Tag: Concrete Services

How to Build a Retaining Wall

On May 26, 2022

A retaining wall is a type of structure used to direct water flow in certain areas. It is especially useful for slopes that are near water. Building a retaining wall involves many regulations in cities and states. Therefore, it is important to conduct research before beginning your project. Below are a few tips on how to build a retaining wall. To ensure the safety of your family and property, follow these steps. Then, use the appropriate materials and methods.

Adding Retaining Wall to your landscape will hold back soil and prevent the hillside from eroding. In fact, the right retaining wall will create flat, level spaces. This flat space can be used to build a patio or a garden area. Additionally, it can be a great place to hang out in your yard! Your property will be more accessible and safe with a retaining wall.

The simplest, least expensive retaining wall design is a timber structure. Timber retaining walls are approximately $15 per square foot. Timber walls, however, are not the best choice because they are susceptible to rot and rot. Timber can also become damaged by moisture from the soil, so it is not always a good option. Other materials to use include interlocking blocks, poured concrete, and interlocking bricks. The latter two are more expensive, but they look good in modern homes and are the most durable.

Besides concrete, poured concrete, brick, and stone veneer can also be used to build a retaining wall. However, they require more labor and maintenance than other materials. For example, natural stone retaining walls are not as strong as concrete, but they may be more decorative and have a higher aesthetic value. On the other hand, Wood retaining walls are made of waterproofed timbers or planks. For taller walls, deadman anchors are commonly used to anchor the planks. In rural areas, pressure-treated timbers are commonly used.

To create a stable retaining wall, the bottom row of blocks should be buried about five inches below the level of the soil. The bottom row of retaining wall blocks should be buried one-eighth of the height of the wall. Digging the trench should be level and compact. It is essential to select a sharp-edged, angular-shaped material for the base material. On the other hand, Round rocks can roll when under pressure and even fail to hold the retaining wall.

The purpose of retaining walls is to hold back a sloped surface. These walls can be as low as several inches high, but the important thing to remember is that they do not need to be straight! Curved retaining walls can look beautiful in some landscapes, and they can even be curved! However, if you decide to build a tall retaining wall, consult an engineer before completing the project.

One of the most significant costs of building a retaining wall is the cost of the blocks. A decorative 17-inch block will cost approximately $570 per pallet and will cover 35 square feet of the wall face. On the other hand, plain gray concrete blocks will cost only about $3.40 per block. The second half of the pricing equation is the labor involved in installing the retaining wall. You should expect to pay between $550 and $600 for a small three-foot-high wall. For larger ones, the cost will be higher because of labor.

Anyone with a strong back can stack blocks and construct a lovely stone retaining wall. But it takes skill and planning to build an aesthetically pleasing wall that can also withstand immense pressure, defy gravity, last for decades, and laugh in the face of Mother Nature.

We wanted to learn how to build that type of wall, so we went to work with some hardworking, hardscaping professionals. They demonstrated the importance of a solid foundation, proper drainage, and the proper materials for the job. They also shared some helpful hints they’ve learned over the years.

Concrete Countertops Cost More Than Marble Countertops But Are Great For Kitchens

By Enrique Babcock

On April 30, 2021

In Concrete Services

There are many reasons why homeowners have concrete countertops installed in their kitchens. These countertops are available in a wide range of colors, styles, patterns, and finishes to suit every taste and budget. Not only is concrete a strong, durable, and beautiful material for countertops, it’s also relatively easy to care for and helps reduce the risk of kitchen accidents such as burns and cuts. The most obvious reasons for installing concrete countertops in your kitchen include being economical, easier to clean, and requiring little or no maintenance. However, not everyone installs concrete countertops in their kitchen for the reasons stated above.

For example, if you choose to have slabs cut and stained in your kitchen for a distinct look, and you’re looking for a more economical solution, concrete countertops might not be the right choice. Concrete slabs are extremely expensive and, even when well-crafted, don’t last as long as natural stone counters do. Moreover, concrete countertops are prone to “slip,” which means they can easily be knocked over or even slipped on a small child. If you’ve already decided to have slabs cut and stained in your kitchen, you might want to consider a different material. In this case, you have several options.

Granite is a trendy choice because it looks great, is very strong, and can even withstand extreme temperatures. Granite is also highly popular with those who are looking for a very natural and simplistic look. However, granite is expensive, has little longevity, and must be sealed and stained to maintain its look and durability. This can be a problem for those on a limited budget or prefer a more decorative look for their kitchen countertop.

Natural stone is another option for countertop buyers who prefer concrete countertops but don’t want to go through the expense and trouble of slabs installed. It doesn’t cost as much to install a slab because you don’t need to have slabs installed. You chip away at the old one and chisel away the new piece until it matches the rest of the kitchen. It’s a relatively quick and easy process, however. Typically, stone slabs require between three and seven pounds per square inch to make them suitable for kitchens.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want a beautiful countertop, you may opt for concrete countertops that don’t look like granite or marble at all. These faux surfaces come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, and they’re made to look like materials like stainless steel, copper, and wood. The downside to faux concrete countertops is that they aren’t as durable as slabs. They may eventually crack under stress. If you’ve already sealed them, though, this won’t be a concern because they’re as sealant-tough as any other surface.

Concrete countertops are designed to resist heat, so you’ll usually find them in hot kitchens. For this reason, many homeowners choose to have concrete countertops installed in their basements and laundry rooms. This allows you to have an island in your kitchen where you can do dishes, laundry, and more without cooking or baking on the countertop. If you’ve got a small kitchen, this is a great way to utilize the space.

Granite and marble countertops cost more per square foot, which is why homeowners often turn to concrete countertops when remodeling or building a new home. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank when buying concrete countertops. The average slab can easily be installed for around $inches, depending on the size of your project.

To install concrete countertops, you’ll need to select a solid surfacing material to lay your newly-made surface over. You’ll commonly see this as a solid slab, but it could also be a seamless laminate, porcelain, or even silicone material. The solid surfacing material will determine the thickness of the concrete mix you use. Typically, a three-inch-thick blend will give you good countertop material to build up your entire kitchen area. For more information about concrete countertops, you can visit our website at https://www.concretememphistn.com.