How to pour and finish concrete like a PRO! - The Barndominium show E127

Erik describes the process and tools of pouring concrete professionally.
#TexasBarndominiums
#Concrete
#ProTips
www.texasbarndominiums.com/
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[@ormandhunter3546]

I'm a 42 year veteran Commercial Contractor. Nice to see someone who knows what they are doing. In addition, this mans integrity is reflected in his commitment to quality! Great job!

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you

[@3in1m23]

perfectly described by a man that clearly knows concrete and has passion for doing it right. Now following!

[@MrDavidrex]

Generous video, that’s years of knowledge kindly shared clearly. Internet is truly a game changer, you just helped this old carpentor tremendously, thank you.

[@ddaa7800]

You clearly know you're concrete, its refreshing to hear someone talk with so.much knowledge 👌👏

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you

[@jimcarmichael2395]

Your continual drive for perfection in your work, along with trying new tools and techniques proves to me you would be my only choice for any concrete work. Bravo for your success. #1 in my book.

[@Psychotic0reo]

I would just like to say that watching you guys work is impressive I work for a small construction company and we are pouring a new slab in about an hour and I’m beyond excited to try the new power trowel from watching you guys work

[@coyotescactus1448]

I do this for a living, and I really think I learned a few things from you. Thank you sir.

[@MrJudge4321]

I’m an inspector in O&G industry. Here to get some knowledge with civil work. Thanks for some education man. Your videos are very informative.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you

[@alexrocio7627]

Bright and early for concrete🎉 and no waiting for the concrete....definitely home for lunch

[@paulwhited117]

I really enjoyed hearing you state that you water it for giving it the best possible chance. I always like to tell my customers that we do certain things we do with whatever might be pertaining in that certain conversation because it gives it that best possible chance. Not to ever tell them that something is certain. Concrete is an imperfect material that your trying to make perfect and there’s a lot of variables to a final product. It was awesome to hear someone say and feel the same things. Awesome video with many informative points. Thanks Eric.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you. You are correct, concrete is a wild animal that we are trying to tame. 😁

[@jasongreene89]

Great Video. As a ready mix supplier I talk to so many people who watch videos and think they can do it. Very few videos show the steps and time it takes to do it properly. Also mentioning Sack concrete mixes vs. Cementitious concrete mixes. Most folks don't know the difference and only care about price not quality. Moist curing concrete..... moist curing is the easiest and best thing to do. You may feel like a fool going to water your concrete but it is a great thing to do.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you.

[@celsorodriguez6552]

I also use a curing compound. City 600 works very well.

[@chuckmiller5763]

I am a structural concrete guy, heavy highway work mostly for Arizona DOT. They do not allow any water to be added to the mix after the truck leaves the yard. they get upset if you spray water to help finish. Cannot be more than a 5 inch slump, they prefer 4 inch. Slip forming is done on a 1 inch slump. As far as finishing concrete, you cannot watch a video and go out and do it, its a skill, it takes practice.

[@ericsmith1319]

@@chuckmiller5763 good advice, remember, slump can be modified with water reducers.

[@chuckmiller5763]

@@ericsmith1319 Used lots of plasticizers. Also used a off brand cement called Rapid Set, it hits 3000 PSI in less than an hour, 9000 PSi in a couple weeks.we used it to fix potholes in the Sky Harbor airport, they could land on it in a hour. Great stuff, it sets in about 5 minutes, set poles and work on them right away, no waiting till the next day.

[@AlMai222]

Great video. For years on my sidewalks I was using finishing trowel first. And although I made it work, I was never happy with the results. It worked and looked great but I was working double. Keep in mind I do drainage and usually the sidewalks we were doing were for free for the customer part of the job. Anyways I started only magging and finishing until the end recently and the results have been amazing so far

[@mattleggett5609]

Well done!! I picked up some great tips while watching and every little bit helps💯👊🍻

[@barryjanis]

Put a sprinkler on a green , just finished slab and keep it wet for 7 full days. IT WILL NOT CRACK Most concrete finishers never tell you about this important step for a no-crack surface.

[@toddgoldberg7240]

That's called curing the concrete.

[@clifbrewster8822]

And yes it will still crack regardless wet curing or no curing at all yes will help with wet curing but concrete cracks no tensil strength to speak of but very good compression strength

[@joshuaodwyer1227]

just started concreting mate in Australia. your information is well explained thanks heaps for the easy understanding mate 👍🏼

[@Mintybuad]

2nd ever time running a machine was yesterday. (I’m 15) I burned off a garage and the end readily wasn’t too bad. Running the machines are super fun and I defiantly want to do it often!

