4 Benefits of Concrete Patios

If you are considering building a new patio for your backyard, it can be difficult to determine which material to use. While materials like wood and paver stones are great choices, it is also worth considering concrete and the benefits it can offer for your project. Whether you are looking to construct a small patio for your front yard or a large space for entertaining in your backyard, concrete can provide many advantages. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this material, the experts at Country Lumber have put together a list of 4 benefits of concrete patios. By reviewing these benefits, you can determine if concrete is the right choice for your project or if you would rather choose another material.

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4 Reasons to Choose a Concrete Patio

Concrete patios can provide an effective combination of value, durability, safety, and appeal. When you choose concrete for your project, you are choosing a solution that offers the following benefits:

1. Cost Savings

With a low initial purchase cost and reduced maintenance requirements when compared to other materials, a concrete patio is one of the most cost-effective options on the market. While wooden decks need to be waterproofed and sealed every year, concrete patios require the same treatments once every 2-3 years. This results in reduced costs over time without compromising curb appeal, durability, and safety.

2. Lasting Durability

Outdoor patios are exposed to weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, and extreme heat throughout the year. Wood is highly sensitive to these weather conditions and can be damaged over time if it is not properly maintained. Concrete patios are highly resistant to changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation, making them a durable and lasting solution for nearly any yard. They are also resistant to mold and other issues that can lead to accelerated wear, further increasing durability.

3. Enhanced Safety

Concrete patios can be textured to ensure optimal slip resistance when wet. This skid and slip resistance is one of the main reasons that concrete patios are chosen for areas around pools and ponds. Concrete patios can also be easily de-iced whenever needed, further enhancing safety regardless of the season. When you choose a concrete patio, you are choosing an option that offers lasting durability and optimal safety for yourself, your family, and your guests regardless of the current weather conditions.

4. Versatile Aesthetics

Concrete is a versatile material that can be textured and shaped in a variety of ways depending on the aesthetics of your home and yard. Whether you are looking for a simple textured pattern to emulate stucco, stamped patterns that look like bricks, or something more ornate, concrete is the perfect option. With concrete patios, there are options for every type of design preference and budget.

To learn more about our selection of concrete products or for assistance choosing the perfect solution for your patio, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.

Which Type of Concrete Dry Mix is Right for You?

If you are working on a project that requires concrete, it can be difficult to determine which type of concrete dry mix is right for you. To determine which option is best, you will need to consider various factors including the purpose of the concrete, the required strength, and the speed at which it will need to set. As a leading provider of quality concrete products, the team at Country Lumber knows how difficult it can be to choose the perfect solution for your project. That is why we have provided some information on 6 popular types of concrete dry mix to help you determine which option is best for your needs and budget.

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6 Popular Types of Concrete Dry Mix

Every type of concrete dry mix features a unique set of benefits and characteristics, making some options a better choice for certain projects over others. The following types of concrete dry mix are popular choices for projects of all sizes:

1. Regular Concrete

The most common type of dry mix concrete comes in a variety of brands and names, though the general term used for this product is regular concrete. Regular concrete is used for projects ranging from setting fence posts and paving sidewalks to constructing patios and building driveways, making it a great choice for various projects.  

2. Sand Mix

When you need a concrete dry mix for patching or filling in gaps, sand mix is the ideal choice. It is commonly used as a grout for outdoor tile or masonry as well, making it a versatile product that is effectively used in many situations.

3. Fast-Setting Concrete

Fast-setting concrete is often used to install fence posts, mailboxes, swing sets, and other fixtures of similar sizes. It typically hardens in 20-40 minutes, making it ideal for situations where time is limited or harsh weather conditions are on the way.

4. Mason Cement

Mason cement is designed for commercial-grade use due to its increased strength and durability. It is mainly used to set bricks, blocks, and stones in place for construction purposes.

5. Mortar

Mortar is similar to mason cement in the sense that it is designed to set masonry in place, but it typically dries and solidifies faster. This makes it extremely useful for patching and filling in addition to setting bricks.

