Poor Man's Concrete

Author: Liz Norman

Article: Poor Man’s Concrete (c)2005

If you are looking for a way to build a “concrete” patio or walkway and can’t afford the cost using the traditional costly materials, here is an alternative method that works very well in a mild climate –meaning no freezing weather:

Using pressure treated 2x4’s, build a frame approx. 3’-4’ wide and 8’ long. If the area you want to cover is longer than 8’, build an additional frame to cover the length of your project.

If your project is wider than 4’, repeat the above until you have the designated area completely framed in 4’ wide sections.

Level the frame at a slight slant by hard packing dirt under it. This slant allows for water run-off.

Ready to begin preparing the “concrete” at a leisurely pace? Here is what you will need:

·Enough “drive-way” gravel to fill the frame(s). ·Approx. 4-5 bags of regular cement for each 4’x8’ section. ·A flat concrete finishing trowel

·A broom, shovel and wheelbarrow

·A hose with a nozzle that sprays a fine mist

·An old 2’x4 at least 6’ long

1.Starting with your first 4’ wide frame, fill it with gravel. Now level the gravel by running the old 2’x 4’ across the frame.

2. Next, sprinkle the cement as evenly as possible over the leveled gravel. Then use the broom to smooth out the dry cement.

3.Thoroughly mist the dry cement with water. Wait a few minutes for the cement to absorb the water. If it still looks dry, mist it again. 4.When you see the water rising to the top, take the trowel and work the cement by patting it down and smoothing it out, just like real “concrete” finishing. Use ½ circle and patting motions in each direction.

When you are satisfied with the appearance, move on to the next frame and repeat the above. 5.Keep your project well-misted with water over the next couple of days. And, don’t start this project on a hot, sunny day. The slower it takes cement to dry, the better.

You will find your “concrete” project will hold up very well to normal traffic for many years to come. Our 1,000 square ft. project even bared the weight of a slate pool table. And after 25 years of constant foot traffic, was as solid as the day we completed our own “poor man’s concrete” project.

Providing you don’t drive a vehicle over it, yours should too!

About the author:

Liz Norman is a freelance writer with a special interest in helping those on limited budgets achieve their goals.

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