[@njsantoro]

Good for you Jaxon. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 your gonna be a successful man. Keep it up

[@Mintybuad]

@@njsantoro thank you sir, waiting on a garage and pads to set up right now 👌🏼👍🏼

[@njsantoro]

😎 your a very admirable young man. Can’t wait to see where u are in 10 years. Ur an Animal. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼. I’m in the concrete game. Stamped, floors, it’s not easy work,, and it takes big balls to take on these projects.

[@Mintybuad]

@@njsantoro oh yeah it’s the Finnish blood in me we all work very hard and go after what we want. I still have a lot to learn but I am very eager to learn it all, commercial, finishing, laser screed, everything.

[@njsantoro]

@@Mintybuad 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼😎.

[@toddgoldberg7240]

Great video Eric!!! You are so right, concrete is all about timing. You can work the concrete or you can let the concrete work you. The first option is always best, lol.

[@EngineerPEretired]

Vibrascreeds require a very low slump, no greater than a 4; this makes it hard on the placers. I saw a comment on riding on forms, that is correct but keep in mind, the forms and the vibration in the forms will also consolidate the stone to the bottom. This means, the concrete design has changed and psi of mix will change to the weakest configuration... Not enough paste and sand around those stacked stones at the lower half of pad. Basically, you are left with a thick mortar bed for your wear surface... I enjoy your videos, thank you.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you! I think you are right. :)

[@jayphillips4058]

@Construction News & Engineering That's why we rarely see them around our area, that settling action creating a mortar top leaves exterior slabs especially vulnerable to the extreme freeze/thaw cycles we experience here 6 months a year. Same reason jitterbugs and rollerbugs disappeared years ago..nothing but a thin mortar paste on the surface, blows to pieces in a very short time. IMHO, if a guy is going to use a mechanical screed system, a roller screed works pretty well. Extra time for setup, moving parts, etc. but a nice flat surface that floats out well. If the rakers are on the ball, fairly easy going with stiffer mud and a nice consistent aggregate profile.

[@manuelbayon9181]

"Little things like that" become gargantuan problems with clients, that's when you go give them all the leverage...I learned the hard way

[@gunfisher4661]

We used to get them garden soaker hoses and loop them over the slab and let them run ,works great as they don`t spray much water.

[@terrymoline8260]

You are the most professional contractor that I have ever seen. My Good friend has a concrete business and I would hire you over Him in a new York minute . He might not want me to call hm a good friend after I hired YOU .

[@TexasBarndominiums]

😆 Thank you.

[@checkoayala]

Thank you Señor for all the good info!

[@rafarafa9428]

Fantastic video, very informative, right on the point. I have been looking for one for a long time but could not find. I have already scheduled for tomorrow pouring a slab in my garage and fortunately for me I found that great video. I will be prepared tomorrow :)

[@tomsawyer5576]

It is refreshing to see a contractor that understands concrete. Eric you should be proud.

[@terryburgess6637]

Great job and explanation Eric. Enjoyed this video

[@everettira8914]

Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@jefferyira1917]

@Everett Ira instablaster =)

[@teaomakoenterprisesltd9646]

I'm a newbie🙂 Thank you for the awesome pro info!! I do not want to get taken to the side and be bashed 🤣

[@pnp9200]

Thank you for your educational video. Been watching you for a while but never really getting into it. Going to build my own home shortly need to get serious. Amazing to see your workers screed without guide just by experience and also 2 trucks poured. I can only do 1 truck because I only got 2 helpers plus myself.

[@jordandouvartzidis1745]

Great job guys.

[@jamesshoemaker4851]

I learned to do concrete in the KC area we kicked and pulled when striking of the concrete . Not many do it but its the fastest and you have the most power pulling.

[@jsalinas118]

Very informative. Don't know many guys that use bump cutter. That makes a nice flat floor.

[@barrycheshier4219]

I almost skipped this video, because, really, how interesting can new concrete be? My bad. I watched it to the end and learned a lot. At about the 2:40 point on the video, the film speed increased and honestly, the crew stepping backwards looks like they've invented a new South American dance, as in cha-cha KICK, cha-cha KICK! Thanks for the cool educational video, Erik. I've been wanting you to cover the advantages of a barndo over conventional construction ever since a friend of ours questioned our sanity for our interest. Friend said they won't hold up under a strong wind, etc. So your videos are showing your commitment to quality. Suggest you write them all down (solid doors, wind-rating of the curved roof, R-rating of foam insulation, etc.) and start marketing your high standards!

