DIY Limecrete Floor - Part 2: LECA and Sub Slab - #22

After completing the excavation in part one of this series, it's time to start filling it back in again. First up is some geotextile, then an insulation layer of expanded clay balls and finally an NHL 5 and LECA sub-slab.
Things went smoothly for the most part but of course there's always something that doesn't quite go to plan.
In case you missed part one, here's a handy link: • DIY Limecrete Floor - ...
club.makedogrow.com

[@beverlyeisen7557]

What a team you make. One "nerdy husband + one perfect wife" = one BEAUTIFUL floor. Great job.

[@JJaci17]

Perfect couple for downed spirits.

[@conchavilela2361]

Kylie eres una mujer formidable!!! Los que dicen que las mujeres somos débiles deberían mirar vuestros videos. Ánimo sois geniales!!!!👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@loribillings3810]

This home is going to be beautiful. You two put your heart and soul into each project. Can't wait to see when your finished.

[@jimhirst]

What a lady, you should be proud of such a hard working wife.

[@louisecooper4803]

Keep up the ‘nerdiness’. It’s one of the many reasons I enjoy watching.

[@lanalee9294]

Always love watching your updates. You are both a huge value to KZbin, a massive thanks for taking the time to share as you learn. Kind hugs to you both x

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Thankyou, very kind words. Glad you’re enjoying ☺️

[@jamowallace]

You guys are absolute machines! Very well done 👏🏻

[@seanadams6328]

Hello Guys, thank you for another great vlog! I burst out laughing when the "Pole dancing?" question was made and Kylie replied " No one wants to see that!" True love right there!! Be well and be safe x

[@TheDranny]

❤️ how you're covering the floor in toffee crisp 😂 I'd make a wooden tamper out of the ply/osb you're kneeling on next time to tamp maybe 0.5sqm at a time instead of the hand tool only. Also next room pour mounds to required level using long level or laser and let set. then use as a datum and just mix pour, screed. also mix and pour in the room? and get knee pads!!! 😂 Looks brilliant though. love the videos.

[@lorraineajg2076]

I watch you because together you are addictive. I learn something every episodes and usually have a bloody good laugh at the same time. I honestly think your channel will just grow and grow. 🇬🇧

[@richardgore2000]

We watch because your're doing the work and not us😁. We learn loads too. Great Chanel

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@lornablencowe1177]

My god you two work so hard! What progress you’re making! Well done, I look forward to the next video! Take care!!

[@suzanneribas3746]

What a wonderful worker, wife, woman, partner, person. She is MAGNIFICENT! I am in awe!!!!!

[@suekennard5766]

The guy on Destino Portugal who is a builder gave a tip on his vlog about cement mixers. He said he always cleaned out his mixer after every use. When he added the dry mix the mixer polishes the inside and when water is added to make the mix it slides out without having to scrape out and saves materials.

[@ladydovile]

By a show of hands, how many other would love to see the rest of the downstairs dug up? ✋🏻✋🏻

[@reannejarvis9464]

So glad to spend Saturday night with you guys..pun intended. Glad to see you Reno-ing rather than demo-ing. The first two buckets of lecca had a very satisfying sound as Kylie poured them out. Music to my ears.🇦🇺🎸⚡️🤘🏿🤘🏼💋💜💜💜

[@MAKEDOGROW]

You have no idea how glad we are to be finally building rather than un-building. I (Kylie) finished digging the final bit of downstairs just yesterday ..... next week I can start on some plumbing (and creating holes in 600mm walls 😳). So excited!!

[@reannejarvis9464]

@@MAKEDOGROW so glad for you. The hard work will be paying off long term. 🇦🇺🎸⚡️🤘🏼🤘🏿💋💜💜

[@Tankervoy]

The floor is lava

[@goodtogo3]

coco puffs floor....again am in awe!

[@johnblake3863]

The world needs nerds, my friend. I love your channel and you guys. Glad I've found you.

[@vivienneturner2028]

You guys, especially you, Kylie, are doing such a brilliant job!! Sooo impressive! I cannot wait to see all the downstairs floors done! I'm sure you two can't wait either! Best of luck! Loving watching your channel! 👍👏😁🤗🤗🤗

[@lulubelle0bresil]

the kitty visiting @ 6:25 "this my new litter box? you shouldn't have!"

[@debbiestreeter1046]

You're stamina is amazing!!

