7 Amazing Ideas for What to Do with Old Concrete
Admin • August 15, 2022
There is no doubt, concrete is one of the versatile materials that can be utilized in a variety of ways. But what do you do when it's no longer usable for its original purpose? You can upcycle it into something new and unique! Here are 7 ideas for upcycling old concrete.
What is concrete, and how is it made
Concrete is a combination of sand, cement, water, and gravel. The cement is what makes the concrete hard and durable. Concrete is usually made in a batch plant, where the ingredients are mixed and poured into forms to cure. Concrete can also be made on-site by mixing the ingredients in a wheelbarrow or other mixer. This is called ready mix concrete. Ready-mix concrete is made in a factory and then delivered to the job site in a truck, pouring into forms. Concrete can be cast into any shape, which makes it a versatile construction material. It is most commonly used to make foundations, walls, floors, and driveways.
The different types of concrete
- Plain concrete is the most basic type of concrete. It's made from portland cement, aggregate, and water. It's strong but not very durable, so it's best used for projects that don't need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Reinforced concrete is made with steel reinforcement bars, or "rebar." This type of concrete is much stronger and more durable than plain concrete, making it ideal for projects that will see a lot of use, like driveways and sidewalks. - Prestressed concrete is reinforced concrete prestressed with high-strength wires. Traditional reinforced concrete is stronger and more durable than other types, making it ideal for projects that need the most strength, such as bridges and buildings.
- Precast concrete is concrete that is cast into a mould before it's brought to the job site. Stair treads, walls, and other repetitive elements are common in building projects utilizing this form of concrete.
- Shotcrete is concrete sprayed onto a surface using high-pressure air. It's commonly used for repair work and to create smoother surfaces.
- Self-consolidating concrete. This is a type of concrete that flows easily and consolidates on its own. It's often used for projects that require a very smooth surface, like countertops.
- Lightweight concrete is made with lightweight aggregates, like pumice or Perlite. This type of concrete is much lighter than standard concrete, making it easier to work with.
Plain concrete can be used to make…
- Garden stepping stones: Garden stepping stones are a great way to add a personal touch to your garden. You can use plain concrete to make your DIY stepping stones. Choose a mould, pour in the concrete, and let it dry. Then, decorate your stepping stones however you like!
- Concrete countertops: Concrete countertops are popular for kitchens and bathrooms. They're solid and durable and can be customized to match your décor. You can make your concrete countertops using plain concrete and a few simple tools.
- Concrete furniture: Concrete furniture is both stylish and practical. It's perfect for outdoor areas because it's so durable. And, it's easy to make your concrete furniture with some basic supplies and a little creativity.
Reinforced concrete can be used to make...
- Driveways: Driveways are one of the most common uses for reinforced concrete. It's an excellent material for driveways because it's solid and durable.
- Sidewalks: Sidewalks are another everyday use for reinforced concrete. It's an excellent material for sidewalks because it's so solid and durable.
- Patios: Patios are a great place to relax and entertain guests. And reinforced concrete is the perfect material for patios because it's solid and durable.
Prestressed concrete can be used to make…
- Bridges: Bridges are one of the most common uses for prestressed concrete. It's an excellent material for bridges because it's so solid and durable.
- Buildings: Buildings are another everyday use for prestressed concrete. It's an excellent material for buildings because it's so solid and durable. terior.
- Parking garages are a great place to park your car. And prestressed concrete is the perfect material for parking garages because it's solid and durable.
Precast concrete can be used to make...
- Stairs: Stairs are one of the most common uses for precast concrete. It's an excellent material for stairs because it's so solid and durable.
- Walls: Walls are another everyday use for precast concrete. It's an excellent wall material because it's so solid and durable.
- Fences: Fences are a great way to add privacy to your home. And precast concrete is the perfect material for fences because it's solid and durable.
Shotcrete can be used to make...
- Swimming pools: These are one of the most common uses for shotcrete. It's an excellent material for swimming pools because it's so solid and durable.
- Waterfalls: Waterfalls are another everyday use for shotcrete. It's an excellent material for waterfalls because it's so solid and durable.
- Spas: Spas are a great place to relax and unwind. And shotcrete is the perfect material for spas because it's solid and durable.
How to use concrete in your home improvement projects
Concrete is a very versatile material that can be used for various purposes. But what do you do when it's no longer usable for its original purpose? You can upcycle it into something new and unique! Here are 7 ideas for upcycling old concrete.
- Outdoor Furniture: Concrete can be used to make all sorts of outdoor furniture, from benches to tables to bird baths.
- Garden Paths: If you have extra concrete, you can use it to create a new path in your garden.