6. Anchoring Concrete

Anchoring concrete contains an epoxy solution that bonds to surfaces with high tensile strength. This makes it useful for applications where a structure needs to be anchored to a concrete or masonry surface.

To learn more about our selection of concrete products or for assistance choosing the perfect solution for your project, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.

4 Popular Concrete Features for Your Yard

While concrete is typically regarded as a material that is solely reserved for construction projects and industrial facilities, it can be used to create many appealing features for homes and yards. In addition to exceptional durability and resistance to extreme weather, concrete offers many benefits that make it the perfect material for outdoor yard features. As a leading provider of concrete and other popular materials, the team at Country Lumber knows how versatile concrete can be for various projects. That is why we have compiled a list of 4 popular concrete features for your yard to demonstrate how it can be used to enhance the form and function of your property.

Learn about some reasons to choose a concrete patio over wood.

Great Concrete Features for Yards of all Sizes

Concrete can be used to create the following features for your front yard or backyard:

1. Patios

Concrete offers greater durability, safety, and cost savings than wood when it comes to patio construction, making it one of the best options on the market. Concrete can be textured to create a non-slip surface in rainy weather conditions and can be shaped or stamped to create a unique and appealing appearance that matches the style of your home. In addition to the floor, concrete can be used for everything from walls to stairs, allowing you to create a durable and long-lasting addition for your yard.

2. Pathways

Concrete can be used by itself or in combination with paving stones to create solid and appealing pathways around your property or through your yard. These pathways can guide guests to certain destinations in your yard, create a safe path around your home, or divide your yard into distinct sections, making them a versatile addition to any property.

3. Fire Pits and Fire Tables

Fire pits and fire tables provide a great source of outdoor warmth, allowing you to create a cozy gathering place for your family and guests at nearly any time of year. While fire pits and tables are often constructed from metal, concrete is quickly growing in popularity due to its increased durability, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to the elements. 

4. Garden Walls

Whether you are looking to create a mini garden close to your patio or transform a large portion of your yard into a flower garden, concrete is the perfect choice. This durable material can be used to create small rectangular garden beds, large bowl-shaped beds, or sturdy retaining walls that can shape your yard into the garden of your dreams.   

To learn more about our selection of concrete products, lumber, or roofing products, get in touch with the experts at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.  

Types of Concrete Dry Mix

If you have a project around your home that requires you to use concrete, it can be extremely useful to know the different types of concrete dry mix to ensure that you use the right mixture for your particular needs. There are many different types of concrete, and the type that will be required will depend on a variety of factors, including what the purpose of the concrete is, how strong it needs to be, what kind of weather it will be exposed to, and how fast it needs to set. At Country Lumber, we provide a wide variety of types of dry mix concrete for all kinds of applications.

Different Types of Dry Mix Concrete

The best type of dry mix concrete to use for any job will depend on what kind of benefits are needed. Some of the different types of concrete include:

Regular Concrete

The most common type of dry mix concrete comes in a variety of brands and names, and the general term is regular concrete. Regular concrete is used for all kinds of things, from setting fence posts to paving sidewalks, patios, and driveways,

Sand Mix

When you need a concrete dry mix for patching or filling in gaps, sand mix is the way to go. It is commonly used as a grout for outdoor tile or masonry as well.

Fast-Setting Concrete

Similar to regular concrete, fast-setting concrete is often used to install fence posts, mailboxes, swing sets, and other such fixtures. It typically hardens in 20-40 minutes, making it ideal for situations where time is a concern.

Mason Cement

Mason cement is designed for commercial grade use, and it is mainly used to set bricks, blocks, and stones in place for construction purposes.

Mortar

Mortar is similar to mason cement in that it is designed to set masonry in place, but it typically sets faster, making it useful in patching and filling as well as for setting bricks.

Anchoring Concrete

Anchoring concrete contains an epoxy solution that bonds to surfaces with high tensile strength. This makes it useful for applications where a structure needs to be anchored to a concrete or masonry surface.

