The Secret to Finishing Concrete Ep.84

The garage floor is in! More concrete info here: • Concrete Questions
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[@micahagresta]

This guy needs to be put into some type of hall of fame. His attitude on work ethic and craftmanship is a great lesson for everyone to have!!!!

[@heikkikoistinen484]

Even from across the Atlantic ocean, Its a great learning experience

[@heikkikoistinen484]

Also about your country

[@joshuabailey2819]

My 3rd time watching this masterfull tradesman' do his best

[@ernestroger3326]

I agree !

[@manmeetworld]

Hall of frame 🖼️

[@qorpraltv5276]

Shout out to all my concrete brothers. Most people don't realize how important and valuable our trade is. It's also called hard work for a reason.

[@vessmachineen193]

yes exactly

[@stereos182]

Shout out to my dad as well. He does it every year

[@lordjaashin]

too bad that all this hard work goes up in flames in all the stupid rioting, looting and protesting by BLM. America is losing itself

[@scottyb226]

If I've learned anything from this channel over the last year, its how much I underestimated how difficult this trade is and the repercussions for getting it wrong. Much more respect for these workers now.

[@chancethompson8686]

@@lordjaashin Concrete doesnt burn.. Hahahaha

[@kirkswater]

I’ve been in marketing, presentation and sales for over 30 years now and I must say that this is by far one of the very best presentations I have ever seen on any subject! I just finished a few weeks ago a small concrete-cantilevered coping Job around a swimming pool and everything explained and shown here is not only right on the money but scripted and edited and a level of entertaining professionalism I don’t remember ever seeing on KZbin. I will become a lifetime supporter and subscriber of this Channel. Thanks for all you folks do, it’s well appreciated! -Kirk-

[@garyschraa7947]

Makes me want to cry thinking back to how hard my Dad worked on every patio job , or driveway , or garage floor , or slab . I'm 57 now , but way back then I could help him during summer vacation but not always . He mostly always worked alone and he was extremely good at it . Watching him hand tamp and bull float and Fresno float and slide around on stainless steel trays putting a perfect finish was a joy to watch back then . He passed in 1993 at 56 y/o . [side note] Some of his tips to me at 13 y/o seemed like magic in my eyes . #1 when pouring concrete next to an existing structure - mix a bag of sugar in a bucket of water and brush onto stucco etc then wash the splatter off later with a hose . #2 pool deck finish -sprinkle rock salt #3 when pouring an addition to an existing slab -drill holes , drive in concrete nails - mix elmers glue into the mud . #4 let concrete cure under an inch of water to make it stronger when needed . Thanks for the memories . Lastly , back then there were no concrete pump trucks , just long shutes

[@venomm4563]

Damn, he died at 56? That's way too soon. Why good people always die so early

[@garyschraa7947]

@@venomm4563 Thats exactly what I said about him too . He could sing any country western song . He played a Honer 16.5 cm harmonica at the bars he frequented . He could whistle any tune , so i taught myself to whistle as good as him . He could dance any dance and frequently swept many of the other patrons' girlfriends off their feet . He had a 'Pancoast' tumor in his lung but only ever felt it as shoulder pain until late stages when blood showed up in his cough . he was a master craftsmen from Zwartslius Netherlands . (Zwart is dutch for black ...sluis is dutch for water) I miss him everyday

[@dayemassey1132]

@@garyschraa7947 I did apprenticeship in Pennsylvania 4 years carpentry. And during my apprenticeship lot of guys did moonlighting so they would always get me because they know I would work the bricklayers the plumbers the electricians. So I had basic knowledge of a lot of trades. But like you was saying putting sugar in a bucket of water these are signs of expert Craftsman it can't be replaced things like that if you don't show somebody it'll disappear. And I was always thankful for the Craftsman I work with doing my apprenticeship. now this is in the 70s so they used to call me the book Carpenter. Cuz I can read blueprints and stuff. But anything you need it done these old guys could do it didn't need no set of blueprints or nothing tell them what you want window door. And mine you all these was commercial Carpenters they wasn't no residential Carpenters.