- Stepping Stones: This is a great way to add decoration to your yard while also being functional. You can make them out of concrete and then decorate them however you want.
- Flower Pots: Concrete flower pots are a unique way to display your plants. You may make them any size or shape you choose, and they'll provide a rustic touch to your house.
- Fire Pit: A concrete fire pit is a great way to enjoy your backyard in the winter. It will keep you warm and also provide a place to roast marshmallows!
- Mailbox: Add some personality to your mailbox by making it out of concrete. You can even add decorative touches like stamps or painting.
- Fountains: Concrete fountains are a beautiful addition to any home. They may be put indoors or outside, and they provide a bit of opulence to your space.
Concrete is one of the versatile materials that can be utilized in a variety of ways. It's made from cement, aggregate, and water, and different types of concrete depend on their use. Concrete can be used for outdoor furniture, garden paths, stepping stones, flower pots, fire pits, mailboxes, fountains, and more. When you're done with your project, be sure to recycle your concrete so it can be used again.
If you have more questions or need help with concrete needs, contact us at
03 4420 4768. We’d love to help!
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Learn about the factors you must consider when building a concrete retaining wall . We will discuss the importance of hiring a professional, the type of wall you need, the size, and the wall's location. We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a retaining wall. Read more here. A retaining wall enhances the property's curb appeal and appearance. It also prevents soil erosion and landslides that may damage the building's foundation. These are the actors to Consider When Building a Concrete Retaining Wall A few factors must be considered when building a concrete retaining wall to ensure stability and longevity. The first is the soil type on which the wall will be built. Soil types can vary greatly, and each type has different characteristics that affect how the wall settles and performs over time. For example, clay soils are very dense and can hold much water, while sand soils are much less dense and tend to drain more quickly. Knowing the soil type is essential to make sure the wall is built on a solid foundation. Another factor to consider is the height of the wall. Taller walls will require more reinforcement than shorter walls, and the soil type will also affect how much reinforcement is necessary. The land's slope should also be considered when designing the wall, as steeper slopes will put more pressure on the wall and may require additional reinforcement. Finally, the climate in the area where the wall will be built is also a factor to consider. Extreme weather conditions can put a lot of stress on a retaining wall, so it's essential to ensure the wall is designed to withstand the worst that the climate can throw at it. Considering all of these factors, you can be sure that your concrete retaining wall will be built to last. Concrete Retaining Wall Types There are various concrete retaining walls, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most common types are gravity walls, cantilevered walls, and anchored walls. Gravity walls rely on their weight to resist the lateral forces of the soil behind them. They are typically the least expensive type of retaining wall, but they are also the least stable and can be easily damaged by water or other external forces. Cantilevered walls are supported at the top and bottom, with the bottom support significantly more comprehensive. This creates a cantilever effect that helps resist the soil's lateral forces. Cantilevered walls are more expensive than gravity walls but are much more stable. Anchored walls are the same as cantilevered walls but have one or more anchors extending into the soil behind the wall. These anchors help resist the soil's lateral forces and make anchored walls the most stable retaining walls. However, they are also the most expensive type of retaining wall. Concrete Retaining Wall Applications A concrete retaining wall is a great way to add function and beauty to your property. These walls can create level sections in your yard or raised garden beds, privacy screens, or property lines. In addition to their practical applications, concrete retaining walls can add a stylish touch to your landscaping. Concrete Retaining Wall Design Specifications and Design Guidelines A few key specifications and design guidelines must be followed when designing a concrete retaining wall. Firstly, the wall must be designed to withstand the lateral forces acting on it, including the weight of the soil behind it and any external forces such as wind or water pressure. Secondly, the wall must be tall enough to support the height of the soil – the taller the wall, the greater the lateral force it can resist. Finally, the wall must be reinforced with steel rods or cables to prevent it from cracking under the lateral force. We take pride in our work and will do everything we can to make sure your project is completed to your satisfaction. If you want to learn more about our services or get a free estimate for your next project, please call us at 03 4420 4768 . We look forward to working with you!
