So last weekend I decided to tackle pouring a small concrete slab for a backyard shed. Picked up one of those DIY concrete mixing kits from the hardware store, you know, the ones that claim "easy for beginners." Um, easy might've been a stretch. Mixing concrete by hand was way messier and more exhausting than I expected, and leveling it out evenly—forget about it. Turned out okay-ish, but definitely not pro-level smooth. Curious if anyone else found these DIY kits trickier than advertised or if it's just me being clumsy...
"Mixing concrete by hand was way messier and more exhausting than I expected, and leveling it out evenly—forget about it."
Yeah, those DIY kits always make it look deceptively simple. Hand-mixing concrete is definitely tougher than people think—it's heavy, messy, and dries faster than you'd expect. Even pros struggle sometimes getting that perfectly smooth finish without specialized tools. Did you try using a screed board or float to level it out? Curious if anyone here has found a good workaround for smoothing small slabs without investing in pro equipment...
You're definitely not alone—been there myself. A couple things I've learned the hard way:
- Keep the mix slightly wetter (not soupy) to buy yourself a bit more working time.
- A straight 2x4 works fine as a makeshift screed.
- Don't stress too much about small imperfections; it's DIY, character counts...
Gotta be honest, I cringe a bit when I hear "small imperfections add character"... I mean, sure, if you're building a rustic garden shed or something, maybe. But foundations? That's literally the base of your entire project. If it's off, even slightly, everything else you build on top is going to magnify that error.
Couple points I'd challenge here:
- A wetter mix might buy you some time, but it can also weaken the concrete if you go too far. There's a fine line between workable and compromised strength. I'd rather mix smaller batches and hustle a bit than risk structural integrity.
- A 2x4 screed works in a pinch, but honestly, investing in a proper aluminum screed isn't that expensive. It's lighter, straighter, and gives you a cleaner finish. Worth it if you're doing more than just one tiny slab.
- And about imperfections—yeah, DIY isn't gonna look like pro work, but foundations are one place where precision matters more than charm. Floors, framing, doors... everything depends on that base being level and square. Learned the hard way myself when my "character-rich" slab meant every door in my workshop had to be custom-shimmed to close properly.
Not saying DIY can't turn out great—I've seen some impressive homemade pours—but don't underestimate how much small mistakes early on can snowball into headaches later.
Yeah, I get where you're coming from on the whole "imperfections add character" thing. I mean, sure, a little rustic charm is great for a coffee table or bookshelf, but foundations? Nah, that's one place you don't want to get artsy.
About the screed though—I used a 2x4 for my first slab years ago, and honestly it turned out okay. But you're right, once I switched to an aluminum screed, it was like night and day. Easier on the back too, which my older self appreciates more and more these days...
As for the wetter mix, I learned that lesson the hard way. Thought I'd save myself some stress by making it easier to work with, but ended up with surface cracks and weaker concrete. Nothing catastrophic, but enough to annoy me every time I walk past it.
Bottom line: DIY concrete can definitely turn out solid (pun intended), but it's one of those jobs where shortcuts or "good enough" thinking can bite you later. Better to sweat a bit extra now than deal with crooked doors and wonky floors down the road.