[@garyschraa7947]

@@dayemassey1132 Yes that is true _______ my dad was a carpenter . He called everybody else "framers" . Of course he was talking about SOME of the California illegals hired en-mass to put tract homes up within two days . I was born in 1963 and by 1968 I was picking up 16p nails off the ground .......turning them heads up , and handing them back . His career started out at about 10 or 11 years old as a hod mixer and by 13 he was a hod carrier for his brothers (they all stood at 6' 4" to 6' 6" yet he was 5' 10") By 16 y/o doctors had diagnosed that his arm bones were developing a distinct curve to them , [under] the weight of a hod tray . He was put back school to learn carpentry . This , i should mention , took place in Zwartsluis , Netherlands in the region of "Overijssel" pre world war two . A very strict protestant christian area . During the war most of his brothers and uncles joined the "Dutch Underground" . Short story long , his training was based on centuries of master craftsmenship in brick masonry and carpentry . [Post Script] He also mentioned that Dutch brick layers taught American brick layers to join double brick walls with a bolt designed with a dip in the middle so droplets of water would fall harmlessly between the walls . Up until then straight bolts were used which lead to bolt heads rusting off causing instability .

[@tundralife5570]

Guys like that are rarely seen anymore if ever. The world will live in now gives out trophy’s for last place and creates a new name for a condition about every day that will explain the laziness and lack of gumption so many today have. My father, who’s still alive luckily, is much like your father was to you. A military man with skill and memories and the stories to match. Anyway, reading this made me appreciate him even more. Thank you and be well.

[@Face_Meat]

So incredible satisfying to watch these men show off their expertise.

[@Demicron]

Right super satisfying watching professionals work.

[@chevyon37s]

It’s more fun to help and watch in person. I poured some with my uncle who used to do concrete for a living... a big time learning and satisfying day that was. Still feel a sense of pride walking on that concrete every time.

[@paulg.4351]

@@chevyon37s for concrete reference. Check out west coast custom concrete.

[@rick877147]

I've had many customers say I'll help ,which in my mind increases my price.But you sir it would've been an honor

[@jim21804]

Your video reminded me of a story my uncle told me. During WW II he was in Hawaii. His commander asked if anyone knew how to pour concrete. The guys were always told never to volunteer for anything, but my uncle said he did some concrete work on the farm. So, he was put in charge of laying a new sidewalk at the officers quarters. He just supervised and got meals at the officers quarters while the other guys did all the hard work!!

[@keithpage8672]

Reminds me of what my father told of POW's being made to do concrete work for the Jerries. Nothing like a bit of sugar added to the mix to ensure the concrete "failed" at some stage. I think it's termed SABOTAGING the work. I'm a South African, And "Lest we forget" THOSE brave men that never returned home.

[@erikherroz2638]

My grandfather taught Japanese POW'S to pour concrete sidewalks in front of buildings. He told me that they the men shoulder to shoulder using only a pointers trowel.

[@armyofshea7941]

I took your advice and tried it. Results reflect experience level. Two different pours. On the first, we exceeded expectations and it’s beautiful. On the second, we underestimated required labor, and it looks like a 4th grader finished it. None the less, it is our work, and we are better people for it. Thank you for pushing us.

[@StarrTile]

So glad they threw in the void at 16:00 ....it was bothering me a lot 👌

[@adampottmeyer452]

A proud moment for me. I had to fix a pipe under the city sidewalk which required busting out said sidewalk. Late on the day when the mud had been poured and me and my buddy who were doing the work were almost done, an old Mexican rode by and said "nice finishing", it makes me very happy remembering that moment.

[@Nickgowans]

There are few things more relaxing than watching some skilled and experienced tradesmen really nailing their art. Thanks Scott

[@I_M_Nonno]

Out of all the concrete pours done on KZbin, I enjoy watching yours the best. Done correctly and done well!