If you need to know more about the different types of concrete dry mix in order to get the best product for your project, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Lay Concrete Pavers

If you are looking into putting in a patio on your property using pavers, it can be useful to get some pointers from people who have experience with this kind of work so that you do not run into difficulties. At Country Lumber, we provide a variety of concrete products and other patio products and our team is always happy to offer advice on how to lay concrete pavers. 

Steps for Laying Concrete Pavers

When installed properly, concrete pavers can make for a beautiful, stable patio but, if not installed correctly, the pavers can be unstable and unsightly. The steps for installing concrete pavers are as follows:

1.     Excavate the Area

Mark off the area where you intend to lay your pavers using rope, sticks, or marking paint. The area within the lines that you have marked will need to be excavated in order to keep your pavers from resting too high off the ground. Dig out 7 to 9 inches from the surface, depending on the thickness of the pavers you are using, and level the ground at the bottom as much as possible.

2.     Lay a Base

The base material used underneath concrete pavers should be gravel. The gravel should be about 3 to 6 inches deep. Once the gravel base is laid, it will need to be compacted to ensure that it is level and does not settle after the pavers are installed.

3.     Lay Sand

Bedding sand should be laid on top of the gravel to provide a stable, level surface on which to install the pavers. The sand should be somewhat loose but perfectly level when the pavers are being placed.

4.     Install the Concrete Pavers

Starting at one corner, begin to lay the concrete pavers. Work your way across the patio space one row at a time. Lightly compact your pavers as you go.

5.     Firmly Compact the Pavers

Make sure that each paver is securely in place by compacting all of the pavers firmly once you have placed the entire patio. Ensure that there are no proud edges on any of the pavers that could become a tripping hazard.

6.     Add Sand

Pour sand across the top of the pavers and try to get as much of it between the pavers as possible. This will help to keep them from shifting. If you use polymeric sand, it can help to prevent weeds from growing up between the concrete pavers. Sweep off the excess sand and spray down the patio with a hose.

If you would like to learn more about how to lay concrete pavers, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What Supplies are Needed to Pour a Concrete Patio?

Spring and summer are the ideal times to do home improvement projects on your home’s exterior. If you have a concrete patio that needs to be redone or if you have the space for a patio and want to install one while the weather is suitable for pouring cement, it is useful to know what supplies are needed to pour a concrete patio. At Country Lumber, we provide a wide range of supplies for all kinds of building projects, including concrete supplies and tools.

Concrete Pouring Supplies

Pouring a concrete patio can be a messy and frustrating job even with the right tools, so it is important to make sure that you have everything prepared for the job to go as smoothly as possible. Some of the supplies that you will need to pour a concrete patio include:

Concrete

The type of concrete that you will require will depend on a variety of factors, as there are many different types of ready mix concrete available. Consult a building professional to find the right type for your project.

Rebar, Wire Mesh, and Tie Wire

In order to keep your patio from cracking and shifting, you will need concrete mesh, rebar, and tie wire to hold it all in place.

Wood for Forms

Unless you are using premade concrete forms, you will need to purchase 2x4 or 2x6 boards to build forms for your concrete patio. If your patio only consists of one slab, you will only need to purchase enough wood to frame the outside edge of the patio.

Concrete Mixer

You will need a mixer to create the concrete you use for your patio and to prevent your cement from hardening while you pour the different sections of the patio.

Shovels, Rakes, and Wheelbarrows

In order to place your concrete, you will need a wheelbarrow and tools to move it across the surface being used. Shovels and rakes can be used to spread the concrete once it has been poured.

Screeds, Floats, and Trowels

Once your concrete patio is poured, you will need various tools to flatten it and shape it. A screed is a large, straight, flat device (which can also be a 2x4) used to flatten the surface of your concrete patio, and floats and trowels are used to touch up the edges and rough spots.

If you would like to learn more about what supplies are needed to pour a concrete patio, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.