It's easy to get confused about the process of colouring concrete . There are a few things you need to know about the process to help you make the right choice. Let's look at some of these. Staining vs dyeing Concrete dyeing and staining are both techniques used to improve the look of concrete. Both are applied by spraying and require protective equipment. However, there are several differences between the two. In terms of colour, stains are more versatile and can be used to achieve a range of effects. Stains are also more durable than dyes. Chemical stains produce a solid and etched effect, which can create marble-like surfaces. They are best for exterior surfaces. Acid-based stains chemically react with the minerals in the concrete. Using acid-resistant sprayers is recommended. Dyeing is an easy and fast method of colouring concrete. It involves mixing a liquid dye with acetone and applying it to a surface. Once the dye has been applied, it should be sealed with a clear sealer. This sealer protects the colour from wear and tear and leaching. Mineral composition When you want to use coloured concrete, there are some things you should know about the mineral composition of the material. Aside from the pigment, the cement content and the water-to-cement ratio, you'll need to account for other minerals in the concrete mix. There are many different types of minerals. The common one is calcite, which is a calcium carbonate. Its chemical formula is CaCO3, and it has a negative charge. Calcite is frequently formed from organic processes, such as in the shells of clams and marine invertebrates. After burial and diagenesis, the calcite is often precipitated into aragonite. Another common mineral is olivine, which has a chemical formula of (Fe, Mg)2SiO4. These minerals are found in the mantle and have a green colour when they are unweathered. Chemical reaction The chemical reaction of coloured concrete is a process in which a chemical substance is added to the mix to produce a specific colour. This is different from surface treatment colour. It is a method of applying a colour to create a permanent, bright, and unique colour. Many different kinds of pigments can be used to produce a concrete colour. These pigments come in various forms, including oxides, organic, and inorganic. Organic pigments are generally stronger and brighter than oxides. They also allow for deeper colours. Dyes are another type of colouring compound that can be applied to concrete. Dye colours are highly flammable and must be applied with adequate ventilation. They are often used to create stencil designs on interior concrete surfaces. Symptoms of discoloration Concrete discolouration can cause problems for homeowners and contractors. If not dealt with properly, it can lead to a number of issues, including structural failure. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to prevent or fix discolouration. Concrete discolouration can be caused by various factors, from poor workmanship to environmental problems. To treat it, you can either use an acidic solution or apply a coating. However, you will need to choose a treatment method that will work for the root of your concrete's discolouration. An acidic solution can treat mild and light concrete discolourations. The acid should be applied in small doses and brushed off afterwards. For more severe cases, a diammonium citrate solution can be used. You should let it sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with a 30% water solution. Recolouring If you have a building with coloured concrete, consider recolouring it to maintain its appearance. There are several ways to do this, including adding dyes, colour hardeners, or pigments. Fortunately, a professional contractor will have the equipment to do the job correctly. For example, colouring your concrete with a dye is a great way to get a new look. This type of colourant can be dispensed in liquid form or dispersed in water. Its colour can be diluted to create lighter shades. Acid stains, which contain hydrochloric acid and metallic salts, can also be used to create a mottled look. When applied to concrete, they provide a marbled effect. Coloured concrete can be repainted in four ways. The first is with an integral pigment. Integral colouring can be done by blending pigments with the concrete mix or adding pigments after it has been poured. Contact us today at 03 4420 4768 for a free quotation.
If you've ever experienced a lot of flaking and scaling on the outside of your home, or your garage floor has been spalled, you may have wondered how you can prevent these issues from occurring again. The following article will provide you with some tips that you can follow to keep your concrete in good shape. Avoid high-slump concrete In the construction world, there is a new crop of high-tech gizmos and gadgets, but when it comes to concrete there are still a few tried-and-true ways to avoid scaling and flaking. These measures include proper placement of the slab, adequate abrasion resistance and a good sealant. For starters, consider placing the concrete on a damp subgrade. This allows it to absorb the bleed water without overabsorbing it. If your concrete is exposed to freezing and thawing cycles, it is imperative to take steps to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture. As for the curing and drying process, you can avoid premature fading by avoiding vapour retarders. You should also avoid using harmful fertilisers, particularly those that contain azoles. To achieve the aforementioned, you should be aware of the correct mix ratio of concrete and sand. Then, you should place the slab at the smallest possible slump. Not only will this minimise shrinkage, but it will also increase the strength and durability of the slab. Using the correct admixtures will also ensure that the slab is properly cured. Proper curing will also help the slab retain the requisite amount of moisture needed for the concrete to perform its hydration and binding processes. Lastly, you should avoid the pitfalls of overworking the slab. Don't use excessive amounts of water and avoid hammering the slab. Apply a coat of linseed oil to all surfaces. Finally, protect the concrete from premature drying by applying a fog spray. Doing so will prevent the dreaded plastic shrinkage. There are several other concrete measures to consider, like ensuring that the slab is insulated. 