How to Work with Concrete | Ask This Old House

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains masonry materials and then shows how to pour a concrete slab. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)
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Roger teaches the differences between different masonry materials. Portland cement is added to many other mixes. Concrete is a mix of sand, stone, and Portland cement. A mortar mix is made of Portland cement, sand, and lime, and is used for bricks and stones above ground. Below ground, he uses a cement mix of Portland cement and sand.
Roger showed how to mix concrete by combining 3-parts sand, 2-parts stone (sometimes called aggregate), and 1-part Portland cement in a wheelbarrow. A power mixer can be rented.
Once the concrete is added to a form, Roger uses a trowel to smooth off the top, or he uses a push broom to add a slip resistant finish. He then uses an edger to round off the edge of the concrete, and then uses a groover to create a controlled joint for the concrete to crack.
Shopping List for How to Work with Concrete:
Portland cement [amzn.to/2ZoQtp1], gravel [amzn.to/2L4nXUy], and sand [amzn.to/31WMWQm], to make concrete
2x boards [amzn.to/2KRioKk], for building form
3-inch deck screws [amzn.to/2KPTQkA], to fasten together form boards
Lime [amzn.to/2ZsG5wA], added to cement and sand to make mortar
¾-inch stone, to form solid base for concrete slab
½-inch (No. 4) rebar [amzn.to/2HnOwTH] or welded wire mesh [amzn.to/33WheVl], for strengthening the concrete
Tools for How to Work with Concrete:
Concrete mixer [amzn.to/2Zq1w14]
Wheelbarrow [amzn.to/320rslO] and pointed shovel [amzn.to/2HjOb43], for mixing concrete
2-gallon bucket [amzn.to/2ZsGEGI], to measure dry ingredients
5-gallon bucket [amzn.to/2HnskJ5], for adding water to concrete
Plate compactor [amzn.to/2KSDTdy] or hand tamper [amzn.to/2ZpCkrq], to compact ¾-inch stone base
Cordless drill [amzn.to/2zjlmkc], for screwing together wooden form
Concrete float [amzn.to/2Zok7dX], to smooth concrete
Push broom [amzn.to/2Hnk2kC], for adding texture to concrete surface
Edger [amzn.to/2ZrKm7j], to round over edge of concrete slab
Groover [amzn.to/2NtqnyW], for cutting control joints into the concrete
Masonry materials and tools are available at home centers and masonry supply stores.
Expert assistance with this project was provided by Martignetti Enterprises, Inc. [martignetti.us/]
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Work with Concrete | Ask This Old House
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[@itchyego]

Helps to mention for the beginner that "Grade" means simply the ground or the ground level, including its slope.

[@erikjames3523]

Ken Johnston I’m trying to work here and I was like, “grade”? How do I google that🤷🏾‍♂️thanx

[@zaappp1588]

I like watching these guys at half speed. It's like watching a couple drunks trying to explain stuff to each other. Very entertaining if you have the time.

[@makmar4484]

Zaappp !!! I'm kinda hoping for his sake that this is a cringe show hahalololo

[@johnnorman3831]

Nice, got a good chuckle out of that, " there's like million baaaaaggggs!

[@fatih2313]

lmao you made my day! Lost my shit when he said: "Chhaaalllaannnggge mmee heerrreee Rooogeeeeerr?"

[@killectskoins1256]

That was very entertaining to watch at half speed. 02:55 for the "Chhaaalllaannnggge mmee heerrreee Rooogeeeeerr?" part (credit Fatih)

[@JabberWacky970]

Lmfao I'm dying. I did this once I read that

[@01zakman]

It's 3am and I have no clue how I got here

[@Engineer9736]

Peppa Pug So what

[@lars808]

Same and I have to get up at 5:40 AM today

[@Slowhand871]

Peppa Pug best comment ever

[@Laffy1345]

Peppa Pug you have paws, how the hell you use a computer!?😂😂😂😂😂

[@DJSpinMasterX]

LMAO!!! Been there.....

[@gnome2024]

one paaht cement

[@TheWanderingChemist]

To a German native speaker, their dialect sounds like that of Bernie Sanders... :D

[@rudyardkipling7181]

Who?

