Pouring a Huge Concrete Slab Using Bagged Concrete | I Saved $10,000

[@markkaminski2416]

Wow, much respect! In 2009 I retired at age 60 and set forth building a new house. Except for help framing and roofing I did it all myself. I sheetrocked a 3600sq ft house with 9' ceilings myself. People ridiculed me, what's taking you so long, bla bla bla. It took me 2+ yrs to complete, cost approx 280 k . Appraised last year at approximately 800k. Be proud of what you accomplished. No one can take that sense of pride and accomplishment , GREAT JOB!!

[@reallifetested2605]

That's awesome. Drywall is no easy task! It's heavy, awkward, and dusty! That's pretty cool you did your own house. It's actually amazing that you did all that in 2 years. It took multiple crews about 6 months to build my house so you made excellent progress! Thank you for the kind comment.

[@markkaminski2416]

You're welcome, I don't think I could mix and pour that much concrete, that's real bull work. It's unfortunate that we weren't able to help one another. Two cheapskate hardheads like us could accomplish a great deal! Haha. Best wishes , Mark

[@thesomewhathandyman9400]

Nice! I'm doing that with an old rotten (and previously hoarded) single wide trailer on a half acre, right now. I'm currently 2 years into it working on just Saturday's. People think I'm nuts for rebuilding it but I'll be debt free and it's all going to cost me about $65K when I'm said and done (including the original purchase price or the land and trailer). Another single wide on half the size lot in my neighborhood just sold for $208K. I'm pretty excited that I'll have this asset sitting with no mortgage payment. Cheers!

[@reallifetested2605]

@@thesomewhathandyman9400 65k is not bad at all! That's awesome you won't have a mortgage payment, not many can say that! You should definitely be proud that you are able to accomplish that. Usually when people think you're crazy, you're on the right track. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@bigbuddy1129]

Fuk companies take that long for a 1200 ft. Nice job.

[@holgermessner851]

Wow. Respect! I did build my house in Germany all myself. Watching your video, it reminded me when it was on the time to poor my floor in the second level with concrete. Without any knowledge of how much work it would be to “flatten” 23 cubic meters of ready-concrete, I ordered a concrete pump truck with it. 5 concrete trucks showed up on that morning. The pump truck driver looked at me and said: Looks like your crew is late today. I answered: You looking at it! 😮 The guys looked at me and said: Are you crazy! - In the end, I got it done. From 6am to 7pm I flatten the whole thing. It was an adventure for me to get off the second level. I couldn’t move my arms. I had no power in my fingers. It was a kinda sliding, falling down to the ground. Took me at least 30 minutes to get each boot of my feet. And I was crying because I was soooo tired. I promised that evening myself: No more than 5 cubic meters of concrete each day….. 😂 I was 28 at that time. - Now I am 60. And I have to make a slab inside the house. 5-6 cubic meter to do it. I think this time, I hire 2-3 extra guys. 😅

[@reallifetested2605]

I appreciate your story. I couldn't imagine doing 23 meters in 1 day. I bet you were sore for a week after that one. Probably the best night of sleep you ever got too! haha Good luck with your future project.

[@holgermessner851]

@@reallifetested2605 I actually overslept 1 day of work next day. When I contacted my boss, I only said sorry I was really sick. I slept for 1 1/2 day! 😁

[@bigrig0625]

Man, that is an awesome story! Much respect!

[@robertmeshew1935]

The young have no fear, the old have experience!

[@holgermessner851]

@@robertmeshew1935 And some never learn…. Now I am 60. Have to poure a concrete slab in 9’10” height. On top it is fxxxxxx hot in Panama. All by myself…. As usual.

[@rickwalt8767]

I worked commercial construction for 40 years and I know that was a ton of work. Congratulations on a job well done. Not only saving money but the satisfaction of doing something like this yourself can’t be beat. Your the man!

[@reallifetested2605]

It's really cool to hear that from someone whos done it and knows. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a kind comment. It really means a lot.

[@GeorgeS-fe7eh]

I worked in constructions also. I'm not american. How is pouring a slab ... a ton of work? In my country people dig and pour the foundation exactly cos it's relatively easy. And even the construction crew will use bags, won't call the truck for the ground floor. The difficult part starts at first floor. Btw there's no rebar. How much would cost in time and money to add some rebar. You never know ... ground shifting, earthquake, cracked pipe, sinkhole ...I'm in an earthquake area in Europe so ... always rebar, even for a fence

[@dh5594]

Unless you don't have access for a truck , I don't know why anyone would pour with bags. It takes 45 80lb bags for a yard of concrete and at about 6 bucks a bag, that's $270 per yd....A yard of truck mix is about $170 a yard and no breaking your back mixing all that mud. I don't see HOW he said he saved money at $100 more per yard to mix it himself 🤷

[@mr.shrimpy7311]

@@dh5594idk but for me I was quoted at 7000 for two trucks while it did take me a whole day I ended up only spending 4500 in bagged concrete and I don’t include my own labor since its a personal project

[@waynv1835]

when he says he hauled the gravel, does he mean in his pick up truck? how many trips?

[@mdude7778]

KZbin recommended this video 2 years late. Hats off to you.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you!

[@reallifetested2605]

@ShellCorp-ru3nu they were 3.20 each so somewhere around 2800.

[@charlesonyango5608]

I'm a cheapskate and a hard head. This brought joy to my heart. Very well done. Very inspiring.

[@reallifetested2605]

I'm glad to have brought some happiness your way. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@FJB2020]

No way 14 yards of concrete delivered would even come close to how much he spent doing this himself...

[@reallifetested2605]

@@FJB2020 you should probably read a description or at minimum listen to the first 60 seconds before commenting...

[@AlanBurnham]

@@FJB2020 830 bags of 80lb concrete would be around 20 yards. He says he got the bags for $3.20 each. I expect $130 a yard by the bag is cheaper than delivered concrete in most, if not all, areas of the country, even a year ago. I'd guess he saved around $12-1500 on concrete and the rest was saved by doing the prep work and forms himself along with omitting and steel reinforcement and possibly omitting the footings/thickened edge. Would I mix 830 bags of concrete to save $1500? HELL NO! but I don't begrudge anyone else for doing.

[@gotankz4698]

I am a professional concrete finisher and I have never done that even once in my life, much respect that is a TON of work! Never used a mixer for more than a small side walk, mostly for very small pours. That is just huge.

[@reallifetested2605]

That's cool hearing that from a pro that does this for a living. Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@PsyCoCinematics]

@@jameshines6486 By health do you mean concerns over muscles, back, etc, or fumes, dust, etc?

[@PsyCoCinematics]

@@reallifetested2605 Aye, always gotta keep that dust mask handy. Did a great job on those pours, Mr. Tested! Might end up doing something similar in the coming months. Hats off to ya on giving folks something to check notes and get tips from!

[@stevemorris3710]

@UC2dG49864OrAaROKj7JxXBQ Breathing Cement dust causes Silicosis, I pumped cement in the Oil Patch and we had to wear respirators. Some say Silica, the most harmful part of cement dust, is the 'new Asbestos'.

[@temujinkhan6326]

did I miss something here/ I did not see any reinforcements rebars or mesh wire

[@ronaldkrull6314]

That is one of the most insane thing I ever seen. I been in the trade a minute. The average person doesn't know how much work this is. Much respect

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the kind comment and checking out my video. It was definitely a mind game for me. I'm just glad it turned out alright haha

[@m3xicano4ever]

Yup won't find me doing that myself

[@reallifetested2605]

@@m3xicano4ever Let me know I'll come help you so you won't be alone haha

[@D2O2]

The most insane project I have seen is the guy who dug out his basement deeper by hand and mixed/poured a new foundation and floor.

[@MV-wb2cz]

@@D2O2 perseverance prevails!

[@jifok5379]

What a beautifully done kzbin.infoUgkxYGamVaHfdHiPlAQaLa7zkwR02OKpGYDU ! The instructions and the photographs are brilliant. It is thorough and genuinely informative. Ryan got another winner! No one does it better!

[@reallifetested2605]

For sure! The lady I purchased my building from asked me if the building was going to have a floor. I was like huh? She said they build these on bare dirt and gravel all the time. I had no idea.

[@Lij_MC]

Very nice How many bags of cement did you end up using?

