One of the most adaptable building materials available is concrete. Concrete can be used to make just about anything, from countertops to sidewalks. While you do not need a lot of skill to work with concrete it can be back breaking work at times. You will need certain basic tools in order to complete a concrete job. This includes wood working tools in order to create forms and a tape measure, level, string level, saw, hammer, and sledge. You will also need a pry bar for taking apart your forms once the concrete has cured.

You will also need other tools for preparing the concrete and finishing the concrete. These include shovels, hoes, screeding board, tamper and float. To make concrete you mix together Portland cement with sand and gravel. Water is then added to make a thick pourable mix which is then be put into wooden or metal forms.

Wet concrete is very heavy and will need sturdy forms to hold it. Concrete can be found in many different types including bulk bags of cement which need to be blending with aggregate, Quikrete which is all the materials combined, and ready mix which is delivered to a job site as a liquid.

Quikrete is usually used for small projects. When making a concrete slab on the ground your first task will be the clear the area of any debris or hazards. The area will need to be leveled and compacted at the proper depth. You will get the best results if the ground is kept moist. You can create a form for your project using two by six boards. Stakes are used to hold the forms in place during pouring. To create curved areas of your form you can use hardboard or quarter in plywood. Your concrete forms should be level with the desired grade. You will want to check your work with a level to make sure it is right. Be aware of any depth code requirements for your area for various project prior to building your forms. Learn more about the different types of concrete forms.

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