[@Geekybros111]

Rudyard Kipling roger

[@edman2740]

2:20 to jiggle

[@raegenjones4346]

John Dough

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Tip: coat wood form with used motor oil for easy separation. 👍

[@hawktuft772]

I love reading the comments from all these self proclaimed experts. The guy is a professional. Sorry he doesn't do your way

[@nicholascasatelli6949]

Well when someone isn't doing it properly, or with the right tools, people should know. I guess I should just do it wrong and like a jack ass then? I don't think so.

[@benjimcdowell1627]

@@nicholascasatelli6949 sorry but hawk is right. We all have our opinions and ways just cause it's not the same style doesn't make it wrong. And if these videos makes anyone not agree or something just don't watch them. Simple

[@johnwquick3616]

Be a sheep. You gotta be a Democrat. Baaa

[@heathdetweilerRealtor]

Here for a how-to, but arm chair QBing. Lol

[@miguelsalami]

Hey that looks like a lot a Hod woik ya know ya gotta look out for those Shop Edges❗

[@TheTomBevis]

This demo is technically accurate, but I pity the DIYer that tries to do a sidewalk without more information. Working with concrete is not as easy as it looks.

[@Litto1]

i

[@coyotesniper72]

Correct. You frame a wall incorrectly ehh no big deal. You bite off more than you can chew with concrete and you’ll have a bad day. Just a thought from a 25 year cement mason.

[@EoRdE6]

I see this as probably good for someone repairing a single damaged sidewalk section...

[@jonathanluckhun6887]

as someone used to being around cement, all this flying cement dust in the video made me want to sneeze and eyes feel dry

[@3rdCultureAussie]

Jonathan Luckhun Don't forget the cement in your lungs

[@raulmejiascandanedo7192]

Silica dust😷

[@joebailey4686]

I instinctively squinted my eyes when I saw the dust lol

[@Moco925]

Funny I squinted and held my breath 😂😂

[@leeknivek]

This is a $2000 OSHA violation payable by each offender and an additional $10,000 from their employers.

[@firstnamelastname7476]

lol at all the tradies commenting on the small slab taking a long time.. don't think they understand concept of demonstration

[@briandeschene8424]

FirstName LastName Agreed. Plus, when I'm interested in DIY instructions, I'm looking for complete and understandable not cost efficient. I work with computers for a living and I'm sure my approach to doing my trade when I'm on the clock differs significantly from how these building tradespeople approach "messing around" with their PC at home.

[@haha5571]

Ironically it takes Tradies a long time to ever call you back or get around to actually doing the job

[@mikejones1298]

Except they finished it wrong. You're supposed to broom at the end and edge and float first.

[@DeuceGenius]

This was not a good demonstration

[@psidvicious]

Right. I’m surprised they got that wrong. Edge and groove THEN broom. It matters.

[@guichuantang9041]

Excellent video on the difference and uses of concrete, cement and mortar which I was confused with!!

[@crewmagnum1]

I prefer mixing the sand and Portland thoroughly before adding the aggregate. It's a lot easier to get an even mix.

[@1crida1]

I watched another video by these guys and they did exactly that. I think his helper just added the aggregate in too soon lol

[@asifsba1]

I wanted to wear a mask while watching this video.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

covid prediction, wtf ?

[@rsamaran]

3 parts sand 2 parts aggregate 1 part Portland cement Mix sand and cement together first before adding aggregate.

[@korypankey8359]

I wish this guy was my teacher for everything. Concise, important and easy to digest information, no bs.

[@danbytp]

Finally! Someone who explains it for us beginners so we can understand it,!!!

[@matthewmansour5125]

Not sure how old this video is, but these days, wear a mask when using cement. It’s not great for your lungs. Great video. I’ve worked in a trade for 20 years but still get so much out of TOH vids.

[@U2WB]

The trick then is learning to park your car over that piece of sidewalk you’ve made in the middle of your garage...