[@4dak88]

what's you opinion on odell complete concrete? i like his work too

[@redtrummy]

Makes me proud to see the floors my Dad laid - no fancy tools - just his trowels - flat, smooth mirror finish and no sealant or fancy polishing machines - I am living in the house he built in the 60s now

[@larryellis5675]

It’s been decades since I did concrete. Physically the hardest I’d ever work. Still get a little anxious hearing a cement truck drive up as it meant ‘showtime’, better be ready to pour. Thank you for showing how to do it right. Looking at a job 40 years later you want some pride in it.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I was told once by a friend of my dad who was helping us pour the driveway slabs that with Concrete you have to "Hurry up and take your time" LOL I think that just about says it, somethings go fast some go slow, and you have to know how to do both. Cheers from Tokyo! Stu

[@psidvicious]

Agreed. My answer was - It’s just as important to know when to leave the concrete alone, as it is to know when to get on it.

[@18fisher1]

Everybody waits on concrete, concrete waits for nobody

[@rickmcphee4206]

That is a perfect quote to explain concrete placement and finishing.

[@bryanwelton1442]

Just add acelelaraer if to slow setting and retarder if to fast simple right

[@zschudrowitz155]

In my head i was asking “what does the power tool really do”. 15 seconds later you narrate what a power trowel does. You re one of the best teachers.

[@skerr12000]

I wish more “professional” concrete contractors were detailed like you

[@Jonzuber]

When installing concrete, it’s always good to have a few extra people available to help than what you think you’ll need. This is especially true if the slump of the concrete is 4” or less.

[@elnafinn]

The guy just oozes confidence and knowledge You would trust him to take your appendix out

[@BourbonEnthusiast]

With his Skilsaw and a nail gun.

[@JasonGrace1]

I really appreciate the videos you’ve shared, and that you stay in your lane so to speak. Where after some time people gain momentum they seem to feed off of the attention and begin creating click bait and other nonsensical content and I always appreciate seeing new videos from you. I went to see if there was a shirt I could buy in your store, but I want one that says “Plumb, Straight, and True.” When I think of of you, your channel and content that saying comes to mind and I believe it is a good reminder. Keep up the good work.

[@wesleykeller5489]

I didn’t know I needed to watch a concrete video in it’s entirety at 9 am on a Thursday...especially because I’m a chef by trade, but here I am

[@jrallen5417]

I could listen to this music and watch these men work all the day long! Best garage floor I have ever seen created!

[@georgesobon3977]

Owner

[@bluemax229]

I don't give compliments to the KZbin videos that I watch very often. This is the first video from "Essential Craftsman" that I have seen. Being a retired concrete finisher myself, this is absolutely the most complete, skilled, and especially properly timed video I have watched on slab preparation, placement, and finishing. You left nothing out, and it was a real pleasure to watch.

[@rickydee5863]

Great comments Max

[@johnburroughs8532]

Its not often that you see someone care as much about longevity as much as finish. Great work!!!

[@jakeschroeder1553]

Everyone thinks that concrete is simply mix, pour, wait when in reality the complexity and timing of every single step is the difference between getting it done and getting it done right.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

We use a whole lot more steel here in Chile because of our earth quakes. Other wise it looks good. I need to make an Quincho later this year with a concrete floor so I appreciate your video on the right way to do it. Jim in Chile

[@MatthewMuro]

Interesting to see a different process for this compared to my area. One, most people around here pour slab on grade for the entire house (including garage) at the beginning of the build. Two, they trowel the joints instead of saw cut. I think the troweled joints look way better than saw cutting. More than one way to build a house! Looking forward to the next video.

[@bobs6129]

Pouring it later gives the finisher more time

[@sparkysimian]

As a former Garage Door guy... thanks for making sure the floor is in first. It's horrible trying to put a door in without a floor. Almost impossible, and almost always means a call back. lol.

[@allysonand]

How can they call you back if it wasn’t your fault?

[@sparkysimian]

@@allysonand In a situation like that, you can usually get away with charging them. But if it's a big home building company, they may or may not pay you. They end up being a large enough percentage of your cash flow that you end up letting it slide as a courtesy.

