Any concrete specialists, need some advice

2mchfun · Jul 15, 2023

Sunnier said: ↑

The 'lipstick on a pig' adage comes to mind. Anything you do trying to save that existing crap will be money and time wasted.

I've recently done 2 concrete jobs in my backyard: a 24' X 4' slab along one edge of my house foundation, and a long curb (with footing) inside the fence separating my back yard from my neighbor's unchecked weed haven. For each, I hired an experienced labourer to help me with ground prep and building forms, and finishing the concrete. For each of the two "pour" days, I lined up able-bodied friends and multiple wheelbarrows after I rented a towable concrete mixer for multiple loads. Was able to reuse some materials used on the forms for the slab, for use on the curb project. And I plan to build 2 retaining walls elsewhere so, for me, I should be able to recoup some money on those projects, by carefully storing form materials for reuse. In your case, you might break down that walkway into manageable distances, so you can re-use the same form materials.

Anyway, saving all I could by purchasing materials and doing labour myself, utilizing mostly free labour (breakfast sandwiches and coffee, still owe dinner at ours when this heat lets up), each project was about $1400.

At a minimum, I think we're all on here in agreement, you've got to remove and replace that section with the cracked stairs. We don't have enough info to weigh in on your entire 60' pathway.
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FWIW, I have previously bought many of moving crates from moving companies, disassembled them, and reused the materials for forms. Also, lumber skid sticks are free from Home Depot and Lowe's, just walk through and load up a basket, they won't care and then in a few minutes with a table saw you can have pretty stout free stakes. They also make great form kickers.

Sunnier · Jul 15, 2023

2mchfun said: ↑

FWIW, I have previously bought many of moving crates from moving companies, disassembled them, and reused the materials for forms. Also, lumber skid sticks are free from Home Depot and Lowe's, just walk through and load up a basket, they won't care and then in a few minutes with a table saw you can have pretty stout free stakes. They also make great form kickers.
Click to expand...

This is great advice!

Medic343 · Jul 15, 2023

2mchfun said: ↑

Flagstone set in sand isn't terrible either.
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I have put some thought into this option already.

Sunnier said: ↑

The 'lipstick on a pig' adage comes to mind. Anything you do trying to save that existing crap will be money and time wasted.

I've recently done 2 concrete jobs in my backyard: a 24' X 4' slab along one edge of my house foundation, and a long curb (with footing) inside the fence separating my back yard from my neighbor's unchecked weed haven. For each, I hired an experienced labourer to help me with ground prep and building forms, and finishing the concrete. For each of the two "pour" days, I lined up able-bodied friends and multiple wheelbarrows after I rented a towable concrete mixer for multiple loads. Was able to reuse some materials used on the forms for the slab, for use on the curb project. And I plan to build 2 retaining walls elsewhere so, for me, I should be able to recoup some money on those projects, by carefully storing form materials for reuse. In your case, you might break down that walkway into manageable distances, so you can re-use the same form materials.

Anyway, saving all I could by purchasing materials and doing labour myself, utilizing mostly free labour (breakfast sandwiches and coffee, still owe dinner at ours when this heat lets up), each project was about $1400.

At a minimum, I think we're all on here in agreement, you've got to remove and replace that section with the cracked stairs. We don't have enough info to weigh in on your entire 60' pathway.

P.S. Near the end of prepping rebar for my curb project (overbuilt, so I never have to do it again), I discovered "pink bar". It's, hmmn... I wanna say,... 5x lighter and 2x stronger... than rebar. And doesn't rust. It doesn't bend (fiberglass?) but is perfect for weight-bearing flat surfaces such as driveways, and I can picture using it to reinforce stairs. Anyway, check it out.
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Appreciate all the insight. I got lots.of friends and family that I can persuade to help if I decide to take it on myself.

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Any concrete specialists, need some advice

#31
2mchfun Cool story, but did your new TTV6 tow a shuttle?

#32
Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

#33
Medic343 [OP] 5+4+3=2

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Welcome to Tundras.com!

Any concrete specialists, need some advice

#31 2mchfun Cool story, but did your new TTV6 tow a shuttle?

#32 Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

#33 Medic343 [OP] 5+4+3=2

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: Home Improvement

#31
2mchfun Cool story, but did your new TTV6 tow a shuttle?

#32
Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

#33
Medic343 [OP] 5+4+3=2

Products Discussed in