[@jamescrowley470]

Since TOH is an information show it's worth noting that the word is "masonry", not 'mason•ar•ry'

[@michaelmcgee2026]

James Crowley lol i thought did he say masonary?

[@MatchBookNotes]

Thats a north eastern american accent. Bawwwston.

[@sleahcim4723]

The hard part to me would be the screening. When to do it. When to follow up with more screening. When to trowel. Thanks for leaving that out. I have not found a video yet to shoot it to me straight. Following a recipe is not an issue. I did a small pad with premix from home depot and the finish was too rough. It looked horrible.

[@LucidDreamer54321]

They showed a concrete example of how to mix concrete.

[@saemushailstorm3135]

dont wear 'nice watch' when playing with this stuff ; also good idea to wear gloves

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Nice video guys. My channel is all about working with concrete also. Floors, slabs, stamped concrete and much more. Check it out to see how we do it.

[@curiosity2314]

Great walk through...

[@TheRealNosferatu]

Great vid but if you do this yourself you should absolutely wear a particulate mask when mixing. The dust is terrible for your lungs, especially if youre working with poor ventilation like they are in the shop

[@rudyardkipling7181]

It's interesting to hear, after all these years, it still referred to as PORTLAND cement, as if there were really any other in this context.

[@saloppedisano9745]

I’m pretty sure block mortar has lime as well.

[@hattman2010]

Yeah that was completely wrong.

[@billyphantha]

super useful video, more like this please!

[@jewermank8536]

This video is way better @.5x speed

[@oskarbjornstad877]

Sand is technically an aggregate not just stones

[@Mattstafford2009]

That's a lot of dust to breathe in if you're indoors!

[@zaappp1588]

I like watching these guys at half speed. It's like watching a couple drunks trying to explain stuff to each other. Very entertaining if you have the time.

[@glarochify]

Wow, thank you gentlemen, for putting in the work for this very informative video.

[@pettypendergrass8596]

i prefer stir fry, the wok way.. i'm certain they have it wrong

[@SergeiArkadjevich]

Bare hands in the concrete and cement touching What is that all about Use gloves or tools

[@diamond6256]

May I ask a question?????? When using QUIKCRETE LIQUID CONCRETE COLOR on pavers (15x15) in August, it was dry to the touch so I added waterbased sealer, LOOKED FANTASTIC. 6 months later IT WON'T DRY. How can I fix this? It was dry so I added the sealer and the sealer failed and pealed. The color is not dry underneath.

[@Mchurchwell]

This is yalls best video yet. Very detailed for beginners.

[@doc-holiday]

I done concrete before on many occasions and used a shovel to blend it all the together but when i discovered the hoe i found this to be the very best to mix it up with little effort and easier to work with. i never looked back. The hoe is much more fun when doing these sort of small jobs.

[@dvljet]

Concrete block aka cinderblock below grade you need to do a three step water proofing if you don't want leaks . You need to prime it then put your first coat of water proofing then you apply a mesh cloth then another coat of water proofing and then a dimple plastic . If you buy cinder blocks from a brick and block supply place they will have block ciment in bags just add water

[@farhad.parsan]

very informative video, thanks a lot! I watched many videos on KZbin about pouring concrete and none were as simple and at the same time comprehensive as this one.

[@samnoble1583]

Best concrete demo I've ever seen!

[@mpwall123]

I’m not use to seeing gold ole Roger working inside

[@cloudchaser966]

7:34 You can't help a walkway from cracking?? I'd say in that case you either made it too thin or you didn't use enough steel reinforcement, after all!

[@amdistant5547]

All the shows on HGTV like Love or List it, fixer upper etc etc are all gimmicks compared to This Old House.

[@Bl00DmixedWithPoison]

that concrete was way too wet to broom, the steel float brings the cream up to the edge and as it sets makes it easier for the broom. (the perfect broom for concrete in my opinion is 50%nylon and 50%horsehair.) i understand for videosake they would show you the process, but there is timing for the concrete to setup and for things to be at the right readiness before moving onto the next step.

[@inv1cmaj]

Very informative. However they are using bare hands on wet concrete/cement ? That is a huge mistake and will cause burns.