[@ZakKarimjee]

I think the terminology you're looking for at about 7:00 is that the corner will cause a stress riser where the concrete tries to contract around it

[@susanbarbier5053]

Concrete is really incredible. Right up there with threaded fasteners.

[@yup3398]

You're right. And after pouring a small pad what I've learnt is get professionals in like these guys.

[@mits_6131]

Boy, did I learn a lot. My son is about to have approximately 25 yards poured in his front and back yards. I'll be watching with immense interest and knowledge. Thank you.

[@psidvicious]

-Burn it out baby! I used to tell my finishers that ad nauseam. “If I can’t see my reflection in this floor when we’re finished, we’re gonna rip it out and do it again!” [was mostly kidding, of course]. -I’m going to consider my answer to the question about ‘the most important aspect’ to be correct. My answer was - It’s just as important to know when to leave the concrete alone as it is to know when to get on it. Timing. -Loved that crack control method with the ⅛” steel plate. The thru bars should be effective at preventing any heaving. Also loved that adjustable edger groover tool, used at the garage door. Never saw one quite like that. -Beautiful job by your finishers there.

[@Deerhunterjs]

Your answer in my eyes is the same as timing. You have to understand when it's time to just walk away and call it good before you overwork it and cause other issues down the road.

[@phildcrow]

Yep, I had to eat about 10 bags of patch last year when I put the trowel on a slab too early and we never did get it flattened back out. I'm always scared it's going to get away from us so I tend to put the machines on too soon. Live and learn.

[@ericoxford7069]

I absolutely love your videos. It reminds me of building things with my grandfather when I was little. I'm 36 now and watch these videos for entertainment. Had I been able to find a mentor like you I definitely would've likely chosen the home construction field as a career. I'm a machinist and love what I do but I believe I would enjoy construction even more. Thank you for making these videos!

[@iannlb]

That was probably the best all around video of it’s kind on any trade that I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@larrypollman5243]

OK. I'm a former concrete finisher and there at loads of "finishers" who have no idea what they're doing. I checked this out feeling sure this would be another yahoo no-nothing. I'm glad to tell you I was wrong. I could tell right away that this crew has poured some mud! For instance, watch how the guy with the hose makes sure he doesn't leave piles of mud causing extra work for this crew with the come alongs. Good form setting, good screeding. Good crew. Well done.

[@duggydo]

The biggest pour I ever witnessed was for a gyratory crusher at a mine. The dirt work and construction took a few months. The mine supplied the aggregate from their pit. A batch plant was set up on location for this job and other pours going on. I counted at least 15 separate concrete trucks running loads to the multiple pumper trucks that were only about a mile away. They started before daylight and went all day, all night and into the next day. I wasn’t directly involved in the pour, but witnessing it was a privilege.

[@fsj197811]

Brutally relentless, that's a great way of putting it. Once it starts, it's going to happen and there's not a thing you can do about it.

[@davidbriggs8076]

That's me all caught up from episode 1. Loved every minute

[@noahbluesky1218]

Me too!

[@hootinouts]

Your summary of concrete work is incredible. I have only done small jobs as a homeowner. Mixed and poured lots of concrete around my house and appreciate everything you say about it. It's an a mazing material and offers so many possibilities as a building material.

[@TheMrK3lly]

Consistently never been more impressed than by this gentleman.

[@mrqwerty65]

I am so surprised by how dry the mix is. Usually people have puddles. Well done. Extremely professional.

[@mrbibstoo]

The drier it is, the stronger it is!

[@juantabulogiii2345]

Anytime I pour in an enclosed space I’ve found its best to pour a 4”slump (5” if its large square footage). Anything more than that and there’ll be too much downtime while waiting for it to fire off.

[@JohnSmith-ud9ex]

Such a good and professional crew... That being said, I'm sure that they also appreciate greatly coming to a job so meticulously pre-prepared ! = )

[@joedmac78]

What good advice. I've worked a few concrete jobs I'm trying to build the confidence to pour a 20 foot extension to my driveway myself.

[@keithpage8672]

Wow, Having placed my own driveways and some indoor floors, I see ABSOLUTE professionalism and backbreaking hard work being done here. I REALLY appreciate what is shown in this video. Thank you.