[@minnesotabackwoodsdrifter4323]

Very nice, my son and myself did our 36' x 26' pole shed using bag concrete. We were unable to get concrete truck to the location of the building. I poured 13' x 6' sections that seemed to go well. Mine was a little more of a challenge with the building already up. It was nice doing the job together with my son , he mixed and i did the pouring and leveling. That was a couple years ago, he was 16 at the time and i was 57. My son is in the Air Force now and I miss him not being around to help with my projects. Anyways, nice job. Take care.

[@reallifetested2605]

That's awesome you and your son making memories together like that. I bet it did make things a little more complicated with the building already up. Honesly I was afraid I was going to have to do that. I purchased the building and then decided I wanted concrete ( originally was going to leave the floor gravel ) That's why I had the outside apron poured like I did. Just in case. In the end it ended up working out perfect. Thank you for your kind comment, and for checking out my video!

[@TheOtherSean]

My dad an I have done many a fence post hole and sidewalk just like that. As soon as I was big enough to toss a bag of concrete in the mixer it was game on.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@TheOtherSean That's awesome, he got you started off right! I bet you're strong as an ox since you started off young doing this type of work.

[@randybobandy9828]

Cool dad

[@cygnus1965]

Count me in, I’m a crazy MFer too. I lost my old House to a wild fire in 2018 and since it was an old mobile Home it wasn’t insured. So I decided To build my own house. I have taken way to long Neckar of doing it myself but when all Is said and done it will have cost 1/10 of the value so I’m cool with that. I am doing a post frame constructed home. So a barndominium some say. I am ready to pour the slab and that is one reason it’s taken so long to get to this point.I need To save $5000 and maybe more for the concrete. I am going to hire a crew to help me out at $1 a sq foot. They have 4 guys and it’s going to be 1000 sq feet. So they will do ok at $1. I figure they will be here 5 hours or so. If I like they way it comes out I plan to tip them 50-100 extra per Guy too. I will Mention that when the first truck shows up. lol once the floor is done mine will go fast. I’ve already bought all the metal siding and the framing lumber and osb sheathing. House wrap also. This will Be a heated concrete Floor With acid stain and gloss clear coat when done.

[@noroomforgloom]

Almost unbelievable. Your physical ability to do this and staying consistent to the task speaks volumes. I admire your fortitude . Congratulations

[@reallifetested2605]

I really appreciate the kind comment. You wouldn't believe it, but this was more mental than anything. Mix, pour, spread, repeat. haha Thank you for checking out my video, I did a 1 year update if you're interested and will also continue yearly updates for those that are interested.

[@frankv.2681]

Last year I thoroughly gutted and remodeled both our hall & master baths for a grand total of $7,400 and it all turned out great! If I hired a contractor it would have easily been $25-30,000. This remodel added about $50-60,000 in value to our home! I am 55 years old and have NEVER done this before. What's my secret? Watching lots of KZbin videos like this guy pouring his concrete pad. There is so much good and free information out there you just gotta apply yourself and go for it! Great job on that pad bro! 👍

[@reallifetested2605]

That's awesome man. I bet if you had filmed it and said you saved over 20,000 you would have gotten so much hate from contractors haha I'd be proud of myself if I were you, the fact that you planned out what you needed to do, and executed it means so much. KZbin is great! You can learn anything on here. (well almost anything) Thank you for the kind comment, and for checking out my video. I really appreciate it.

[@frankv.2681]

@@reallifetested2605 Thanks for the response and encouraging words. D.I.Y. on brother! 😀

[@traceblink9873]

Me reading through the comments thinking what the heck I'm getting myself into, planning to build a double story house when I haven't done any construction in my life... Thanks for the motivation and knowledge

[@reallifetested2605]

You can do anything you set your mind to, just do a lot of research and take your time. Also make darn sure everything is up to code. Houses are another ball game when it comes to construction. Good luck with your project.

[@5400bowen]

Study first. Watch Odel concrete and others on construction. The excellent laborer channel is good for most of the rest of building a house.

[@seephor]

My attitude is, if they can do it, I can do it. The key to a job like this is planning and setup. If you're running around hauling bags 100 feet away, you've already lost. Have everything ready, get into a nice rhythm and make corrections as you go. You'll find that the first block segment is the most difficult and each one after gets progressively easier. One tip is, have your bags at waist height. bending over a picking up a 80 lb bag is not going to do your back any good. You want to lift the bags while keeping your back and straight as possible, Having them in a truck or set up sawhorses and line up the bags on boards or something. Huge respect to you.

[@reallifetested2605]

You've got that right! I feel you. I'm not that old yet. But the older I do get I'm starting to feel what you're talking about. I appreciate you checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment.

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

As a Terrazzo man for 34 years I've moved at least 10,000 (way more than that ) Bags of 94lbs cement.. nor to mention the San piles as big as houses...not to mention the 100 lb sacks of marble chips... After installing we grind it! Just saying... Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High school CA

[@tomruth9487]

seephor, I can't even lift 60# bags to my mixer. I put them on a sturdy table and made a winch to get them to my mixer when I did a large pour a couple years ago. I'm 72 years old now. I think I used a 5 gal bucket now that I think about it. If I did it again, I would mix concrete from scratch and forget the bag stuff. But you're right, bending over lifting bags is not ever good and setup is everything.

[@entropyfan5714]

@@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503 Well, that explains why my uncle Foxy was such a strong guy!

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

@@entropyfan5714 I have no doubts he was... Old school guys taught me the trade ✌️👍

[@SWGEZTargetYTAccount]

I love seeing this kind of video. Just some suggestions for anyone watching this. (a) this is A LOT OF WORK - lifting and dumping 80lb bags will work you out - be ready for it (b) if your breaking up the pads like he is (and I did the same) make sure you include some rebar dowels so the pad shifts uniformly, otherwise each of those pads will shift individually (c) use welded wire mesh to reinforce the pads (d) use an apron - lifting those bags and breaking them into the mixer ALWAYS produces dust and it gets on everything AND lifting that many bags you get sweaty - cement and sweat = chemical burn (dont ask me why I know this - burned chest is not fun) (e) make sure whatever shoes your wearing, the "lips" are covered - you dont want cement power in those either. Love the video - seeing someone doing this (almost all alone) shows everyone that no task is impossible.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind, detailed comment. Theres some good information on there. I didn't get any chemical burns luckily but wish I had wore a better mask. I was snow white every day that I did this. haha

[@megansmith101]

Would you add rebar the full pad or each section if it’s the hole pad tied in how would you do each section

[@herbert633]

@@megansmith101 add welded wire mesh (wwm) to the entire area. add smaller sections of rebar that join adjacent sections. i.e. when you pour, half the rebar is going to be sticking out, so when you pour the next section they're locked together. using rebar would be cost prohibitive for the entire pad, and entirely overkill. if you do not lock the panels together this way, you get differential settling. each pad settles on it's own, becoming unaligned with neighbors. All soil is going to settle no matter how well compacted, so having your concrete as one unit prevents it settling different over a large area. however, the slight misalignment may not matter for your application. @reallifetested2605 did an incredible job with this

[@FJC2011]

Great Job! I was planning to add a 20' x 7' extension to my pool deck for lounge chairs, but it ended up being 60' x 7' when I was done. I went with 60 Lb bags as it was a little lighter weight, which was about 285 bags. Unfortunaly, they couldn't deliver the pallets near where I was working so I had to move each bag (5-6 bags at a time in wheel barrel) to my work area and then lift them again when time to mix. I did it in sections and stayed true to the existing expansion joints of the pool deck. Like you, I had a batch mixing while I was dumping and working the concrete. My advice to anyone attempting to do this, plan ahead. Get your area formed and leveled. If it is a large area, section it off. Set up the mixer, concrete, water supply and trash receptacle in a way that it flows with minimal steps and is accessible to your work area. Be prepared to work continuously for each section.

[@michaelbeck402]

You are a machine!! As a construction manager, I appreciate what you did. Assuming your base was adequately compacted, I would have put some #4 rebar sections in as 'dowels' to tie the different panels together since they were all cold joints. That would preclude any future differential movement.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! Out of the things I did, I wish I had thought about pinning the slabs together. Luckily if anything shifts I should be able to repair it. Hey that might be a good video if it ever happens. Thank you for checking out my video.