[@gnuthad]

Why use a shovel to mix when you could be making things easier with a spade?

[@ffc99]

No masks? People, wear a mask!

[@chidrole]

I love ❤️ putting concrete in my underpants!

[@carlingallagher2441]

Same 😂😂😂

[@Blox117]

yeah, that way im always rock hard

[@jmiller3605]

Holy crap, just crap just get a concrete truck.

[@coreymorrell6272]

Just use the mixer. Mixers are cheap and do a much better job much faster and you don’t wear yourself out. No one should be mixing in a wheelbarrow in modern times.

[@BritishBoy1971]

I mix mine in the Irish tumble dryer. Doing it manually in a wheelbarrow is too much like hard work!

[@andrewdavies1312]

Drag the brush across..it'll give the waaaak way some texture

[@sonofagalwayman6553]

I'M AN ACCOUNTANT IF I WAS DOING THIS I WOULD MOVE THE CONCRETE MIXER CLOSE TO THAT BOX AND USE A MIX OF 5 AGGREGATE TO ONE CEMENT FLAGGING THE SAND GET A HOSE AND ADD WATER AS THE MIXER IS GOING AND DO A WETTER MIX AND POOR THE BASTARD IN SAVING EXACTLY 52 DOLLARS AND 6 CENTS.

[@bradleymarcum6951]

Roger stood up and about clocked this dude. Look at the fist

[@kwasiwilliams5014]

Cool to learn to make a self mix!

[@EdwardJamesBickels]

Take a shot every time he says "Portland Cement"

[@mikefm4]

Edward James Bickels 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤪

[@telosfd]

Mix the mixture down on the ground with the spades and then place it on the mold.

[@benjaminjohnson824]

What # of stone is recommended for the sidewalk cement?

[@johnsmith-wc8gs]

this is enough to make any DIY'r call for some help

[@darkinertia2]

im starting to learn from TOH that the world is held together by 3/4 stone

[@steelemixer3278]

you should check out steelemixer.com its the fastest and easiest way to mix concrete!

[@nixcoolfix]

Exactly what I was looking for. Great video! Thanks guys!

[@da324]

I can't believe how many people cannot pronounce masonry. It's not masonAry. It's like people who can't pronounce veterinary. It's not vetRinary

[@Jeff82556]

similar to when a Brit says "militree" instead of military or "lab-bore-a-tory" instead of laboratory.

[@wolflahti412]

Control grooves never seem to work. Even in professional pours, I've seen concrete crack where it wishes.

[@rivahkillah]

That's because professional means somebody that does something for a living, not somebody who is good at what they do for a living.

[@ryand5708]

This is true, concrete will crack by nature but do a pour and don’t put any control joints in it and see how much worse it will be. All you can do is try to “control” them

[@nicholascasatelli6949]

Maybe your not putting them in correctly, like for example at the right depth......

[@billypilgrim7838]

control joints, ever drive on a concrete highway.

[@abraham1513]

Nctelli 113 control joints don’t do much controlling but without them you’d see a difference.

[@ChrisMichael]

Was really hoping you'd cover drying and curing, too.

[@nc3826]

They only touch on the basics and got few points wrong or they were misleading, The incorrectly places the metal to reinforcement in the middle since it will never be tension there it almost useless in that location. And control joints almost never do what they're supposed too. So use an expansion joint and find postings on all the missed steps. IE Concrete float - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_float

[@CSJiGSaW08]

This is dumb and slow, get a Ridgid Drill and few buckets and mix with the tool. Done in seconds....

[@davidjacobs8558]

I find smoothing the surface of quickrete is very difficult compare to using your own mix, because quickrete use small jagged gravel, which gets caught on the trowel, it's just the wrong size and shaped gravel. bigger rounder river gravel would be much easier to work with.

[@mar504]

Easier to work with but it will also mean the finished product won't have near the same strength and will begin to crack much sooner.