[@houseplace]

How am I supposed to get any good work done when I spend all my time watching your beautiful, insightful, touching, heartwarming home improvement videos? Ever think about that, Mr. Bluejeans?

[@pamelah6431]

Same!

[@mackaronen]

Its interesting for me, as I often finding myself standing and watching people work, to see how methods doing the same thing differs in different countries. Here in Sweden we almost exclusively use rebar nets, in slabs. And using a vibrator and a laser to get the concrete level. But in the end, you get the same result. However it's done, it's always rewarding to watch professionals doing a good job.

[@xtranormal2350]

Vibrator is common for deeper pours, maybe 2 feet or .3 meters. Steel mesh is also common and is kind of just a preference to the finishers.

[@grantwarren5138]

i.ve been finishing concrete for 36 years, it.s good to see another true professional

[@patrickfoley535]

I demoed an old slab, prepped the base, formed and poured my first slab about 2 miles from this spec house last week. Can't tell you how many different EC videos came to mind when I was doing all that. Great Videos!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That house is stunning just gorgeous how nice it has turned out @Essential Craftsman

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That mirror finish is so cool @Essential Craftsman

[@BEANS-O-MATICtransmissions]

That's literally the dream finish i want in my garage !!!! I call it the "Lowe's" floor type of finish. I need guys like this to do mine. Great job !

[@mrbob581]

Reminds me of my grandfather’s garage when I was growing up... never knew the hard work needed to obtain that finish.. Thank you!

[@bevo65]

Did you deboss the EC logo into this concrete? You should, you know.

[@VgniK88]

The burn finish we use this in car parks and multilevel buildings, Melbourne Australia.

[@bigfish8280]

@25:02 great video, I enjoy all of the tutorials and information you have to share with us! But nothing is permanent my friend. Give me a jackhammer, some hand tools & a couple guys, I'll take that concrete right out!! LOL. The Romans had it down a little better than we do. I understand what you mean I'm just busting chops. Thanks for everything you do. you have really helped me through alot throughout my career. I lost my father (only 54yo) to cancer when I was 20 years old. He had passed down so much knowledge to me about life & the construction trades. But I feel like I missed out on a ton. You have truly filled a void for me that I thought could never be filled. And it's all through the internet, how crazy ..... Thank you sir, i truly enjoy learning from you and appreciate you taking the time to do so, for all of us!!!!!

[@conorlavery4762]

Always an absolute pleasure watching you guys work and seeing the project take another step closer to completion........... huge respect and best wishes from Ireland.

[@makemyday1477]

I’m happy to see you letting the next generation help out. They’re our future and if we don’t want building’s falling on us we’d better show them how it’s done.haha

[@murraystewartj]

Yeah, but my one beef was why do we have a kid on a plate compactor wearing no hearing protection so he's not deaf like us old guys. May seem petty, buy why not instill safer work practices along with the skills?

[@TheReaper5125]

@@murraystewartj that's a very valid concern. Maybe the guy himself doesn't want to wear one despite others telling him to do so. But, yeah you're right, things like this needs to be instilled or even enforced.

[@makemyday1477]

murraystewartj , well if he's anything like us, he's hard headed and invincible, so who needs hearing protection? Just Kidding but you know what I mean.

[@BradsWorkbench]

Before the end of the video, im gonna say the pro move is having a group of guys in sync working as a team

[@SamuelLHood]

You can absolutely tell this concrete crew takes pride in their work it’s hard to find that now days. Amazing job guys! To the EC crew keep up the great and informative videos love watching how much attention to detail you have.

[@prestonmiller9552]

I did my share of concrete work back when there were no pumps or power screeds or even power trowels. It was down on Knee boards and troweling as fast and as long as it took. Never underestimate how much help you need as you pointe out. The worst feeling in the world is to realize the pour is getting away from you and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Well done and nice video as always.

[@SteveSummers]

I really enjoyed the video. I have a similar size pour coming up. I appreciate the detail. I use the same camera tripod Nate, I really like them. What do you think of them?