[@mikearonson1071]

I was thinking the same thing. Only thing missing was rebar. Great job on it though.

[@eveliinatistelgren172]

Don't you have to use cement adhesive as well as rebar to prevent the differential movement? And if you do in what ways is it weaker than doing all in 1 pour with a concrete truck?

[@reallifetested2605]

@@eveliinatistelgren172 I honestly do not know. I'm not a professional when it comes to concrete. This was the first big pour i've ever done. I had to use bag so that I could do it myself.

[@t-dog8528]

@@eveliinatistelgren172 it wouldn't pass load bearing requirements here in Australia, ok for a path that's about it, no rebar means NO dwelling and if the outside slabs move it's the start of a irreversible chain of movement.

[@CrazyCowboyBuilds]

When it takes 10 min on time-lapse you know this was one heck of a job. Watching you do this by yourself has no doubt inspired a lot of guys out there to step up and take on the tasks that seem huge. Great job and congrats on saving all that money.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! That's what it's all about, inspiring others to do what they think is impossible and get out there to save some money. Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@BarneeFife]

STOP the MADNESS! I’m a mid 60’s lifer in construction….don’t be stooopid! You’re stepping over dollars to pick up dimes! Actually, you’re not even doing that, instead you are FLUSHING MONEY down the crapper, and wearing out your body needlessly! It takes about 45 bags of 80 pound crete to make 1 stinkin’ yard. The average price for DELIVERED crete is 125.00. (Your video background doesn’t exactly look like New York City, or any high density big city, so it might even be cheaper!). An 80 pound bag at the big boxes is 4 or $5 …. Do the math! NOT to mention the labor! If your time & effort is worth ZERO, you’re still losing money! If you really enjoy the work, GREAT, you’d be better off working out at a fairly expensive health club where you can watch the ladies do yoga as you pretend to work out! Another upside to DELIVERED READY MIXED crete is your pour QUALITY. You can have a TRUE MONOLITHIC slab instead of a semi cold joint slab. LOOKS BETTER too! If you want to be a hero with bragging rights, go ahead, beat your brains out needlessly. If your friends know what I just said, they will use their index finger spinning in small circles at their temple while doing the cuckoo whistle…

[@terrylutke]

When I was a kid on a dairy farm we all worked with our dad pouring large slabs for cattle lots. We used 2x4 form boards and poured broom finish redi-mix without a vapor barrier, no wire or rod, no control joints and no experience. This was over Michigan clay where frost goes deep and hard. The slabs were run over daily by tractors, feed wagons, loaded manure spreaders, and heavy livestock. Were there cracks here and there over the years? Probably, but none of the damage was bad enough that slabs needed to be replaced. There's such a thing as good enough, which is almost perfection when the savings are huge.

[@reallifetested2605]

You're awesome! Thank you so much for your comment. It means a lot to me that you took the time to leave it. Your dad sounds like he raised you all right and with a great work ethic. You're right about that too, perfection = money.

[@terrylutke]

Sure..The world is brimming with people who can't have an original thought. Good job!

[@amorales9613]

Interesting.

[@Bulldogger571]

I have seen very few things in my life as impressive as what you did by yourself! I’m 63, own a ranch and do all of my own work. But taking on what you did, bag after bag...lol...I could have never done it...CONGRADULATIONS!!!

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment. I really appreciate it.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Do you really think he completed that in three days? From start to finish? Somebody’s breathing too much quikrete dust.

[@kdubs3]

wow, very inspiring. just lifting a few 80lb bags of cement mix and i'm basically done. i can't imagine mixing, pouring and finishing alone. much respect.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the kind comment and for taking the time to check out my video. I appreciate that.

[@billybutcher9912]

Yeah, respect.!! It’s the most brutal, sustaining, grueling body burn to mix bagged concrete on large slabs. Once you commit, it’s looking at that pallet and knowing you can’t stop. Well done, man…. We’ll done.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment. I appreciate it.

[@billybutcher9912]

@Trelleborg Yep… I did 139 bags of 80lb for a footing. Harbor freight mixer. Throw your clothes away when done. 180 bags of 80lb for the pad. Throw your clothes AND shoes away.. lol Shakes, aches, stiffness for two days after. All those “friends” that say, “yeah lemme know when your gonna do it.. I wanna learn/help”. Crickets…. when the clock strikes the hour. So, cheers to us for doing what had to get done..!!

[@billybutcher9912]

@Trelleborg Yep… I did 139 bags of 80lb for a footing. Harbor freight mixer. Throw your clothes away when done. 180 bags of 80lb for the pad. Throw your clothes AND shoes away.. lol Shakes, aches, stiffness for two days after. All those “friends” that say, “yeah lemme know when your gonna do it.. I wanna learn/help”. Crickets…. when the clock strikes the hour. So, cheers to us for doing what had to get done..!!

[@billybutcher9912]

@Trelleborg Yep… I did 139 bags of 80lb for a footing. Harbor freight mixer. Throw your clothes away when done. 180 bags of 80lb for the pad. Throw your clothes AND shoes away.. lol Shakes, aches, stiffness for two days after. All those “friends” that say, “yeah lemme know when your gonna do it.. I wanna learn/help”. Crickets…. when the clock strikes the hour. So, cheers to us for doing what had to get done..!!

[@billybutcher9912]

@Trelleborg Yep… I did 139 bags of 80lb for a footing. Harbor freight mixer. Throw your clothes away when done. 180 bags of 80lb for the pad. Throw your clothes AND shoes away.. lol Shakes, aches, stiffness for two days after. All those “friends” that say, “yeah lemme know when your gonna do it.. I wanna learn/help”. Crickets…. when the clock strikes the hour. So, cheers to us for doing what had to get done..!!

[@lar4305]

Wow , so much respect to you. That was a huge undertaking with bagged cement. I just got done today mixing 20 bags of 60 pound concrete mix for a walkway and hand mixing them by myself , i'm 63 lol. My back is very angry at me tonight lol.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! I've only hand mixed a few times with a wheelbarrow and mortar hoe. That is some hard work. That's cool you got it done though. No telling how much money you saved too! I bet the pain is worth it haha. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@charlesnelson5187]

YOu'll sleep well though!

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

Oh God. 🤣🤣 My back would've quit half way. Glad you accomplished the mission. Haha

[@Stealthsilent1337]

You can get machines that lift and move heavy things for you

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

@@Stealthsilent1337 Like at Walmart? Or?

[@rango_unchained]

I wasn't 3 minutes into your vid when I felt my back getting stiff. Five minutes in I was having trouble turning my head left or right. Two minutes later I stopped watching to make an appointment to see a chiropractor. I don't know why massage videos don't make me feel better. Amazing work. You're an inspiration.

[@reallifetested2605]

I should've snuck in some soothing massage music every now and then with me sitting back and taking a break. haha Thank you for checking out my video and leaving a comment. I really appreciate it!

[@flounder31]

When I was a teenager in the 90s my dad and I sided and roofed my folks' house, and added on a 30x36 garage to the back. That garage floor pour (even truck-delivered and with 2 of his friends helping who had concrete experience) was by far the hardest part of the whole project. Hats off to you man, doing that all by hand!!

[@reallifetested2605]

That's awesome you got that experience as a teenager. Even though the concrete was hard, the roof and siding still isn't fun. Roofing can be a real pain sometimes. Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate that.

[@ricos6243]

I'm with you brother. I just redid my whole yard with new 43 foot driveway, sidewalks, stairs, sewer and water lines and about 500 paver blocks for retaining walls. Still have grass to do and plants but probably saved myself 30k or more. This how they did things years ago but now if your well off you pay someone else to do it all. Like you, I don't make 10k a week but I won't be in debt to my house either. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@reallifetested2605]

Awesome! You're right about that. Thank you for checking it out!

[@goooch888]

I've saved a lot of money over the years from doing everything myself, so I can really appreciate and respect what you did. Hard work is always good for the body and mind.

[@reallifetested2605]

It's crazy if you ever go back and add up all of the money you've saved. I appreciate your kind comment. I feel the same way, hard work is the best medicine.

[@peterdearborn]

@@reallifetested2605 I'm gonna keep doing my research, but I think the way you went about this has convinced me to take on my own smaller version of this project. Is there anything different to watch out for when pouring sections over several days and dries?

