What are the steps involved in the concreting process?

Concreting process starts with the Batching procedure, wherein different concrete components are measured. The next step, which is the Mixing stage, involves combining materials with the needed ratios. Concrete is delivered to the location after it has finished mixing. To get the concrete into tight spaces, it is poured into the formwork in the Transportation step. The Compaction procedure occurs after the concrete has been poured into the formwork evenly. Depending on the weather, the last step of Curing maintains the concrete’s ideal moisture level for a predetermined time.

Why You Need Professional Concreters

Your concrete needs to be perfectly set. Any little crack can quickly get larger because of moisture and temperature. Hiring a professional ensures that your concrete will be skillfully poured and will withstand the test of time. Concrete work requires a lot of specialized equipment, and the cost of purchasing and producing a modest quantity of concrete might also be high. It will be far less effective without the necessary expertise or specialized equipment. Overall, professional concreting provides durability, style, quality, and affordability. A concreting specialist can help you if you want to enhance your property’s durability or aesthetics.

How Long Does Concrete Take to Cure?

Although concrete needs about a month to fully cure, it usually is ready to use in a short duration. Due to variations in the weather, concrete mix, placement, and finishing methods, each project will change significantly. After between 24 and 48 hours, your concrete should be sturdy enough to walk on without leaving any traces. Your concrete should have reached at least 70% of its full strength after seven days of curing. It should be safe to drive over, but you might want to wait before rolling large pieces of machinery over it. You can treat your concrete as fully hardened after 28 days.

Can You Pour Concrete in the Rain?

The answer is yes—concrete can be mixed in the rain. However, concrete must be allowed to cure for at least 4 to 8 hours before it becomes sufficiently strong and hard. Concrete that is still fresh during a rainstorm must be covered with plastic to avoid wetness. Fresh concrete cannot withstand rain if the pouring is finished before 2-4 hours. Although concrete has water as a vital ingredient, water in the form of a driving rain can damage the structure. It can weaken freshly mixed concrete after it has been put, increasing the propensity for dusting and scaling to develop.

How Much Does Concreting Cost?

In Australia, the price of concrete per cubic meter ranges from $150 to $300. Concrete prices vary from $50 to $150 per square meter. The type of concrete you require and your location will all affect the exact pricing of the material. Although hourly wages for concreters vary widely around the nation, the average wage is about $68. For spray-on concrete, costs range from $50 to $75 per square meter. A square meter of plain concrete costs between $60 and $85, and coloured concrete costs between $100 and $150. Costs range from $100 to $150 per square meter for decorative stencilled finish or exposed aggregate.

How long does a new driveway installation take to complete?

The preliminary work significantly impacts the time needed to install a new driveway. Most driveways may be installed within two days once the land has been prepared. Your concrete driveway needs time to set completely for it to be durable. The thickness of the slab, the foundation used, and environmental factors affect how long it takes for the concrete to be fully set. However, you can walk on your driveway after 2 days. After seven days, you can use regular vehicles on the driveway, but you should avoid using heavier ones. Your driveway should be fully set and suitable for use after 30 days.

6 Different Types Of Concrete Finishes For Your Property- Cura Concrete

Textured concrete can be a very attractive feature on your property. You can simply opt for the plain ones to create a perfectly stable looking floor or design them in your favourite patterns to make them create a fabulous effect on your place.

Concrete is widely used for indoor and outdoor floors, driveways, and also for the construction of pools. It is sustainable and resurfacing it periodically can make it last longer. If you need resurfacing, there are some basics you need to know. There are various concrete finishes that not everyone is aware of. Every finishing requires a different tool and a different skill. They are used for various purposes too. We will guide you through that so you can decide on the finish you want.

Ø Some of the best concrete finishes to choose from!

Are you looking for just a decorative surface in your property or it should be functional as well? According to the purpose and your taste, you can contact the concrete contractors in Melbourne and let them do the best job on your property. And for a detailed list of those patterns and finishes, read on.

o Stamped concrete—

Stamped concrete is basically a pattern formed on your concrete to give it a brick or slabbed look. This just requires the basic technique and equipment by your contractors, and you can even add more drama to this space by colouring the alternative stamps.

o Stencilled concrete —

As the name suggests, the stencil concrete requires stencils to form the patterns on your concrete floor. This not only looks alluring, but is highly functional and anti skid as well. So, you can try this type of finish on your terrace, balcony, and driveway — and even on the area near the pool.

o Exposed aggregate—

Exposed aggregate is the most common type of driveway option that requires pouring the concrete and then removing the top most layer of the same. The result is the exposed part of the substance which forms a really attractive looking floor in your place which is absolutely stunning and functional.

o Smooth finish —

When a bull float is taken over the wet concrete to level the ridges and fill voids, it is called a smooth concrete finish. The concrete is rubbed several times with a trowel during the drying process. It gives the concrete a smoother surface.

o Trowel finish —

Trowel finish is basically the type of finish that requires pouring the concrete and then you use a trowel to form some floating lines on it. Yes, it makes a very tough flooring and is functional as well. But you require the best quality trowel along with the best craftsmen to get the perfect finish.

o Cove Finish Concrete —

When a circular structure is created using a trowel, it is called a cove finish. This kind of circular pattern not only makes the concrete look nice, but it also provides slip resistance and adds to the durability of the concrete.

o Broom finish —

Broom finish is similar to trowel finish. Herein, you finish pouring the concrete and use a broom to get the fine lines on the floor. There is no rocket science in it and it looks good on your exterior floorings.

o Stipple finish —

Stipple finish is an upgraded version of the trowel finish. This requires a specific kind of trowel and using it on your poured concrete while it is still wet to get the desired results. The stipple finish on concrete by Cura Concrete brings you a very good result and your floor looks better and more impressive than ever.

These types of concrete finishes are the most famous and commonly preferred ones. But there are more — like — rock salt finish, epoxy coatings, and stained concrete. Remember, all of these can make your concrete floor look better and your home even more spectacular.

Different types of concrete finishes have different appeal. You must choose one that elevates your ambiance and improves the functionality of the area. At Cura Concrete, we provide all the six different types of concrete finishes mentioned above. If you are worried about which finish will work best for you, you can contact our team for a free consultation. We understand that different concrete finishes have different charms and functionality. Our free consultation makes choosing the most suitable finish straightforward.

Our experience in delivering top-notch concrete finishes makes us the most trusted choice. Contact us today to learn more about these concrete finishes.