[@TexasBarndominiums]

😆 Thanks for watching.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

I will try and put together a video showing what we do better than the rest.

[@matthewcrockett106]

Dang man that was a wealth of information right there. Really good video. Thanks

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you

[@michaelz6870]

Right, didn't know about the delamination tidbit.

[@boogoo9439]

I just wanna say, every concreter i have met in australia will use finishing blades from first pass to final pass on their trowel machines. Seems to work fine but id really like to see how much different the finish is when done like the video says

[@armidaleconcrete]

they will use combination blades for the full job.

[@40551385]

Yeah we use combo Blake’s

[@usonfire1016]

It takes a great Boss to run a good crew. I can see you guys put out excellent work man. Lovely to see how easy you make it look done right, and I bet you made it home for lunch too. Blessings from LI NY

[@vart7767]

very well explained

[@and1globetrot00]

My favorite reloader AND concrete guy?!

[@SuperUncleRyan]

We use to do some big projects and I always got a kick out of watching the guys using the ride on concrete finishers.

[@Earthstein]

Thank you Eric. I learned so much.

[@jasonwetzel9733]

Great information! Thanks

[@mikemaben7485]

We had a 18" bump cutter stick. Like u have. A nice flat floor tool indeed. Nice job

[@clifbrewster8822]

Hats off to the man running the 4footer with a pan

[@fhuber7507]

You are giving masters classes in building.

[@rrssmooth6643]

Funny, my cameraman hasn't woken up. Love all your knowledge, and you explain it well. Were you going to place cuts through concrete? Do you place any sealer on that concrete slab?

[@clifbrewster8822]

Nice video also well explained finishing process

[@fxeaglepips7109]

Great video, excellent Job! I soffcut all my slabs. I haven’t seen that or sawcutting control joints in the video. I believe it’s an important step also. Did or do you sawcut your slabs? Maybe it was just not in this video? Just to control any random cracking! Cheers!

[@TexasBarndominiums]

We cut the carport, not the main slab.

[@BigInjun05]

Great video. You could just do one with light commentary sped up showing the entire process. Definitely makes me want to do my own slab.

[@triztimedrks7896]

Just subbed. Love the content, information and sense of humor

[@edgargonzalez1161]

Daniel needs a BANG! Get it Daniel!

[@jjamess3817]

FYI, concrete doesn't "dry", it cures. That is why as was stated it can become hard under water. It's based off the chemical reaction of the materials mixed. It "setting" is considered the process of it achieving a certain point in the curing process at which it becomes firm. 6" slump is actually on the wetter side but provides for more workability as can other specific additives used when you do not want to add more water as that will lesson strength, but need more workability. It's quite interesting how just a few ounces of of these admixtures will act as though you've added gallons of water to the mix. Another important factor is the air content especially so at higher elevations. As is the time frame of mixing due to the chemical reaction starting immediately upon mixing if not placed in time a loss of workability, consolidation and strength will result. So the time and also temperature of the mix come into play identifying it's state in the curing process. People think you just throw some rock in, bit o sand, cement and water and all is good but there is A Lot that goes into a good finished product before you even Get to the finishers. As one can see, that's a whole nother ball of wax to deal with. :)

[@burimduka1705]

This guy is good real good

[@sudhanbhowmikvlogs8423]

Well done ❤❤❤

[@DIMTips]

Really good and informative video. Will help me in my mini projects

[@ucantcme9071]

Eric, Do you ever build out of state/ AZ. Thinking about a Barndominium and your work is Outstanding Thanks John

[@Pawelllo87]

Thanks a lot for this episode. A lot of trick & tips!

[@terrymcgillicuddy8056]

Nice finish. Turned out great 👍

[@diannsanford5188]

Thank you! Very informative.

[@pappas1000]

I've been in construction for 20 years in Australia. I have never seen a jitter bug or a bump cutter. Also never seen 2 people screed like that! Very interesting video! Also didn't see any laser levels as they screed??

[@pappas1000]

Also our standard slump for concrete is 80mm slump about 3.25 inches.

[@marcamato433]

I wonder if it's because of that screeding technique all the extra work is required... we just use bullfloat after screeding and combo blades to finish, always flat never complaint

[@markroth9827]

Great video. Thank you.