[@luminyam6145]

Bring on the nerdiness. To tell you the truth, I would say that most of us who follow you are quite nerdy too.

[@SwimCoach8]

I don't know much about the type of mix you guys are using. However, in the states, when bonding a new pour to a dried pour (traditional concrete) we have a latex based bonding agent. It is slightly thicker than milk...slightly! Easy to work with...painted on the dried edge. It acts as a boundary between the dried and new mixes. Keeps the old layer from suckIng the moisture out of the fresh layer and makes the new pour a bit easier to work. Thanks again. Wish I lived in country. Would love to carry mix for you guys!

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Unfortunately those bonding agents aren’t breathable (though I’m also learning that NHL isn’t as breathable as I might like). We did spray with water which also helps to reduce that wicking ... it’s the same when using lime to point/plaster walls

[@gaynor3976]

You both work so hard and it's all backbreaking but the result of the floor so far looks amazing. It'll all be worthwhile in the long run. I love the relationship you have with each other especially laughing and joking during the hard tasks in hand. Have a good weekend and week ahead. Xxx

[@cheryldoorbar7187]

I thought the digging out of the floor looked like tedious and sweaty work, but this looked next level. Great job.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

This was actually so easy compared to the digging 😀

[@christinetrewin9717]

I really enjoy my Saturday mornings watching you work! Getting down and dirty while I sit in the shaded terrace quietly sewing crisp white cotton. I agree that you should always be ‘real’ and show the mistakes and cockups as well as the success in your projects so we can all learn. Bye 😍🇫🇷

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Ohh, what are you seeing? I need to source a couple of zippers soon ... yet another Portugal sourcing challenge 😀

[@kebergify]

"Some time has passed", Guy, that has just topped my list of best lines now (especially when you say it!). Lovely job, both of you. Truly hard work it seemed.

[@vickiturner7349]

Hi you two, Kylie get yourself or both of you a pair of tilers knee pads. Scate boarders wear them as well. They are much easier on your knees than kneeling on a knee pad. What a great effort you have to go to, to finish this flooring. Keep up your good work. Love to you both. ❤️❤️❤️

[@MAKEDOGROW]

I hate those knee pads ... I do kneel on a padded cushion support. It’s not the kneeling that’s the issue, it’s the getting up, then down, then up again .....

[@pattywest1]

I love your homestead and your projects are so well laid out & completed with such an eye for detail. I’m learning bunches from your hard work. Thank you.

[@lorimontcalm9086]

My knees and back feel for you!! I hope it wasn't too hot in the sun mixing the stuff Guy!! Toned down nerdiness, why??? Another labour intensive job done! You guys are truly work horses! Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@stephenarthy6593]

17 30 must be wine o’clock you two work so well together please keep them coming best on you tube

[@VenturiLife]

Nice job.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

It is going to be marvellous! Well done and you both make me chortle with your dry wit. 😄🥰

[@jackicammidge5901]

Who needs to go to a gym? You guys are in amazing shape!

[@markdenison4563]

Jeez you guys can graft...bravo!

[@jeanmeyer8194]

Gosh what a job

[@mariesalway91]

lets see, why do i watch... because you are interesting, i like what you are doing, learning along with you, and as an aussie, love the dry humour :D the new layer looks like a concrete version of chocolate crackles lol

[@pamelareeves3574]

You two are lovely, smart and work horses and you make me smile. I wish you all the best in your dream come true home. There is no doubt it will happen. Great job!

[@ritawentworth]

You guys are always enjoyable to watch. I love the way you work together your communication and comments are great.

[@florentinalily]

we laid our floor from materials from Mike Wye who were local to us in Devon - using foamed glass as a base and a cork perimeter. Someone was mentioning that the lime/sharp sand ratio should be weighed but we just did it by the bucket . I imagine that the Leica is so light it's about the same as lime. Great job.

[@jamesmackay4652]

And KCB does her great groundworks again,great jab peeps.

[@elainepearman2309]

Certainly labor intensive. Job well done, you will enjoy this place for years to come. Can't get the image of melted malteses out of my mind!!

[@smilysun8358]

Epic! Not annoyed if you would repeat some stuff, but do as pleased. I love to learn and being entertained at the same time by some nice 👍 people. Thank you!