[@reallifetested2605]

@@peterdearborn I'm not a concrete expert by any means. Just did a lot of research and asked people that do it for a living a lot of questions. Right now I have about 40,000 lbs sitting on it with no issues. It still looks as good as the day I did it. Right now I want to point out truck and bag are about the same price in my area. When I did this bag was significantly cheaper. Also it's cheaper to mix everything separately instead of getting pre mixed bag concrete. But if you have a small mixer like me it will take you a ton of extra time unless you're making a really small pour.

[@peterdearborn]

@@reallifetested2605 Thanks for the reply! my project is shaping up to be 12-13' x 25-30' for a garage/homegym, so its good to hear about yours being weight tested at least tin total capacity. Deadlifts are brutal for floors in general, but I plan to line most of the gym area with horse stall mats which should take a lot of the abuse. I'll definitely focus on the pros and cons of pre-mixing for this scale.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@peterdearborn I'd definitely use some sort of reinforcement at the location you'll be lifting in. I'd probably dig some footers, add some mesh, maybe even take it a step further and add some fiberglass. I'd do some research on that one. The sudden impact of weights drastically increases when dropped. (I used to lift myselt) 500 lbs is a lot especially if you drop it from waist high! Good luck with your project!

[@Smooth_0perator]

I cannot imagine mixing 830 bags of concrete LOL. Well done 👏

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! It wasn’t as bad as it looks.

[@prima164]

@@reallifetested2605 Next time buy the sand and cement separate and save another 10 grand. You're already mixing it, why pay someone else to premix it for you?

[@nathanlothamer4570]

I can't imagine a harbor freight mixer lasting 830 bags.

[@thooks1234]

@@nathanlothamer4570 THIS! The owner of HF should give this guy some tools and toolboxes!

[@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961]

Great job! I have been a professional contractor for 40 years. I got into part ownership of a home that was sliding down a hill. Tough access. I was able to build out of 8" sdr 35 sewer pipes that I cut in 1/2, the long way some chutes so when I did the front new foundation I could gravity feed from a truck mixer. Then I had the basement floor issue. No access I had to hand/shoulder carry about 30 feet all the bags. Good work out for sure. Between cost of concrete and pumping, hammering out the old and removing I decided to do it piece meal by bags. Took me about 1 year approximate 30x40 area. I would pic away at it. I did 3ft x 3ft sections sometimes 5 or more per pour skipping every other form. I used, rather than rebars because of the way I was doing sections at a time, for reinforcement, (crete in bag 5k psi after 30 days) a product called Diamond Dowel. You nail the plastic pocket onto the form then when the form is removed you insert a sq 1/4 inch steel plate. So the plate when in supports the next pour pad. I bought a throw away Harbor freight mixer like you and can not believe it did the entire floor and still runs. My system for mixing was 3 ft high benches I would stack the bags on, I had a wheelbarrow with high sides I would open and dump the dry crete into and have it position so I could bail the crete into the mixing drum while on. I hung my hose from the ceiling. The edges of the crete is edged with a 1/4 round so it is a control joint if i look closely there are some normal cracks but not through the pads they are under the control joints.

[@reallifetested2605]

I would have loved to seen the setup of your chutes. 30' is a long way especially when you're carrying that much weight. You think 80 lbs doesn't sound like that much until you start carrying it distances! You're right, i'm very impressed with this mixer. In theory it should last forever since it's just a motor, and a belt driving everything. I do keep oil on the metal to metal surfaces (every time I use it I oil it up) It's lasted through 1000's of bags, and I even let people borrow it from time to time. Had a customer build a 120' long 8' high retaining wall using the mixer for the mortar. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@cullenstagg]

Man I did 40 bags one summer in south Louisiana. Same mixer you are using and I was in really good shape then, when I was done came in the house, laid on the floor for 30 minutes, got up and vomited. Damn heat liked to have killed me. Good job, takes a lot of energy to do this.

[@reallifetested2605]

I'm sorry to hear that. It's not fun getting hot like that. Almost scary. I've came close to heat strokes a couple of times in my life and it's a bad feeling. I've never been to Louisiana before, but i've heard it's hot and humid! Thanks for checking out my video!

[@allanfarr]

@@reallifetested2605 imagine being in a steam room with the sun beating down. Massive humidity. All your water sweats out.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@allanfarr Humidity it miserable.

[@chriswampler1]

The humidity in the Gulf South can be so bad that your sweat won’t evaporate.

[@UNothing]

VERY impressive. Not only do you save money, but you made something that you can say YOU did the work yourself. Not many people can say that nowadays.

[@auditrevor]

I love the line “I don’t make 10 grand a week” lol. So awesome man. That’s a really big project. I have the same cement mixer and plan on doing a back patio this summer at our house in sections. Seeing people take on something this big makes me feel good about taking it on.

[@reallifetested2605]

That’s awesome brother, you’ve got this. If you’re interested I did an overview of some of the things I did to the mixer to make it a little easier to use. Definitely make sure you’ve got the belt adjusted right after you’ve got it broken in a bit. Good luck with your project!

[@jamesnm21]

A truck is cheaper around here. About $155 per yard with fiber in it, 4000 psi mix. You can rent a buggy to haul it from the truck to the pour if needed but you'll need at least 1 other guy there to help, preferably 2 or 3 to help rake and screed it.

[@AbeTweakin]

​@@jamesnm21that's exactly how me and my brothers are starting our own company!

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I hear people all the time saying they can’t afford this, can’t afford that, because they don’t make 10 grand a week. Yet I see them spend $80,000 on a truck, $60,000 on a boat, $40,000 on a razor, $20,000 on a week vacation. Then pay insurance, registration, taxes, maintenance and repairs on all that stuff. But oh no, we don’t have the money for a new heating and air system or to pay a concrete contractor. stop with the BS.

[@auditrevor]

I drive a $1600 91 Chevy s10, i also own 5 rental units. Sometimes it’s not about if you have the money or not you just want to stretch it as far as possible. I’ve owned newer vehicles but they aren’t any better then older crap that’s already depreciated to the bottom that I still like.

[@OnlyFacts11b]

I always have tons of respect for people that will put forth the effort of learning a new skill, saving money, and doing it right. That's what it's all about. Keep up the awesome work.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you so much for the kind comment and checking out my video. I really appreciate that.

[@sloeryd]

You sir are an inspiration! The effort that you put into that slab is truly admirable! The next time that I’m trying to convince myself that something is too big of a job, I’m going to reflect back on your video and get it done. Thank you!

[@reallifetested2605]

I appreciate your kind words, i'm also very glad you got something from this. That means a lot.

[@ericwade2136]

I'm like you for sure this has inspired me so much on a project I was thinking about doing.

[@thechase-secondchance5077]

People who don't know, don't know...but this is one of the coolest of all videos on KZbin. Total respect for you taking this size project on with bags of concrete. I'm re-doing our walkway (3' x 40') in the next 6 to 9 months. After watching your video, my task seem so miniscule that I just decided that I will do it myself, with my 18 year old son's help vs paying someone else.

[@reallifetested2605]

That's where the real savings are is the doing it yourself part. When I did this we had hyperinflation going on as well as concrete shortages, truck was 200 to 220 depending on the day and #80 lb bags were 3.20 per. I was quoted around 14000 for this pad along with the gravel and compaction. I was able to get it taken care of myself for a little less than 4k. It's not perfect, but it was totally worth it. Good luck with your project! You and your son will get some good bonding time in.

[@MikeyAntonakakis]

I'm about to pour some repairs in my steep driveway, will be about 55 50lb bags and wondering if I am getting in over my head - thank you for the inspiration, I now know it could be a whole lot worse and still be doable! Great work, tons of respect!

[@reallifetested2605]

Steep is no fun when trying to use the mixer. I was putting a retaining wall in on a steep lake lot with mine one time. I used 6x6’s to get it level and had to put the bags in from the backside. On the bright side dumping it was really easy haha. Good luck with your project, it will turn out great!

[@MikeyAntonakakis]

@@reallifetested2605 thank you! Got through 32 bags yesterday, did 5 out of 7 slabs/repair sections in 5 hours. Mixing and pouring turned out to be the easy part, finishing took the most time because of the fairly dry/stiff mix I used. But not too bad!