[@JDeWittDIY]

Steve, I've been following your shop wall rebuild too. You're doing a great job!

[@peterbenjamin8351]

Man, I would consider paying double for this crew. Hard to find attention to detail, excellent craftsmenship, and the peace of mind knowing it's done right.

[@4dak88]

amen to that, guys like these are worth there weight in gold, not to many around anymore

[@williams6262]

Scott, having had the privilege of doing concrete work along side skilled finishers many years ago, I thoroughly enjoyed watching these guys pour and finish your garage. Like most skilled trades, good concrete work is a dying art, and it was nice to see these guys do you proud. Well done, and thank you for all you do to show the world what "workmanship" is supposed to be.

[@unclefester9113]

His descriptive narrative is better than anyone else's . You get the idea..... Very Satisfying to watch these videos. Craftsman - in the truest sense of the meaning.

[@stronkde]

What's the key to success you ask? Easy. Lots of preparation and a big budget.

[@johnpossum556]

Love the fiddle music and I've always wanted to know how to finish concrete properly.

[@jsly5473]

I love watching him. Walking in the light. Thank you for showing such expertise also. God bless.

[@79DJB]

I love this episode. After watching your channel from start, and also being mid process of renovating a house it inspired me. I bought a laser level, did the earth works and built the forms for a 10m x 6m (33' x 20') garage. I followed your guides for reinforcing and had bought the rims to do the finishing myself. At the last minute I bailed and bought in a finisher and laboured for him during the day. I felt okay up until the first load came down the chute then fully realised I would have been waaaay out of my depth. Like you he bought in a helicopter. I cut my earthworks deep, 180mm (7") and ended up pouring 12m^3 (app 13 cubic yards). I'm so proud of myself for tackling it though and would recommend others do the same. I learnt soooo much.

[@bmay8818]

Every time I watch you do concrete, I think "I'm glad the foundation is the one thing I paid someone else to do on my shop". And I paid him a lot! But the foundation is almost perfect (2400 square feet and not even 1/8" out of square) and it would have been a disaster if I'd tried to do it. Anyway, nice work as always! That's a good looking garage!

[@michaele1201]

Few things have as much impact on a well built house as does the concrete floor in the garage. Take the time to make it right. Or, forever wish you had.

[@gtdoering4630]

Always wonderful to watch professionals perform their trade in a well edited video. Thanks to all.

[@jeremiahm565]

I'm blown away by this video. The end commentary is inspiring... incredible!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Never seen concrete sprayed with a liquid cure and seal very cool @Essential Craftsman

[@udowillkomm1173]

I believe, i wouldn´t have any problem, pouring a slab like this. I only need to dial Dustin´s phone number right. I can do that, lol...

[@kevinm5564]

Ive watched this multiple times. An in tune crew of finishers is beautiful thing to watch.

[@weewilliewinkle]

Absolutely, brilliant exposition of how it is done properly by craftsmen. I was never a builder. I was an Amtico and Karndean tile fitter before I retired, where the watchword is also preparation, preparation, preparation. If the sub-floor is spot on then everything else follows on behind exactly as it should do, so I appreciated very much just how exactly you and your guys were working to fine tolerances and well judged timing. And if I may say so you did an excellent job in your voice-over of explaining everything move by move. Best wishes from the UK.

[@SLAVIKTELY]

Beautiful concrete work. Are you going to fill expansion joints with clear silicone?

[@SLAVIKTELY]

@Guess 123 I have seen it done many times in the tilt up warehouses we built...250,000 square feet all cut up and filled with silicone. Floors look nice and clean. None of the trash fills in the joint.

[@psidvicious]

@@SLAVIKTELY Right. I’ve done a few of those myself. The silicon is malleable and doesn’t interfere with the slight expansion and contraction of the floor with temp changes.

[@vzgsxr]

Pretty sure polyurethane is also used for the same result.

[@vzgsxr]

MS (modified silicone) sealant would also be good.

