Do It Yourself

We provide ready mix concrete in Northern California to suit your construction needs.

Concrete For the Do-It-Yourselfer

A DIY job well done is immensely satisfying. Using concrete is so easy if a few simple guidelines are followed. Following these 'best practices' will also reduce the risk of subsequent problems.

Measure carefully

You can use this website to calculate the concrete volume or call us and we will be pleased to help but calculations are only as good as the measurements you provide. Always measure again after the footings have been dug or the forms fixed in place.

Make sure you have everything ready before the concrete arrives

If you need to barrow the concrete because of difficult access we will discuss the length of time the mixer truck needs to be on site with you.

Take extra care in extreme weather conditions, including very hot weather

Download the DIY Guide and Hot Weather Guide for further details.

The secret of laying long lasting slabs of concrete is often in the quality of the base. Our guides explain how to prepare a suitable base for different applications. By using modern CEMEX materials there are additional ways of constructing highly durable.

Tips on pouring concrete for DIY projects

We would like to share with you some interesting tips to consider while pouring concrete in any project you might have. By far the easiest way to move wet concrete is the ‘straight pour’; tipping the concrete from the mixer truck directly into the trench or slab. But if access is difficult the following methods of moving the concrete are commonly used on smaller sites:

If there is sufficient fall, a temporary chute can be constructed from timber. It will need to be well supported.

Rental stores carry a wide range of small dump trucks. These are ideal if the concrete needs to be transferred over a relatively long distance.

In some areas CEMEX mixer trucks are fitted with conveyors. These can be used over fences or even through doorways. Additional notice may be needed to ensure a vehicle is available Concrete can be pumped and pumps are quick and overcome most access problems. However, for small quantities using a pump for ready mix concrete in Northern California may be expensive.

Builders often use an excavator with a large bucket to place the concrete but this is seldom suitable in confined space.

The traditional wheelbarrow is still widely used for concrete on many sites. However, a standard load is equal to 240 barrow trips and it will take four people about one hour to move the full load.