dry pour is for you. 1.5 inch concrete will also certainly crack (badly). If you live in an area with frost in the winter, don't even think about doing a dry pour. You will be tripping over the different levels from the plethora of heaved cracks. The weak surface also won't stand a chance against spalling with freezing temperatures.
Cajun's chicken coup had a protective roof over the slab and the surface already had more craters than the moon. Out in the elements will have much more spalling. You just can't get as strong (and smooth) of a surface from damp and unmixed concrete. Properly mixed concrete has the right amount of water (to make it maximum strength) and all aggregates are consolidated because it is wet and mixed (not damp). Too much or too little water makes concrete considerably weaker.
If anyone has tried to get stucco to stick that isn't quite wet enough, they will know what I mean.
Well thank you for your comment. We must admit the finish is not ideal, however, it is good enough for what we were looking for. If it does crack (badly) we will surely make another video to highlight that. As far as the dust goes, it’s a moot point, when you mix it “properly” you’re still exposed to it. We truly appreciate your insight and taking the time for a comment. Be Safe!!!
@@watavuemountain481 I realize there is exposure just opening up one of those bags, but it is far less when dumping a bag in a wheel barrel or mixer and immediately spaying it down with water. I can hold my breath in the time it takes to dump a bag and spray it, but not for the time it takes to prep a dry pour.
I was just warning people (who might think dust is dust) that it isn't good to breath in cement dust because when it is hydrated it is quite caustic to sensitive lung tissue.
@@gordthor5351 understood and a great point. We should have had on masks for sure. Thanx again. Be Safe!
Looks great
Thank you, it really wasn’t that hard. Be Safe!!
Would have been a lot less work to just mix and pour using that wheel barrel you had in the background. I just did a 11x4 pad that way and it was easy
Yeah that way isn’t terrible for sure. This was a lot less clean up and we could finish at a slower rate. Aside from the mediocre top finish, which hopefully will be better next time, this really was easier. Thanx for the comment. God Bless!!
"Everything on youtube looks easier". So true 😀
We feel it in almost every project. Thanx for stopping by. Be Safe!!
The walkway can out nice. Im no expert but these dry concrete pours are ok for light food traffic, stepping stones etc..
Thank you. So far we agree, great for foot traffic. Maybe in the future we’ll try out something heavier. Be Safe!
Yeah, it's great for this. I wouldn't try to build a house foundation out of it.
Bahahahaha. For sure
Thanks!
You’re welcomed. Thanx for stopping by. Be Safe!
How is it holding up after 5 months?
Great!!! No signs of cracking, chipping or degrading. We may have to do an update video since it’s been awhile. Thanx for checking us out. Be Safe and God Bless!!
Did you put in any expansion joints?
Nope. That will be on the agenda for the next one. Thanx for the comment. Be safe and God Bless!!
its good. looks good. I would of added a pipe underneath for the downspout drainage.
Yeah we thought about that after the fact. We may do some river rock in a shallow ditch behind the stairs. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe!
@@watavuemountain481 Thank you!
@@morzaprowashpressurewashin5673 👍🏻👍🏻
Question: If you pour it wet, do you have to do it in sections to prevent it from setting before you get finished? I like the dry pour for the simple reason that you aren't under pressure to get it finished in a certain amount of time.
That’s our understanding for a pour that is this long. I have seen professionals do much larger sections in one pour, but for us newbies I didn’t want to take a chance. Also the time to finish was a huge incentive for us too. Thanx for the question, Be Safe!!
Nice brother very nice
Thanx brother. Be Safe!!
What is the depth of the concrete? Width and length that you did with 12 bags? Also what type of concrete should you use?
It’s about 3 feet wide and almost 14 feet long at 1 1/2 inches. The area closest to the steps is a little thicker. We just used quickrete from the big blue box store. If you take your time screeting the top you can get a really nice finish, unlike ours. And the first couple waterings need to be very light. Good luck and God bless!!! Be Safe!!!!
I like the fact that yours is thin compared to others Ive seen. I want to do this along the side of my house. Do i need permits ?
Where we are we do not need a permit. I would check in your county just to make sure. Thanx. Be Safe!
So I've watched a few of these videos, and one question I have is: What do you do about the spillage of the concrete when you're screeding? Do you go back and pick it up, or does it just become edging?
Great question. You can do either. It usually isn't connected or attached to your project so you can just pick it up. We picked up some and left some in place then just covered it later with pine straw. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!
You guys did a great job especially for your first time. Eighty $ lol Wonder how much it would have cost if you hired someone.
Thanx so much, we’re pretty pleased with the results. It would have been much costlier for sure. We appreciate the comment. Be Safe!!
is the 3rd watering 1 hour also
Yes Sir!! If you have the time it’s one hour between each. Of course we had a longer gap since we waited until the next day to finish. Thanx for the question, Be Safe!
@@watavuemountain481 finished mine 30 ft by 3 w thanks alot for the video saved me from mixing 48 bags of concrete in a wheel barrel great video well done!!
@@jameslavalley2647 congratulations!!! Glad we could help out. Hope it turned out as well as you hoped. Be Safe!!
About how many bags did this take and how long was it total? I’m doing this now! Thanks. Great video!
We used 13 bags of concrete and it’s a little over 14 feet long. Thanx for checking us out and for the comment. Good luck on yours and Be Safe!!
What if you just emptied the bags inside the form, sprayed it down to get good saturation, and mixed it right there without having to use a rented mixer or shovel it back out of a big plastic tub/wheelbarrow? Sure, you still have to apply some effort to rake the wet concrete back and forth, but it should definitely get you a more reliable consistency to get a high PSI rating. Just thinkin' because I've got a shed project coming up real soon and am looking for the "best" way to get a solid pad without renting a mixer.
I don’t think you lose any structural integrity with this method. The PSI rating is the same no matter how you mix it from our understanding so as long as you aren’t parking a heavy vehicle in your shed you should be in good shape. Thanx for the comment. Be Safe!!!