[@jontorrie2212]

@Guess 123 no it wouldn't. Silicone is flexible

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

Scott - I think you're wrong. The secret to concrete is: *"Always pay someone else to do it."* It's awful work, you can't take your time, you can't fix it later, it's backbreaking, it's expensive.... just pay someone else to do it. That's the lesson I learn watching you teach us about concrete every time. I love doing things myself and learning new skills, and I want no part of this.

[@essentialcraftsman]

There’s wisdom in this! Thanks for the comment!

[@JamesR23]

MattsAwesomeStuff weak

[@rollovaughan]

You win the comments today Matt.

[@marshallcollins8634]

There are several reasons to watch this video. Yes it is extremely hard work, so it is best to pay someone to do it. But knowing how it is supposed to be done is the most important thing of all. And this video will show you what to expect, what to ask the potential contractor ( so you don't get ripped off) and to appreciate the work you are paying for. Don't just blindly trust any trade, it is a disservice to both parties. And always remember ( a manic wand& pixie dust) it never in ANY Craftsman's tool pouch/box . Only Mommy &Daddy have those things. This should be required reading, so to speak.

[@danoberste8146]

@MattsAwesomeStuff, clearly the wisdom from someone who's done a bit of concrete work himself. 🙂 I did my own driveway and sidewalk and had my brother and brother-in-law not show up at the last minute. I had to finish it with my girlfriend, 70 year old father, a teenage niece and nephew, and extra time charges from the concrete supplier. It was at the extreme end of my capability. I learned a LOT that day. I learned how hard the work is. I learned things about concrete. I learned things about my family, And I learned just how good a hot shower can feel. Nobody could've ever told me that.

[@rleeAZ]

Can only imagine what this finely crafted home will feel like under your feet and over your head. Thanks for sharing your process Scott.

[@flabble90]

It'll feel like normal concrete and a normal roof

[@baraklazza1595]

in Australia we free screed without a "top screed" simply by using a laser lever to establish a level heighs and one person screeds -between the two heights with a proper magnesium screed rather than a bit of 4x2 timber.

[@4dak88]

why do you feel that you need to brag about your way?? 2x4's work just as good as your mag screed, there's more than 1 way to skin a cat, these guys did 110% job and if you don't feel that way, then keep your comment to your own country please and thank you.

[@WanJae42]

Things are not done uniformly one way in Australia any more than they're done one way in the US

[@psidvicious]

@@WanJae42 Right. Lasers are as common as dirt in the US. Nothing special there. I’ve seen the same finishers use a mag screed one day, a 2x4 screed the next and a powerscreed the next. Just depends on what they feel like using on a particular day 🤷‍♂️.

[@randymcarn]

Very detailed, informative, thorough and as always relaxing and enjoyable to watch. Thank you just doesn't quite say what I want to say to all the men and women who make this kind of content available. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. Good night.

[@sanfranciscobay]

24:11 Vacuum or Sweep. Blowing makes a mess. Bothers me when a neighbor blows his cut grass into my driveway and walks away not knowing that he is making a mess for me. Then I have to spend my time to tell him to stop making the mess in my driveway.

[@4dak88]

yeah you're one of those neighbor's aren't you? always complaining about nothing, go get a job you tool, and stop pissing off everyone about your grass clippings and telling people to pick there weeds 24/7

[@workingshlub8861]

masons and concrete guys are artists...im a carpenter and we are a dime a dozen but those guys doing work like this and those guys doing stonework etc are to be admired..

[@johnakagi1088]

I can’t tell you how much I have learned or confirmed from your KZbin’s. Thanks you so much effort in producing the videos and your natural ability to train and present! Awesome my friend. John

[@cncshrops]

What a sadness it is that we don't have similar how-to's from the Egyptian tomb and palace plasterers, or ancient Cambodian copper workers. All the fabulous skills that have come, and in some cases , gone, over human history. Here, at least, we have a record of consummate skill.

[@Kryynism]

Them boys had power tools too, they all just rusted out :P

[@edzachary8657]

What a great comment, it's so true, some of our trades have been replaced for the most part

[@lordjaashin]

its a sadness that all this hard work can end up getting destroyed in burning and looting by BLM protestors.