[@biblethumpr2161]

The concrete is long set, the water is to slow down the cure time. .Rapid cure = rapid shrinking = rapid cracking. So water slows down the concrete water evaporation. When possible use small bulkheads to retain water then flood slab with 1-2 inches of water

[@dirkmoller2040]

I do the polishing until there are no footprints on the surface. Then pour natural soap- water- Mix on the surface to make the concrete hydrophobic. Cover it with plastic wrap 50my, so the water stays inside the concrete. We also pour corundum sand and cement on the green concrete surface before we start the machines. Gives a very strong surface.

[@Supe063]

Save your screeters back with a vibra-strike. It will also do you wonders to get more cream to the surface. It will take a bit of practice but you won't regret the results.

[@ForensicCats]

Good job Erik

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thanks man!

[@raulruizrivera5642]

Where do they get theyre grade from it looks real rough when theyre screeding

[@juancamacho5167]

Munchas gracias mui buena educasion me dio. Muchas gracias

[@THExLAWxMAN]

I have learned new info, thanks for making and sharing the vids

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you for watching.

[@leoads]

Great video explaining all the details, congratulations. I have learnt a lot with the video. But keep in mind that you have too much bleeding water in your mixture. It means that your concrete mix is lacking of fines. Bad concrete gives a lot o bleeding water, good admixture not. Excessive bleeding water also cause drying shrinkage.

[@colinblankenship2401]

GOOD INFORMATION. THANKS FOR SHARING

[@marvinbrooks4651]

can you show us your dirt work process before you pour your slab?

[@TexasBarndominiums]

I’ll work on that.

[@marvinbrooks4651]

@@TexasBarndominiumsthat would be awesome thanks!

[@rubenvarela4077]

Yuppppppppppppppppppp

[@caseyjohnson6573]

Thanks for your videos really helpful !

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you

[@BillyLapTop]

Erik, this is a wonderful educational video and drives home how a professional gets great results. You have a great crew. BTW, where do you get those great shirts you wear in these videos? Real GQ.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Cinch shirts is what I usually wear. :)

[@BillyLapTop]

Thanks Erik. I found a nice selection on Amazon of Cinch shirts and will get a few regular cut ones. No local sources here in upstate NY.

[@mikemaben7485]

Does the cvt allow operator to let go of trowel without having it dangerously spin the handle bars ?

[@michelrea2403]

Attention to detail.That’s what it’s about. 👍

[@Thatconcreteguy]

Rollerbug works pretty good my dad likes using it on our garage slabs

[@danknug922]

I'm just really curious and I'm sure a lot of other people are to, "and I'm glad iv found this channel now because I enjoy this type of stuff". how many subscribers do u believe you have gotten since appearing on mats channel or demolition ranch. Just curious.

[@dakotakidd8081]

You guys make that way harder than necessary

[@darrenharvey5615]

When, and do you saw cut the slab. Do you green cut, or come the next day?

[@danch10]

You could up your game by using a vibrator. I have yet to see concrete guys using them here in Texas. This will create a stronger foundation because it will reduce air pockets

[@dhyde9207]

Would it make sense to make the approach to the overhead door an inch or so lower than the main slab to prevent the possibility of the gap under the overhead door that you spoke about? (Also would minimize the chance of water coming under the door during a driving rain storm). I feel like I'm getting a post-graduate degree in barndominium building here. At the very least, I'm going to be a very well-educated consumer.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

I don’t like doing a drop at the overhead door because the lip makes it hard to sweep and also makes it hard for anything with small wheels to roll over it. If done properly, the slope works very well and have never had driving rain to inside.

[@jpconcrete6591]

Eric were you from??im trying to move south...have 18yrs of experience in the concrete world.

[@robertchoutka3191]

2:20 What do you do if the forms HAVE MOVED outwards after the concrete is in place ??

[@Profonster]

Great

[@oldguysrule-iv7sh]

That is really great info thanks

[@TexasBarndominiums]

You’re welcome.

[@AC.Prince]

Making my concrete man watch this video in the morning. Great job 👍

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Thank you.

[@jameshines6486]

Spray oil on your slab and power trial it in. Mirror finish.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Very good description in your vids, what is a tripod video head ?

[@craigdeal1742]

Nice video great job..