[@ajax9948]

You can literally watch the sun drift across the sky. This guy was out there working hard non stop for HOURS. It looks awesome and I just hope when the time comes to do mine that I manage to do even half as good a job as this!

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the kind words. One thing I can say for sure is that it was all worth it. I wish you good luck with your project. You’ll do an awesome job with it.

[@123Goldhunter11]

Very cool. For future pours just have them dump a truck load of 7/8th washed rock and a load of washed sand and mix 1,2,3. That's one of cement, two of sand and three of gravel. You'll save even more money. Doesn't seem that long ago me and some buddies were pouring the roof trusses to the Seattle King Dome. 6 am to 6 pm. Then they blew it up. Now I'm 72 and have to baby my old aching back. Good job. Build it yourself. Keep pouring.

[@reallifetested2605]

The issue in my area is sand cost. They want 50 dollars per yard plus tax right now. I figured up and you don't save much at all anymore doing it that way. I remember a few years back you'd save almost 1/2 doing it that way. This inflation has got everything all out of whack. I just re calculated and mixing it that way right now in my area cost 165 per yard. what the heck!

[@joshuawick9092]

You’ve given us cheap diy’ers something we can appreciate! Great work and thank you for documenting your project.👍🏻👍🏻

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, as well as taking the time to leave a kind comment. I really appreciate it! I'm going to make a video in the near future explaining the cost savings of making your own concrete so stay tuned!

[@stoiccowboy9213]

I've poured a lot of concrete in my time.. never a 1200sqft pad by myself. Bag by bag. Hats off to you sir! That's is very hard and intensive labor.

[@reallifetested2605]

I operate a tree service as my day job so I was prepared for the physical part. The mental part of the repetitive bag mixing is what I had to prepare for haha It wasn't so bad once I got started. But I had to force myself to get started if you know what I mean. 😀

[@desmondjones8517]

Yup. Getting started is the hardest. You inspire me.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@desmondjones8517 Thank you for the kind words. We can't get enough kindness in these crazy times.

[@speedyReedyEnterprise]

@@reallifetested2605 how long did it end up taking you to pour slab?

[@reallifetested2605]

@@speedyReedyEnterprise I don’t exactly remember. What I do remember is telling my wife if I had a few full 12-14 hr days I could’ve done everything in about 3 days. I’d say less than 50 hours for sure.

[@brycestewart3181]

Having that plastic down was the best idea... Gave you lots more working time for mixing. Great work! Thx for sharing....

[@reallifetested2605]

It did that for sure which I didn’t even realize it at the time. I did it as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from coming up through the floor. That was a definite added bonus.

[@caststudios9254]

My back hurts just thinking about doing this but mad respect and love a great DIY’er!!

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video!

[@wizardmaster6639]

You have a weak back !

[@xavisolis2115]

My brother and me do this many times, lesson learned and tip. You should of put the the loaded cement pallets on 6-8 empty stacked pallets. Saves alot of back pain from bending over and picking them up. We also do fences. We mix around 70-100 80lbs bags with shovels, a barrel, and a tote full of water and carry the water with a 2 gallon bucket many times within the year. 10k is alot you saved for your family and you. You did awesome 10 out 10! Great job Sir! Ignore the naysayers!

[@reallifetested2605]

That's a good idea stacking the pallets up like that. I started off doing that a couple of times and then got locked into my head "just do it" haha That's a lot to mix with shovels, hard work in itself! Thank you for checking my video out!

[@reallifetested2605]

@@TUGG75 oh well. The money I saved on concrete alone was enough to pay for my mixer and all tools required. Which I'll have for the rest of my life. I called yesterday out of curiosity and truck is 165 per yard which is about the same price of bag today.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@TUGG75 but then I won't get the satisfaction of saying I did it myself and saving money haha

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

Dude moved the pallet of concrete with a tractor so he coulda just left the pallet on the forks then raised it as the pallet got shorter

[@reallifetested2605]

@@aliassmithandjones9453 My tractor was at max capacity, I had to break the pallets down in half to move them around. I was afraid that much weight sitting on the loader for extended time would somehow damage something. It shouldn't. But that thing was to expensive to chance something like that.

[@billdursa4976]

Props to you man. I respect your never ending tenacity in getting that job done.

[@pircmodern]

I have always used a mixer and done it myself….thousands and thousands of pounds of concrete over the years. This is a huge undertaking. Respect.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you!

[@caa3117]

I did a footing back in the day. Took me 16 hours to mix about 200 bags if I recall correctly. Not for the weak of heart! You better be a real man if you undertake a project like this. Once you start your can't stop.

[@reallifetested2605]

You're right about that! Thank you for checking out my video and for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@MrTBoneMalone]

Nice Job! For someone not doing this professionally, and using bagged concrete, you did a really excellent job. You thought out your process really well.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video and for taking the time to leave a kind comment. I really appreciate that.

[@darrencrisp7656]

What kind of concrete do you use?

[@NickfromDorset]

As a concrete pump operator I can respect you accomplishment of saving $10,000. Time well spent

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you, you’ve got that right. Around here prices have gotten so high I don’t know how anyone affords to build right now.

[@the6thbeatle4734]

I know what it took for you to start & complete that project both mentally & physically. I also take on and tackle every project by myself. It’s tough at times and wears me down but the knowing that you alone did it is the most satisfying part of it. Great stamina. I salute you sir.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment. I really appreciate it!

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I bet you get your DIY jobs done in three days like that too don’t you?

[@typedbyben]

Really thoughtful way to break that pour up into manageable sections so there's no cold joints. Fantastic

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! I did go the next day and cut expansion joints every so often. I have ocd so it was obviously calculated haha I didn't record it becuase it was a dusty mess! Plus that entire project I was in a hurry which is why I didnt record the gravel, leveling, etc.

[@GTAHomeGuy]

I'm proud of you man! I poured 150 bags for a shed (bought the mixer for that and future projects lol), and that was 2 days. But for my pour it would have been way too dynamic to allow for someone else to pour (access and timing). I applaud you for valuing a dollar (or 10k!) and chancing it yourself with confidence. Well done, wish I could have been there to lend a hand, I love people who give it all they have.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a comment! I really appreciate it. It was definitely worth the savings.

[@kendallhansen5008]

O

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

You must be a slacker, because this guy got it done in three days with at least six times the work.

[@bobbyb322]

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it. Good job

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! I appreciate you checking it out.

[@jamesballard1170]

An absolutely mind-blowing amount of physical labor. The results speak for themselves and nothing beats that sense of accomplishment. Fantastic.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate you checking out my video and taking the time to comment!

[@shyamdevadas6099]

Dude...you are my hero! I take my hat off to your resourcefulness, thriftiness, determination, and plain good sense. So many people who just don't want to deal with the hassle would have just taken out a loan and gone into debt. You made up your mind and just got this thing done. Bravo, sir. I've got a 2400 sf barn floor that I need to raise 4" and I have the same concern about money. Your example makes me more confident about doing it myself. Thanks!

[@reallifetested2605]

I would have gladly paid someone to do this work, that's what keeps the world going. The thing that didn't set right with me is I did all of this myself in less than a week and saved 10,000 dollars. A company could have came out here and did this in less than 2 days I would imagine. That means the are profiting over 5,000 a day. Which is complete insanity to me.

[@shyamdevadas6099]

@@reallifetested2605 You just described that plain good sense that I mentioned before, sir. I agree with you on supporting the market as a consumer. But, like you, I have to make the same calculation. I my case, I always have to ask myself how long it would take me to work and save up the amount of money that it takes to do a project. In the case of your project, it would take me months or years to put aside that money and borrowing money from the bank costs even more. If, like you, I could sweat it out for a short period the savings would be more than worth it. Again, thanks for the video. I'm sure its made a difference to a lot of the people who have watched it. It definitely did in my case.

[@near--zero]

really professional-looking job, honestly. I was happy to watch you work from the comfort of my recliner LOL

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment. I really appreciate that. A recliner sounds awesome right now, I worked out in this 100 degree weather all day and am ready to relax!

[@mattywho8485]

That's a LOT of work ! Glad to see someone who's not afraid of it, like most people today. I think the only thing I would have added, would have been to drill some horizontal rebar stems into the slabs that were set up before pouring the ones in between, just to try and keep any one slab from rising or falling at all, compared to the one beside it.