[@Kryynism]

@@lordjaashin those that wish to maintain sit idly, those that want their version of progress take action, and their masters sit by and let them. Fill your library with so-called controversial books, and older dictionaries and history books, book burning is going on too by those that wish to control history. 1984

[@Drewsky840]

@@Kryynism basically yes.

[@jacobdubail]

As I was watching this, I was thinking about timing. Seeing a running clock of the entire process would have been super helpful. I can grasp how each specific step is done, but the timing of each step was difficult to gauge. For instance, how long between the screed and power trowel? I realize these intervals are very specific to each job. Thanks for everything you do!

[@paullopinto2777]

You can’t put a clock on it and say in one hour we do this. Some times you’re chasing it, sometimes you caught up. What he was saying was experience is the clock. Unless you just wanted to know how long it took start to finish. But again that depends on a multitude of factors. Changes daily.

[@Hoaxer51]

Paul Lo Pinto, sometimes by the minute!

[@cicibradley2809]

Dustin takes a lot of pride in his work. Great crew.

[@hrtyboyz]

Very well said, timing is everything also the condition of the weather. I just love the tone of your voice when explaining the life of a concrete man its very satisfying to watch good work for all of your videos and the ppl behind the scenes!

[@johnschiltz6440]

I want to buy this house, built with skill and love, as all my other houses have been overpriced junk in comparison.

[@Gbcue]

Surprised the crew didn't use any aluminum screeds. Also, discussion of saw cuts vs. tool joints?

[@psidvicious]

The deepest groovers I’ve ever seen were maybe 3/4” max. Saw cuts are intended to be a third of the depth of the pour. I’ve seen cracks wander right out of a tooled groove and on to some presumably weaker line. I don’t remember seeing that on a saw cut.

[@garethdavies502]

Agreed, what concrete finisher doesn't have a magic screed?

[@tubeonline629]

Magnesium not aluminum.

[@psidvicious]

@@tubeonline629 Screeds are actually made of aluminum or magnesium, but I think the magnesium’s are by far the most popular.

[@elbuggo]

I have learned that metal screeds should not be used at all before the bleed water is gone. The metal screeds will polish the surface and trap the bleed water right below the surface and cause the concreate to become weaker in this very crucial spot. Only wood or composite screeds should be used before the bleed water is gone.

[@mikemmikem2758]

Watching concrete craftsmen at work is like poetry in motion. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@kennethpelletier1667]

I have been a builder for 37 Years, i love that you do things the right way. very professional

[@thefrub]

I love watching people work hard while I'm slouched in a chair eating a breakfast burrito

[@gromlech1107]

My back is screaming just watching these fellas work.

[@timwozniak7574]

Did they charge more for you being in the way and helping?

[@chris76-01]

It doubled the price and then cut it in half. Lol.

[@4dak88]

yeah go pour a floor by yourself and lets see how far you get dumbass, all help is good help.

[@lmi9731]

Chris76-01 ok, so not that much more

[@chris76-01]

@@lmi9731 sometimes the price can go lower if you do a good job of helping. 😆 it just depends on the generousity of the people you're working with.

[@thoughtdisease3798]

Grandpa told me "$10 an hour, $20 if they wanna watch, $30 if they wanna help."

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Excellent.....Good to see the skills of the tradesmen being recognized and commended.

[@SuperWogz22]

Skills are important but a good crew who work well together is priceless

[@gonzosoldier8179]

My guess for the pro move is: 'Hire a professional'

[@jgreenjeans]

Concrete There's time enough for countin'. . . when the dealin's done.

[@sparke1101]

Really enjoy your videos. As I construction worker(electrician) we can never stop learning or seeing a different way of doing something. Thank you.

[@mattbowie9479]

done concrete damn near all my life an was lucky enough to learn from a few guys who really knew what they were doing an how to get the best results possible from start to finish. An to skip any step or not do every aspect to the best it can possibly be, will always jeopardise the over all outcome. Great job an well done.