Concrete Installation
Curing
A variety of different chemicals and additives can be added to concrete to keep the consistency workable and to help the concrete cure at a proper rate. This is particularly important when pouring concrete in cold weather, where it can cure too slowly. Or in hot weather, where it can dry out and cure too quickly.
Colors and Finishes
There are many options in types of concrete, color varieties and finishing techniques to create many different looks. Exposed aggregate made of small pea gravel is available in different colors. The tool used to finish plain concrete can determine how rough or smooth it is. Adding salt will leave tiny pits in the surface. Concrete can also be colored and stamped to look like other material such as brick, cobblestone, granite, and many finishes and glazes are attractive indoors.
Concrete is ordered in cubic yards, professionals can calculate the amount of concrete needed by converting the measurement of linear feet needed. Patios and walkways require 3 to 4 inch depth while driveways need to be 4 to 6 inches deep.
Reinforcement
Typically, reinforcement is unnecessary for small patioz\s or when permanent header or divider boards are used. Reinforcement is required if concrete is placed on unstable soil or must support a heavy structural load. There are chemical additives that can be added to reinforce concrete as well as traditional rebar (reinforcement bars).
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com