Okay, let me tell you about this little project I did – it’s called “logan concrete”. Sounds boring, I know, but it turned out pretty cool.
So, picture this: I had this old, cracked driveway and walkway at my place. It was a real eyesore. I decided it was time for an upgrade, and I thought, why not go with concrete? I heard it’s tough and lasts a long time.
First thing I did was rip out all that old mess. Boy, that was a workout! I rented a jackhammer, which was kind of fun to use, to be honest. I made sure to clear out all the debris to get a nice, clean slate to work with.
Prepping the Ground
Next up, I had to get the ground ready. I dug out the area where the new concrete was going to go. Then, I laid down a layer of gravel and compacted the heck out of it with a hand tamper. I’ll tell you what, that part was not as fun as the jackhammer. This was important, though, because it makes sure the concrete has a solid base and won’t crack later on.
Pouring the Concrete
Now for the main event – pouring the concrete! I ordered a ready-mix truck, which was pretty cool to watch. They backed that big truck right up to my driveway and started pouring. I had some help from a couple of buddies for this part, because you gotta work fast with concrete before it starts to set. We used shovels and rakes to spread it out evenly and made sure it was level.
- Spread: Evenly distribute the concrete mix across the prepped area.
- Screed: Use a straight board to level the surface and remove excess concrete.
- Float: Smooth the surface further with a bull float for a uniform texture.
Finishing Touches
Once the concrete was poured and leveled, I decided to give it a brushed finish. I just took a stiff-bristled broom and ran it across the surface to create some texture. It looks pretty good, and it’s also slip-resistant, which is a bonus, especially when it rains. Then, all that was left to do was wait. I kept it damp for a few days, like you’re supposed to, so it cures properly. It’s basically like taking care of a plant, I guess.
And that’s pretty much it! It was a lot of work, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. Now I’ve got a brand-new concrete driveway and walkway that look great and should last for years. It was definitely a learning experience, but I’d do it again. Maybe next time I’ll try a different finish, like a stamped one, to make it look even fancier. I guess I should start planning soon!