[@reallifetested2605]

That’s a good idea! I haven’t had any issues yet but sort of wish I had done that for added insurance. Hopefully it will be ok.

[@nemonemo6285]

I like the music and the way the sun is moving in the sky, whilst the man does his work. It was a good use of a day of a man's life. Good for him.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the kind comment, I really appreciate it.

[@Jgawalters72]

I mixed up 160 80# bags for piers for my 16x24 shed/workshop. I dug the holes by hand, did rebar, and mixed the premix concrete like you, in that same type of mixer. I could get two bags in at once. It took me 4 or 5 days to mix the 15 piers. Definitely more work, definitely less cost. People thought I was crazy too. I don't mind the work.

[@reallifetested2605]

That's awesome you got it taken care of. I bet the project turned out great! It's worth it considering you can say you did it yourself, and no telling how much money you saved.

[@prmayner]

I once poured a sidewalk in my earlier days consisting of 33 bags which I mixed in a wheel barrow, and I thought that was a lot. 800 plus bags that's a miracle. I later built a 24x24 garage but I had a truck come, it took 9 yards, a whole truck but back then it was an amazing $575 bucks. 58 dollars a yard, I built the whole thing for 5000. out of wood. GREAT JOB MAN, I'm am extremely Impressed.

[@reallifetested2605]

Last week I mixed some bags in a wheel barrow for a few fence post. I was too lazy to break out the mixer. Let me say. 33 bags mixed in a wheel barrow would be brutal. haha I was getting impatient just mixing 8 bags. I wish concrete was still 58 dollars a yard. In my neck of the woods its 200 to 220 with a 4-6 week wait! Thank you for the kind comment.

[@SouthernGent007]

I admire your persistence and grit!! I also have the same. Slow and steady wins the race. You have my respect!! I hope your slab survives temp changes without rebar. Concrete contracts and expands so having that rebar really helps it from falling apart. Good luck!

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! Our temperatures around here aren't to crazy. Summers sort of hot 80's to 90s but winters average high 30's to 50's Rebar isnt needed on a residential on grade 4" slab. No one around here does it. Most of the time they just grade clay and lay driveways, sidewalks, slabs on top without gravel.

[@bobestell2767]

No rebar or 6x6, 10/10 wire? Big mistake!! Better buy some crack filler.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@bobestell2767 rebar isn't needed on a residential on grade 4" slab. Not in my climate anyhow. Forgot to add I have ~40,000 lbs sitting on it right now and still looks as good as the day I poured it.

[@eolden7749]

@@bobestell2767 And a lot of it

[@ForestToFarm]

@@reallifetested2605 I understand. We have rock hard clay. No need for rebar cause holds up just fine here.

[@clintsullivan7437]

I just recently watched a bunch of videos of people pouring patio pads. I then thought, " I think I'm gonna do my driveway." It's gonna be 20'x65'x6" thick. Then I thought, I don't think I can. After watching you, I'm gonna double down on myself. Thanks for showing me its possible, solo with a mixer. Looks like I got a rough week ahead of me soon...

[@reallifetested2605]

As long as you break it up into sections I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work. Heck as much as you save you can tear it up and redo it 2 more times before you start spending money vs hiring out. Good luck with your project it will turn out great!

[@Michael29160]

Thank you ! ! ! You just showed me how I can get my pad built by myself and in sections. My little project is 21' 5" X 32' Which I can break into 9 different pours and by doing it the way you showed I can get the walk-in cooler built before this hunting season starts. It will be a slaughter house / class room and farm office with an apartment above so I have a rew extra chalanges but nothing that can't be done in sections.

[@reallifetested2605]

Awesome! Right now with all this inflation (in my area at least) bag is about the same as truck. Even making your own concrete is about the same price as truck. I have another concrete project coming up, what i'm going to do is call and see what the minimum you can get with free delivery. And set up my forms in that size so that I can still manage it myself. You may save some money going that route. I wish things would go back to normal. Good luck with your project, thank you for checking out my video and for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@tomsmith3045]

Wow. You are one hard working guy. I can't imagine how much work that was. I'll say this, though - everybody is right about not buying "concrete mix". It's more than a bit of a rip-off, you end up paying way too much for sand, and you have to use it bag at a time and it settles. So instead, do what every job mix site does. Buy bags of type I/II cement, and then buy gravel and sand in bulk. Sand and gravel last forever, you can buy it delivered by the ton, and leave it outside on your site. The bags of cement of course you have to keep dry. When you mix, you don't need to mix a whole bag of cement, because it's all uniform in the bag. Just dump a bag into a wheelbarrow, and then mix each mixer load by shovel count. So like a 1 2 3 mix is 1 shovel cement, 2 sand, 3 rock/gravel. It's easier than pre mix that way, cheaper, and probably faster Good luck!!

[@reallifetested2605]

I was definitely going to go this method if I had a larger mixer. I've done this before with the mixer I have now and it's really slow going. I felt like it would've taken me weeks to do this project if I had gone that route. It would have definitely saved me more money. I just wish I could afford a larger mixer. That would be awesome!

[@kyleMcC13]

Dang dude, I just did my first concrete work by myself, just over 100 sqft, in 4 sections over 2 days... I was completely beat by the end of day two. Props to you and it looks good!

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! I bet your project looks great.

[@brandonm9014]

I just watched your video and I told my wife you are the John Wick of concrete, it takes a man of focus and sheer will to move 800+ bags of 80lb concrete and complete a job that nice. Well done Mr Wick ll👍🏿

[@reallifetested2605]

Could you believe i've never seen that movie! I told my wife a couple weeks ago that i'd like us to watch john wick, and the matrix. We've never seen the matrix either what the heck. haha I've seen a ton of youtube clips and that guy is awesome. Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment.

[@gsowm]

i poured block wall footing and a concrete patio one summer.. it was about 30000 pounds of concrete 3 bags at a time in that harbor freight mixer.. well worth it... your project looks great

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! The harbor freight mixer is definitely worth it. I honestly can't believe it's held up as well as it has. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@capoconstruction1961]

It will break I know. You got lucky

[@reallifetested2605]

@capo construction It's literally a ball bearing, gear, pulley, belt, electric motor. Whatever breaks can be cheaply replaced.

[@hellpig4309]

What was the temp and humidity? Poured a 24x20' about 4" in 1979. Inch or two of gravel, no relief cuts. No rebar, no wire. Had one crack across it in the first year or two. Fine since. So 40+ years. LOL, I didn't know what I didn't know. But it's ok, because slab didn't know either. I hand mixed 70 bags about 15 years ago. Doing 3 at a time in tractor bucket was way faster than cheap electric mixer I borrowed.

[@reallifetested2605]

That's what i'm talking about! 😀 Have you read through all the comments on how it's going to fall apart and need to be replaced etc? In 40 years i'll be 70. If it last longer then that I don't think i'll be around to care. It was winter time when I did this. Our winters are fairly warm. Jacket in the morning at short sleeve in the afternoon usually. I don't remember the exact temps. If I need to carry the concrete I mix it up in the mixer and fill up my tractor bucket. Thank you for your comment!

[@GG-ub4ej]

I just watched your 1 year review video and had to come find this one. I really appreciate these videos and your channel. I'm glad your wife talked you into making a video on this.

[@reallifetested2605]

I appreciate your kind comment. It gets discouraging sometimes with all the negativity online, your positivity and kindness makes it worth it.

[@timothygrant5654]

For someone who has never done anything this big and them to say they aren’t a professional and a slab to look that good, my friend you did damn good work and yes they were something’s you could have added like the rebar or wire it helps hold the concrete together and helps keep it from cracking and it makes the pour a lot stronger you done a first class job in my opinion for someone who has never done anything that big

[@reallifetested2605]

Thanks brother I appreciate the kind words. Yeah I had never done anything more than a small pad and was kind of nervous about taking this on. I wasn’t willing to pay the 14k local contractors wanted so figured hey how bad can it be. So far it’s holding up well and I’d do it all over again if I had to.

[@sygad1]

Sooo much work, nothing but admiration for the effort. End result looks amazing as well.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you so much for the kind comment, I really appreciate that! I also thank you for checking out my video.

[@54mgtf22]

There’s a man not afraid of hard work. Kudos.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thanks for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment.