[@robertgeorge2170]

...the sublayers don't have to be perfect, the weight of the final slab over the sublayer will exert equal pressure overall and in concert with moderate tamping down by hand or weighted roller will compress it more or less consistently. The small granule size prevents any large voids from being created so no great likelihood of void collapse... great job!! The floor system design you're following is an excellent one, and is similar to one used in more extreme weather / subsurface conditions, so it will serve you well in temperate paradise you're living in (compared to the -30 to +30 swings in Canada)

[@celiasnyman2885]

If you don't know why I'm watching the videos, it's because I'm a diy person myself and watching you is like being there myself and feeling the accomplishment with you. You also make it fun to watch. Best wishes!!

[@advancednutritioninc908]

I want to say as another detail person! You do a fabulous job on your audio and editing!! Many other videos are very low and then you turn them up and in a minute they are yelling at you! Your homestead is beautiful and you all make an outstanding team! Your quality of workmanship is great!! much success to you all !!

[@suesun328]

Had to laugh at the cat coming in… I wonder if it said “ooh the best cat litter tray EVER!” 😂 Always amazed at you guys 🙌🏼🤩💞

[@laurareiner]

It's like folding the sheets of phyllo over the spanikopita filling when you enclosed the first layer of LECA

[@manuelpita5319]

Hello guys, I love your videos, I look forward to the next one, excellent work, Kylie is a great warrior woman, she is the best, you too... a big hug, I will look forward to the next video

[@ankiking]

Knee pads are a must! I use them often and they help a lot.

[@martinjames3950]

Nice to see a bit renovating

[@pouzi2150]

You are a modern couple, and I wish everyone would think like you. Congratulations for the hard work. 👍

[@kimberly_erin]

Yayyy house progress! I hope Kylie gets knee pads soon!

[@MAKEDOGROW]

I use a kneeling pad, I hate knee pads (really clunky when getting up and down all the time)

[@captainquirk5849]

We’re loving all your videos as we’re looking at Portugal too. I loved the filmic sound and video interruption in the time lapse section! A moment of real joy Guy. We do notice these things, and it was so good it actually has made me make my first KZbin comment ever. Well done!

[@QGDeclined]

Always enjoy watching the brains & beauty knocking out some work! And her helper, too! 😉

[@PammieD]

My suggestion on tamping the limecrete, if someone hasn't already suggested it, is to use a palm sander. It'll vibrate the material a bit to help settle it in but not so heavy as to tamp it too much. Or a slightly larger vibrating sander or other tool on top of a square of plywood to tamp a larger area. Hope this helps!

[@cmleoj]

Good idea! Or perhaps a reciprocating saw, without the blade, pressed against a pice of plywood to compress and level the floor.

[@deborahwhite2339]

The work you are doing on this property ìs really impressive. Working with stone construction is more difficult than timber construction.🙂👍👍👍

[@MAKEDOGROW]

More difficult, but also much more interesting 😀

[@xptogui8419]

nice work guys.

[@stevenkeller3047]

You two are AMAZING. You work so hard and are so patient. But, the end results seem worth it. Can't wait to see you living in that space.

[@castingshadows282]

Great Vlog yet again, where Kylie does a fantastic job with the levelling, and spreading, whilst all the hard work of mixing is down to Guy, 😀who seems to just about keep up with Kylie. Typical of just running short on the mix, but great to see you managed to sort it out with another product that did the job to perfection. Well done 👍Catch you on the next one. Keep safe, and be well. Peace.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Ha ha ... it was actually the other way around, Guy had to slow down to match my pace ... mixing is definitely faster than laying (but mixing is more physical, and in the sun) Always that one bag, one mix .... 😂

[@fillrobs7726]

i just spent a week battling with a Python plugin to manage AWS Security Group management via API including today (Saturday) - even though it must be back breaking work - I would rather be laying Limecrete! well done to you both!

[@MAKEDOGROW]

😂😂😂we agree, limecrete over (painful) AWS any day 😀

[@MK-wt9nj]

Exhausting (I had to take breaks while watching) and impressive👏💪🎉

[@MAKEDOGROW]

😂😂

[@christopherstinnett1234]

@ 29:45 mark... the glowing lava effect is quite impressive.

[@paesDalmeida]

Good work !