[@kbrownfocus]

Another thing I would've added to this, is if you live in TX and have to have crete poured, make sure they know how to adjust the dry times to the heat... Have alot of houses up here in wichita falls that the conteacters didnt know what they were doing. Man might have yall come up here when I build my house........ Saw the AF vid.. Had me rolling the whole time😂😂😂

[@liarliar7770]

im from el paso i do acoustical ceiling grid i work for you only for 1 years but you promise me to teach me everything about con concrete

[@garygreen5243]

I like to pour my slab on an 8 high range mix so it doesn't effect the Integrity of it the wetter the flatter the slab

[@ericsmith1319]

If you have bleed water like this, you added too much water. Next time use a water reducer from Sika or equivalent. Also, concrete is a recipe. Like cookies, you just can't add more butter and expect it to turn out good. Same with concrete. Adding too much cement doesn't make it better. That is why there is a "Mix Design".

[@TexasBarndominiums]

We didn’t “add” cement. Just eliminated the fly ash.

[@DavidGonzalez-md9je]

Do you have a video of the plastering process or are you planning on one in the future. Otherwise this video is very informative. Awsome job. Thanks.

[@TexasBarndominiums]

I’ll make one soon.

[@ericjensen3662]

Two guarantees with concrete. 1. It will crack. 2. No one will steal it.

[@wrightsrrt871]

If you use the roller style jitter use weights cause its not as good

[@David-ls4qp]

Yeah just rides on the top

[@wrightsrrt871]

Yah it really dosen't get the agrigate down enough in my opinion I had an guy do that on an 30 by 50 slab and he screwed it all up then it cost me another $800 dollars and 2 weeks of my own time to fix the slab surface so I didn't have to tare it out and spend another 6 grand replacing it. Such an nightmare, I love concrete but I decided to sub it out to an guy cause I was more focused on framing the metal shop up and doing the septic and such. Never again ill just do it myself next time lol

[@paulprice9397]

What a reasonable price on the labor for a job like that size?

[@brandonberger89]

A gas powered vibrascreed will a 12ft board would pay for itself in just a couple jobs with how long that guy has to spend hitting hit it manually with the jitterbug.

[@dozer130]

Do u grind your blades when they get thin on the edge...

[@TexasBarndominiums]

Metal ones we do. Not the poly blades.

[@umbertogalasso1280]

In Australia we screed and bullfloat the slab and leave it to dry ready to finish you guys work double you should watch a concrete ninja video

[@TexasBarndominiums]

So you guys don’t make it flat?

[@umbertogalasso1280]

@@TexasBarndominiums yes we do we use laser beam level and it's within 1 to 2mm of level

[@TexasBarndominiums]

I’m assuming you use it on the forms and while you screed. What about after concrete has been poured and mag floated. Do you do anything at that point to ensure flatness? We use the bump cutter and float pans for that purpose. Makes for a much flatter slab than without it.

[@umbertogalasso1280]

@@TexasBarndominiums we don't use bumpcutters but we use float pan and ride on machines we check the level with the laser as we screed you should watch the concrete ninja on you tube on how we do concrete in australia

[@jemfly1062]

@@TexasBarndominiums Have a look at ConcreteNinja's channel. Here in Oz, all concretors use a purpose-made aluminium screed with handle. Accurate height pads and strips are made using the laser level, the screed gives a perfectly FLAT surface ready for floating, unlike the rough and uneven one created by your scrape and kick timber screed technique, (which hasn't been used in Australia for over thirty years). There's no need for jitterbugs. Bullfloats remove the few screed marks, then choppers/helicopters are used - fast and gives superb results. Interesting to compare the different techniques and results, ease of work, less steps, quality finish. Your slabs look great and are ultimately superb, but there are just a few easier and more efficient ways of doing them.Try a proper MasterFinish screed, guaranteed that you won't waste time with timber or jitterbugs or other time and energy wasters after that. If you look at the many videos uploaded by ConcreteNinja , you'll see the techniques and the quality result. Best wishes from Downunder! ;)

[@UnorthodoxFabrication]

Loved it

[@dreaneau]

Do residential slabs not use saw cut/control joints? I ask because I’d love to see any of the post curing process after your initial pour and finishing process you showed in this video!

[@TexasBarndominiums]

We don’t cut any control joints on residential slabs. Only flat work (sidewalks, driveways, etc)

[@rubenvarela4077]

@@TexasBarndominiums any reason why not

[@kenuber4766]

@@rubenvarela4077 You Tool your joints for the exterior concrete, and saw cut your joints for interior concrete.

[@PaulWhitedWoodStoneIron]

“If you fall behind your going to have a bad day”. True words there. Always stay ahead of the game. Stop to get a sandwich and pay. Lol.

[@smac4013]

Leave the trowel spinning when you pic it up of the slab