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Typically, scaling occurs mid-slab, but the root cause may occur at a much earlier stage. Putting in a properly sealed concrete floor will increase its lifespan and durability. Sealing also protects it from the elements, which makes it easy to wipe up spills. But, you'll need to be careful to pick a sealer that doesn't absorb liquids. Using a solvent-based sealer won't work well, and will require more maintenance. There are also more environmentally friendly options out there. For instance, you could get an epoxy sealer that's made from polymer-modified cement. These are typically a little more expensive, but they last longer and need less maintenance. Besides sealing your concrete, there are other important measures you can take to increase its longevity. These include keeping it clean and dry and applying the right repair materials. Using the right type of sealer, you can make your concrete look brand new, and you won't have to worry about discolouration or mildew. The key is to find the right type of sealer for your particular application. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles When you have concrete on your property, it is important to take precautions to prevent scaling and flaking. The freezing and thawing cycles in the winter can damage the surface of your concrete. Keeping the foundation dry is a good way to minimise the effects of these cycles. During winters, freezing temperatures freeze the water in porous concrete. This causes microcracks to form in the surface layer. Once these microcracks are revealed, the surface of the concrete becomes damaged. Increasing the amount of water in the concrete increases the size and depth of the spalling failure. Scaling can be moderate or severe. Moderate scaling can involve the loss of up to 10mm of surface mortar. Severe scaling involves coarse aggregate popping out from the concrete. Many factors contribute to scaling. It is important to identify what type of scaling you have. Light scaling is generally not visible and does not expose the coarse aggregate. A sealer applied to the concrete can help protect the surface from harsh weather. Having entrapped air in the concrete is another mistake that can lead to scaling and flaking. Entrapped air is formed in the cement paste during the mixing process. Entrained air relieves the pressure inside the pores and improves the compressive strength of the concrete. Deicing chemicals can also cause scaling and flaking. Chlorides are the most harmful during the freezing and thawing process. If you need to use deicers, be sure to keep the amount to a minimum. Whether you live in an area where freezing and thawing cycles occur daily or only during certain seasons, it is important to take steps to avoid them. Some steps you can take include using sump pumps to remove excess water from under your pavement. You can also keep a close eye on your local weather records. Avoid the expanding effects of the Alkali-Silica Reaction In the concrete world, scaling refers to flaking or peeling off of the surface of a hardened concrete surface. It typically begins in one area but can spread to other parts of the structure if it is left untreated. Proper curing practices can make a difference, especially if the concrete is exposed to freezing temperatures early on. Scaling may also occur if the concrete is not properly air-entrained. A lack of drainage can also increase the risk of scaling. Several factors affect scaling and flaking. For example, the presence of bleed water may lead to a weak top layer. Furthermore, the presence of deicing chemicals can accelerate the onset of scale. One of the easiest ways to prevent scaling is to use the right kind of concrete. For instance, concrete mixtures containing high levels of fly ash usually require extended curing times. Other common causes of scaling include poor finishing and drainage, blemishes on the surface, and poor air void system. The best way to avoid the expanding effects of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is to use supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) to prevent the reaction from occurring. This may also help avoid the pitfalls of using a high proportion of slag in a concrete mix. Luckily, there are many solutions to the problem. One of these solutions is a product known as the OzFlat series from Ozinga, Inc. This line of products is designed to prevent scaling and flaking in concrete. You can learn more about them by contacting a representative at your local distributor. The other possible solution is to apply the proper finishing techniques, such as the use of a trowel or the application of a sealant. These techniques are also important to avoid the expanding effects of the Alkali-Silica Reaction. Repair spalled concrete Spalled concrete can be caused by a variety of factors. However, one of the most common causes of concrete spalling is freeze-thaw cycles. If you notice flaking on the surface of your concrete, there are several repair options available. The repairs can be simple or complex, depending on the depth of the damage. Whether you're dealing with a small patch or a large hole, you need to make sure the repair is done correctly. You need to remove the damaged area of concrete. This can be done by using a jackhammer and chisel. You should also clean the affected area thoroughly. You'll need to remove any excess water with a sponge. After you've removed all the excess, you should use a margin towel to scrub the repaired area. Once you've cured the repaired surface, you can apply the necessary compound. A good, polymer-modified cement compound should be used to restore the spalled concrete. Make sure it's of high quality and is sealed to prevent future corrosion. Use a concrete resurfacing mix that's been formulated for the climate in which you live. Before you begin the restoration process, you need to ensure that the base surface is free of oil, dirt, and other contaminants. After you've completed the repair, you need to extend the patch at least four inches beyond the spalled area. Depending on the depth of the damage, you may need to replace the concrete completely. It's important to note that you need to allow ample time for the repair to cure. Small patches can be applied in just a few hours, while larger areas may take several days to complete. We hope you enjoyed this post on how to prevent concrete scaling and flaking. With this knowledge, we know that you can make the most of your concrete investment. So what are you waiting for? Call us today for details about our concrete services by calling us at 03 4420 4768.
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