[@ekurdesov]

Hey! Respect your work, it’s a heavy work for sure. I worked here at the concrete plant in MN for 3 years and I do stuff around the house with concrete too, just sharing a few more tips here from my experience 😀 If your approach was to save money You should be Mixing concrete yourself, 3 parts rock, 2 parts sand and 1 part cement. That’s how I did my 26x16 slab here last summer. I wasn’t trying to save money rather was doing it for the workout 😀 Idk where you are based but here in Minneapolis twin cities it’s 210$ per yard delivered and if you order more than 5 yards delivery is free. Im building a cabin 2 hrs north in the woods and concrete there is 150$ per yard this 2022 spring delivered, bagged concrete at around 3$ a bag cost you about the same 150$ish So.. to save money you mix the concrete yourself, not buying bags. Another tip here is - use rebar.. 1/2 inch real rebar, with the cost of concrete you won’t notice those few hundreds but your slabs will be much stronger. Concrete has a great strength at compressing forces but the forces pulling it apart can do so easily if you don’t have good rebar, again the cost of rebar next to concrete is nothing. My last tip here is - use plastic under the slab, the concrete has water with cement and if you don’t have that plastic it will run away from your mix to the ground and your concrete will be not as strong. The even better choice is xps foam boards, 25 psi. That’s what I used 😀 yes it cost more but in the winter you want warmer flooring especially in the second coldest state in USA Rock on and good luck 👍

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the good information! I am going to be making some more concrete videos soon. I have to make a small sidewalk for my kids plahouse, and the wife wants a patio. I might try out the method of mixing it all myself like you suggested since they will be smaller projects. Here when I did this concrete was 200 to 220 per yard depending on the day, and I got the bags for 3.20. I chose bagged over mixing individually based on time as well. I work a lot and wanted to be able to mix and pour as I had time, but also needed to get it done quickly because of setup. If my mixer were larger I would have definitely went that route. I did use thick black plastic under all of the pads. I didn't know that it would make it weaker! I did it more for the water barrier. Thanks again.

[@ekurdesov]

Hey just saw your comment but wanted to update mine. Poured patio on Saturday. 120x10ish , some places was 12f wide some 8, anyhow had 2 trucks delivered 6 yards each. At 200per yard it still was 1500 per truck total charged with all the fees. I rented a concrete buggy and power trowel too and had one helper to run the buggy. The first truck delivery was a bit dry, which messed up the flow so when another truck showed up I already had piles of shit on the backyard, the second truck was better, I was hoping to stamp it with some bricks but managed to create lunar surface wo any stamps..😂 now I need to refinish it all with top mix mixed by hand of course 😀 the patio along the driveway came out better but is also rained a few times which wasn’t on the forecast that morning. The buggy didn’t like plastic and kept getting tangled on rebar mesh. It was hell I regret not having more people or not mixing myself so I can just go with my own speed. 🙈 If there would be a competition for the ugliest patio in the neighborhood I’d definitely take the winning 🥇

[@thefalcongamer8851]

not knocking nothing love watching this as a question tho do you not need to have rebar in the concrete

[@reallifetested2605]

It depends on your area. I’d check locally with pros to verify. I called around and spoke with local pros. Rebar isn’t used around here unless commercial or industrial. We have good soil, rarely gets below freezing, and no natural disasters.

[@cheezyblasters9262]

This is cool I love a good DIY. To anyone looking to pour a slab, please use #4 bars at 18" on center each way. And If you want to do a structure on there like a garage you really want a thickened edge section. 12" deep x 12" wide is pretty standard with another #4 bar running along the bottom. This is a footing to support the walls and roof. Monolithic concrete can work fine for things like a 24" diameter x 5 ft deep footing. that's a 2:1 thickness to length ratio. For slender / long things like a slab you really want some rebar in there for long term high quality performance. The standard minimum reinforcement ratio for temperature and shrinkage is 0.002. That's the area of steel divided by the area of concrete.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the good information. It's much appreciated. So far with what i've got, i've had no shifting / cracking. I hope it will stay that way. haha I will be doing yearly updates so stay tuned!

[@michaelcrossley4716]

This is better advice than not adding a footing, but it really depends on the soil type, the frost line and the weight of the structure. This information can be found online and in the local building code. The USGS charts out soil conditions for each area, which should be good enough for this application, however, the most important consideration is the frost depth. In some areas 8' deep footings are required to prevent heaving (where the frozen ground pushes the structure up out of the ground). This is why cold areas have basements, if they already have to go that deep, might as well utilize the space.

[@cheezyblasters9262]

The frostline is a good and important point. The standard minimum reinforcement is sufficient for light frame single family dwellings with up to two elevated platforms (slab on grade doesn't count as elevated since it bears directly on the soil). But if you do as Michael suggests and excavate 8ft deep, have an elevated slab, and want to park a 4 Ton pickup on top: better talk to an engineer. Elevated slabs are another deal.

[@OASIS9123]

You’ve given me just the idea, that I need for my backyard concrete platform. Thank you!

[@reallifetested2605]

Very welcome! Thank you for checking out my video!

[@reallifetested2605]

@@billnelson3405 I have approximately 40,000 lbs sitting on it right now. Still looks as good as when I did it. What's considered weight to you?

[@drrydog]

Great work man! looks good. I did my first driveway when I was 19, with bags, I think it was about 400 bags. Insane work. It's for the bosses of life, this type of undertaking.

[@drrydog]

btw, throw rebar in next time you do one, it will save your whole slab, over time

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! I appreciate you checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Did you get it done in a day and a half? Because super quick Crete man sure did twice as much in three days.

[@wingman31k]

I used to do concrete in my early 20s. ...am 50+s now. Im facing replacing some 50ft x 20ft of driveway and parking pad soon. I think I can do it myself. YOU HAVE PROVEN it! Great job! Also... I don't trust contractors even I am one myself (general). They're never going to do as good, as thorough, or as conscientious a job as you will on your own property. I can DIY my own property and I do!

[@reallifetested2605]

You can definitely take that on. Especially if you have knowledge on it already. I heard that on not trusting contractors haha the ones around here will charge you big money and leave you with a lot of issues. I’ve seen it to many times to give them a try.

[@PINOYROCKTRAX]

The best part is being able to say that you did it yourself. Plus it’s a good teachable moment for the kids that they will always remember. Awesome job!

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the kind comment, it's much appreciated. This made me think of something that happened earlier. I asked my little girl if she wanted to help me cut the grass. She said eww that's work for a man. I just sighed and walked off. haha

[@dannyruiz4090]

Wow! Your a beast. Tremendous achievement brother. Beautiful job. Been wanting to do something like this on my home and thanks to you I have a better understanding of what the process is. Big props to you man. Great work.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for leaving a kind comment. I really appreciate it!

[@3basketliving]

Bud...I know you worked your jazz off doing that. Kudos to you....most don't appreciate someone going for it on their own. I hope all those around you and the ones that will benefit from the shop realize the effort you put in to this project . Not perfect is sometimes absolute perfect! Cheers!

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a kind comment. I really appreciate it.

[@dennyclosser8456]

Absolutely great job!! I’ve poured quite a few with my little mixer and know a job that is. I live in the mountains west of Denver, so I did put in steel grates in mine but 15 years later, no cracks. Congrats on a beautiful pad and building

[@reallifetested2605]

That’s awesome to hear your pad is holding up well. Thank you for the kind comment!

[@mitchbrown66]

The real life terminator, just getting it done. Awesome job man. My father and I did an add on to our shop probably in the 2010 range and it was about half that size and was alot of work. I can't imagine doing twice all that by myself. Very impressed.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it. I’m about to be doing this again soon if the prices of concrete haven’t came back down so stay tuned haha

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Do you think Slick got it done in three days?

[@dustinc5478]

I did a 12x8 pad, 4 inch thick in my shop, bag, shovel, and wheel barrow, about 7 months ago. And here I thought I was crazy 🤪

[@brettmasek9453]

You are a better man than me. I have a small pad in my back yard I need to pour, only .5 yard, and I am searching everywhere for some small pre mixed provider. But after seeing you do this, looks I need to just man up and mix my measly 25 bags!