[@andreacrashe9894]

*Kia ora (hello)Kylie & Guy, Wow impressive and dang such hard mahi (work)... you both mahi (work) like trojans to get it all done. Well done and I shall be looking forward to the next installment of the flooring sometime in the near future. Kia kaha (stay strong) and keep well.*

[@catarinamaravalhas4467]

Good job you two, the floor is looking pretty good! Always waiting for your Reno updates, I work at construction so it's really cool to see uncommon solutions (I had never heard of or seen limecrete floors at Portugal). Just one tip, specially if the mixer is yours, be sure to wash the inside the cement mixer thoroughly after you finish a round of work, eg. you work from morning to lunch -- deep wash it. Next round in the afternoon-- wash it again. If you have a pressure washer it's the best to use it on the interior to remove any stuff that's starting to adhere to the drum and forks, this keeps the machine mixing homogenously, and saves it from rust, specially at the fork's bolts on the long run. Also keep a bucket of water with a stone worker wide brush and regularly clean the outside of the drum between mixes, also helps with rust and paint chipping, and keeps any run of from sticking to the drum's cog . And never use a hammer to detach stuff haha! We have a 23 year old mixer, still running and almost prestine interior, the best one we have yet 😂 keep up the good work 👍👍

[@bcmbdk]

Excellent, as usual. Really unique subject matter, great storytelling, editing, and shooting. And so much physical hard work! Love the split screen montage and music choices. Thank you and WELL DONE!

[@aronevans3710]

Chocolate rice crispies on an industrial level, that what it reminds me of!

[@footplate0]

Great job both of you with the floor, I think you need to invest in some knee protectors as I can see both of you ending up with "housemaids knee" and that is not nice to get. I do love the effect that the laser level gives when the floor is a tad high, it looked like the ground was on fire or at least had embers on it. I wonder if it would be possible every month or so to have a time-lapse 2 to 3 mins of the progress on the floors. Don't need and audio , just a short "update". I know we have seen you dig out before and now the filling in but because we had seen all the effort to dig out, the filling in was much more rewarding. its like we had a connection to the project. If it cant be done then so be it after all its your house/project/channel and I will understand. I cant promise that I wont sulk but I will understand. Thanks for posting

[@ritagrimm7141]

Impressive work doen there, I seriously learned something about learned here we only use it for agriculture purposes, but I definitely would like to use it for building, thanks fro shearing, enjoy and take are

[@angelat4639]

Thats such a great idea with the leca! I didn´t know you can make a slab with that material! I think I will try to get that stuff too!

[@Saffirebluu]

Looking great you guys!

[@klazyy641]

Great teamwork---each to their own strengths and knowledge. Kylie must be an engineering wunderkind!

[@mariannebhatia7245]

Amazing work👍🍀

[@pilarvelez9278]

"It's like somebody left a big bag of Maltesers out in the sun..." If you can be ready with a food analogy at a moment's notice, I can be your friend!

[@corinnetonelli489]

Well done ! Looks amazing

[@monalingan9523]

Well done you two! 👍🏼😁

[@naturalcombinations]

You guys are doing great! Great team work!

[@johnmcnichol8330]

Wow! What a big job!

[@debbydhill]

So Much Work! It looks great!

[@johnsage1020]

Nice job you two it's always great to see the progress you've made

[@schweizermadel3810]

Great job! You two are fantastic! Looking forward to your projects progressing. Thanks for sharing!

[@carolerodeghiero8157]

Good to see you working on the home

[@mariaeugenia7599]

A huge avance in the renovation project!!! Well done!!!

[@carolbulmer8253]

Yay… you’re working inside. Well done😊

[@stevethepiper]

Looks great!!!

[@lynh8378]

What a task! Fantastic job!

[@desirepflugbeil8986]

What hard workers you both are!

[@LorraineinAustralia]

Looks like a warm area for next winter.. Thanks for sharing..👏👏🇦🇺

[@jeniceowen5184]

Really enjoy the floor work. So interesting.

[@carolined3058]

Kylie when you work so long on your knees , you should wear thick kneepaths . I use them everytime and it really helps

[@Ogma3bandcamp]

Fantastic progress! LECA gods!

[@paulparker5696]

Always great videos, love watch them.

[@randykovack4472]

you guys are amazing the work you do and the way you explain everything ... cheers

[@F-J.]

That's incredible work. Looks so hard.

[@1fiatman]

Good work guys 👍💪

[@bridgetthornton8292]

Excellent and amazing work .love your productivity like Nick and Andrea

[@MamaVee50]

All that prep work! Looks great. Again, I ❤️ your intelligent approach to all things.