By: Maddison Black

 Cement: binding material that, when combined with water and aggregate, forms concrete  Concrete: building material formed by combining cement, water, and aggregate

 Stamped  Stained  Decorative Overlays  Polishing  Decorative Engraving  Stenciling Interior  Exterior Stenciled  Resurfaced  Rock Salt Finish  Scoring & Saw Cutting  Painting

 Usually comes as a dry mix  Water is added to start a process called hydration  hydration is what causes the concrete to harden not the drying process  Concrete should be consistent all the way through  Fresh concrete should be moist in the first part of hydration

 Forms are typically built above the ground however, some others require digging.  Dig down to the desired level, and build forms to the shape and size needed for the concrete job.  Using temporary posts establish the proper grade or slope of the concrete.  Nail the stakes lightly to the forms used, or clamp the forms temporarily to the stakes with a "C" clamp.  To ensure that you have the proper grade or slope of the concrete form, use a level.  After the proper grade has been set, drive in permanent stakes and nail the form to the stakes.

 Make sure forms are properly in place.  Spray area lightly with a garden hose, then pour in the concrete.  After the form is filled, compact the concrete by using a tamper, or put on rubber boots and walk around the poured concrete area to make sure it is compacted around the edges. (Small concrete areas can be compacted with a 2x4. For larger areas, rent a tamper.)  Use a straight-edged 2x4 to level the concrete.  Work the 2x4 back and forth in sawing fashion to level the concrete at all points across the form.  In hard-to-reach places use a magnesium concrete rake with an extension handle.  When the concrete has set sufficiently to support a 2x8 plank, use the plank as a straightedge to guide a groover to cut contraction joints. Contraction joints are necessary to allow hardened concrete to expand and contract in extreme temperatures.

 Measure the dimensions of the site (length, width, depth) in feet.  Multiply the length, width & depth to obtain the site's volume in cubic feet.  Divide the product by 27 to determine the exact volume in cubic yards.  Multiply this number by 1.05: this gives you 105% of the concrete required. Extra is suggested in case of a spill or accidental waste.

(Picture is not drawn to scale.) Length: 4 feet Width: 2 feet Depth: 8 inches

2/ x 2 x 2/3 1. Convert 8 inches into feet ÷ x For a concrete slab measuring 4’ x 2’ x 8”, cubic yards of concrete is needed.