[@reallifetested2605]

You've got this! Think about it like this. 42 bags on a pallet, so you've only got half a pallet. If you get a cheap mixer like this one you only have about 12.5 mixes which doesn't take long at all. Then if you need the mixer in the future you'll have it. If you want to rent it out you can make it pay for itself. Or if you want to sell it, you can get most of your money back out of it! I found it the fastest, if you add water to a 5 gallon bucket for 2 bags, then draw a line on it. You can add your water while your waiting for the previous mix to mix without having to measure every time. Then pour water in, then your 2 bags and mix again! Good luck to whatever you decide to do.

[@ianyapxw]

How did you mix it all in time? Even at 5 minutes a bag won’t the first lot of concrete set by the time you got to the end?

[@reallifetested2605]

I did this when temperatures were cooler (not freezing) to give me plenty of time to work.

[@ianyapxw]

@@reallifetested2605 thanks for the reply!

[@officeradams30]

There’s nothing like doing something yourself. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing. Great job.

[@reallifetested2605]

You've got that right, especially when you save that kind of money and don't get ripped off.

[@glidercoach]

Great time lapses. Watching the shadow of the camera move 6:09 and the clouds passing in fast motion 7:19 was awesome. You did it all by yourself! Well done. I bought a homestead in southern Italy and doing all the work myself. Good times!

[@reallifetested2605]

Yes the sky was beautiful in the Timelapse. Thank you, Good luck with your projects!

[@bubbleboy821]

Heard Italy's real estate is cheap. How much for a homestead there?

[@glidercoach]

@@bubbleboy821 Dirt cheap compared to the US. My property was abandoned by the previous owners and was a jungle.. I got a great deal IMO. I paid €70k. It's a 1200 square foot house with a 1600 square foot garage on 2.5 acres of land, with olive, almond and walnut trees. A property this size that was turn key and well maintained would run at least €150k. A 1000 square foot apartment in the village could be bought for €20k and fixed up very nice for another €20k.

[@johnpyle8027]

Nothing wrong with pouring concrete in small sections. I did a 300' driveway when I built my house. I used a ready-mix truck with the minimum load to not pay extra. I'm overjoyed to see that people will still work that hard. I'm just curious about no steel and not pinning the sections together.

[@reallifetested2605]

I'll do an update after some time just to let everyone know it will be ok! Haha thanks for watching.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@troyyarbrough I didn't, but I added a couple hundred thousand pounds of compacted crusher run. On top of untouched red clay. It's not going anywhere.

[@scottfletcher1956]

Yeah me too. In my experience there’s gonna be some issues related to those 2. It may not show immediately but eventually the ground will settle.

[@KCBURD]

I’m sure it’s compacted well. The freeze thaw cycle is my concern. That’s why we use steel in New England. You definitely need to pin cold joints together and have half inch rebar in a 2 foot grid. Depending on your area it will be a problem

[@dukenukem5753]

No need for rebar with a slab on grade pinning is pointless it's just a slab.

[@717UT]

Thanks for posting this. Seeing a timelapse of one guy busting his butt and getting a big job accomplished is incredibly encouraging for someone aspiring to do the same.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, you’re very welcome. I’m glad you were able to get something good from it.

[@PersistentPatriot]

The slump looks pretty solid like 3 or even 4 slump. That's good and will hold strength over time unlike really wet soupy concrete. I haul and pour concrete six days a week in a mixer truck.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for the kind and informative comment. You have no idea how much I appreciate that.

[@arlenmargolin4868]

I was wondering if I was seeing correctly it seemed as if he was spraying fresh water on top of his newly poured concrete I was wondering why he would be doing that or even if he was doing that

[@reallifetested2605]

@@arlenmargolin4868 no lol I was spraying the edges off that I'd already done.

[@a-k-jun-1]

You sure have given me inspiration to do my small 12 x 16 shop pad. Here in Alaska cement is going for $425-450 a yard delivered.

[@reallifetested2605]

Wow! That's expensive. Here it's down to 165 with a 4-6 week lead time but when I did this project it was going for 200 to 220 depending on the day. I wish the prices of things would stabilize. This inflation is awful. Good luck with your project, and thank you for your kind comment.

[@jackwessel7239]

@@reallifetested2605 I have a lot of respect for your hard work but based on a cost of 220 per yard times 18.5, it looks like you saved 750.00 minus the cost of electricity or gas to run your mixer.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@jackwessel7239 Please read the description, or at least listen to the first 60 seconds of a video before commenting. Thanks.

[@jackwessel7239]

@@reallifetested2605 I'm not trying to argue with you, I'm impressed by your work ethic. Your first 60 seconds and description just say you saved 10k. I'm just curious about the numbers, I used 4.00 per bag. There's also the gas to haul 830 bags which would take several trips with most trailers.

[@reallifetested2605]

@@jackwessel7239 I'm not arguing. I said that doing everything myself saved me the 10000 dollars. I was quoted over 14k for this work and have a little less than 4k in it.

[@ronhonig]

Well done it looks great. I did a similar thing with my garage years ago. Everyone thought I was crazy but it all came down to dollars and cents, which I preferred to keep in my pocket.

[@reallifetested2605]

You got that right! Especially with the price of things going up by the day. Thanks for checking my video out!

[@magicmillhouse9586]

It comes down to whether you want to do the labor and whether you want it done in a day or a month. Lmao

[@reallifetested2605]

@@magicmillhouse9586 it could've been done in 2 days if I worked on it 12 hrs a day. Another convenient thing about bagged is it allowed me to work on it as I had time. (I work a lot) here truck doesn't run on the weekends.

[@joshuasmith1215]

Man this is like a DIY record. I would have never even considered this until I saw your video. Great work.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for the kind comment. I appreciate it.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Do you really believe he got that done in three days?

[@vbl20012k7]

Well done. Your video clip gives me more confidence to do concrete patio in my back yard😍

[@reallifetested2605]

You've got this! The thought of it doesn't sound to fun. But once you get yourself out there and get started it's not bad at all. The money saved makes it that much better!

[@pauldejesus9644]

your concrete work is awesome thx for posting

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you for checking out my video, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate that.

[@esteemedenergy]

Does that last, or does each section eventually just become dislodged from each other?

[@reallifetested2605]

Check out my 1 year update. So far everything still looks perfect with not even a hairline crack.

[@reallifetested2605]

Im doing yearly updates showing the progress of everything. I’ve done 2 since this video.

[@1MohrFarm]

Thanks for the video. I have the same mixer and it was cool to see such a big project done using it. I can't imagine lifting that many bags. I just finished a 14 bag pour for my fire pit seat and I was tired.

[@reallifetested2605]

I bet it turned out nice! I'm amazed that it held up and keeps on going!

[@Diabeeetus1]

Nice work. Did you use rebar in the outer slabs?

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! I did not. I haven’t had any issues (I did a 1 year update if you’re interested) but do wish I had pinned the slabs for added insurance.

[@HotNoob]

looks good. did the same thing for my wallipini greenhouse. the concrete was $2k CAD, including mortar for cinderblock walls, for 512sqft. since local materials is sand and gravel, only needed portland. ended up only using half, because concrete calculator was way off, but still saved tons of $$$. horrifically hot weather during mine, but really not too bad if the weather is good.

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you! I've never tried mixing everything individually before. But my next project won't be so big so i'll definitely be going that route. Hot weather would suck doing this! I bet you had to work really fast.

[@beebob1279]

A lot of work, but a great feeling when you're done. We've done our porch, mixed mortar for stone wall, etc. It's a great way to save money if you want to do the work yourself. I'm now looking at mixing my soil nutrients for the gardens in our mixer. A great way to be sure the nutrients are mixed well when added to the beds

[@reallifetested2605]

It’s amazing how much money you can save. I’m about to take on building another workshop for my wife. We were quoted 60 to 70 thousand and I figured up everything. Materials are only going to be around 15k!

[@c.dlewis5513]

This was the Best large pour concrete job I have EVER SEEN!👍😎. Your drive and commitment was on point and you have definitely showed us DIYers that if you stay focused, you can accomplish ANYTHING!😁

[@reallifetested2605]

Thank you so much! It was a lot of work but totally worth it. The thought of doing all that made me dread it. But once I got in the groove of mixing and setting everything up it wasn't bad at all. And I saved a lot of money which definitely made it all worthwhile! Thank you for checking out my video!

[@deelula3259]

Must of not of seen many pours