[@hallowedbethygame2840]

Cement can’t really adhere to smooth stones, jagged coarse aggregate is what you want. The coarse aggregate in the bag mixes is too small though, agreed. Adding a shovel or so of Portland cement per bag will help you get a better finish

[@smartchip]

Thanks for the video, helps me save a buck to spend on the basics,

[@kenzon1420]

mixing concrete in a barrow is the fucking worst

[@danielgraytube]

Extremely informative. Thank you.

[@HsingSun]

Thank you for the video. I want to build a 8'x8' small shed, what kind of gravels (below concrete) should I use for concrete mix?

[@christophercrawford3924]

You guys used the right brand Quikrete America's #1 brand! Made by Americans for Americans! Chris in Albuquerque

[@dachhisudarshan3206]

Love the watch Roger is wearing.... Classic all time best digital basic model.... CASIO F91 W i guess...

[@advancekashmir9846]

Funny, how here in Asia, we use concrete so much that even a toddler knows about the process. But, I understand, in America concrete isn't used as much as wood etc so it's like a riddle.

[@rickybrown689]

Id say his skills were lacking a little bit

[@bbbrickman7353]

Hi guys since you're using a gauged mix, to keep its tactile strength it should be; one pint of water for each pound of cement and good luck with that one, the mix would be so stiff it would break your arms when you try to travel it LOL, no offence intended, but what is referred to as 20 - two plenty in the UK would probably be your best bet mix for a home made concrete mix which would consist of 4 shovels or concreting gravel ( gravel and Sand premixed) you could use a trowel a spade or any other implement or a gloved hand come to that as long as it's not a gauged measuring implement, and one part of cement and enough water to bring it to a creamy consistency. Ps I have worked in the wet trade for over 40 years, but as for mixing it by the book, and as I was taught as an apprentice, many moons ago you are spot on,

[@01aharley]

It looks good from my house

[@BayardoJSaenz]

Hello guys, I have a question about the 3/4 gravel that you us before the concrete what is for and what hapen if you for example just pour the concrete over a plastic in the ground? Thanks.

[@jamaredward]

Gotta put your masks on guys "silica"

[@lou-nc4rc]

If your existing concrete patio has a rebar stain which developed over the years, can you resurface it to cover the stain?

[@stormbytes]

Amazing Amazing Amazing VIDEO! !! THANK YOU Best one on youtube so far!!! Learned so much

[@curlykmk47]

Can anyone give me advice on what to do if I am pouring a step on a completed slab? Would I still need some kind of material in the bottom (like they use the aggregate), or just start with concrete?

[@robertcarullo4926]

Your better off using a circular saw after it drys. you get a cleaner expansion joint.

[@I_SuperHiro_I]

I do like Poatlind Cemyint.

[@theclockmax]

If you used mortar with blocks that will be in contact with the ground, in which he said not to use lime. Is there a way to reinforce it so in the future it will hold up instead of breaking down? I used lime when he instructed not to.

[@VideoNOLA]

No such word as "masonary" yet these guys keep using it!?!

[@jesse977]

These guys should help Jon Snow fight the White Walkers in Game of Thrones

[@wolflahti412]

Should be using respirators and gloves. Concrete is nasty!

[@rejahmuhyi1592]

Thanks for explaining the different kinds of cement .

[@samfisherskiller]

seemed to have skipped a few steps. between this and youtube tutorials, it doesnt help.

[@golfmanmatt]

Ok now move it out of the studio

[@luistoribio2700]

I like it., because im a rooky. Thanks for teaching me.

[@davidgansert7542]

Wow I figured they would show at least a little closer to the right way to finish that concrete lol don't do it this way or it won't look very good when your done

[@mk0879vg]

Must be from Boston. 'paht' cement. :-)

[@MRRED7777]

isnt 1/6 like 1 bud of sement and 6 bud of sand ? and ad water that much it isnt swamp

[@AK-ru3sg]

Very simplistically explained, thanks. Assume it's for school children and will explain it very well to them. Thanks for posting.

[@giovannifiorentino8947]

Pelease add a short vídeo to show the pour hardened and stripped from the form.

[@ChristopherRIdleyUK]

good info thanks. but one needs to watch 4 vids or so to cherry pic best info.

[@gazisher2372]

I love the Boston accent!