Concrete Buddy – Free Concrete Calculator & Estimation App

A field-inspired, science-backed workflow using a finishing aid + lithium silicate densifier + sealer timing to reduce surface weakness and freeze-thaw spalling risk on stamped/decorative concrete in cold climates. Photo: example stamped finish (for visual reference). Why this protocol exists Stamped and decorative concrete in freeze-thaw environments often fails at the surface. The top paste layer can end up weaker and more permeable from real-world chaos: stamping pressure, release agents, rushed finishing windows, trapped bleed water, wind/heat drying, and rain exposure. When the surface becomes more permeable, it saturates easier. Then freeze-thaw cycling (and sometimes deicers) can trigger surface scaling/spalling. This protocol is designed to attack the problem from three angles: Reduce early surface weakness during finishing Promote hydration and strength gain through curing Densify the near-surface pore structure, then seal to reduce water ingre...

Concrete season is pretty much done for a lot of us. It’s cold, jobs are slowing down, and everyone’s asking the same question: “What do you want for Christmas?” Most people have no idea what a concrete finisher or construction worker actually needs on site. We end up with random junk instead of the tools, gear, or work clothes we’d actually use every day. December Discussion: Best Gifts & Tools for Concrete Workers This month’s topic: 👉 What are the BEST gifts and tools for concrete finishers and construction workers – and what’s on your wish list this year? If you work with concrete – finishers, labourers, pump guys, form guys, foremen – jump in on this one. What to share in the comments Keep it simple. In the comments, let us know: 1. Your favourite tool or piece of gear you already own – and why it’s a game changer on the job (brand + model if you know it). 2. What’s on your wish list this year – the one thing you’d love to show up under the tree or...

💬 Monthly Discussion – November 2025 Concrete Job You’ll Never Forget — What Happened? We’ve all got that one job we’ll never forget. Maybe it went perfect, maybe it was a disaster, maybe it was hilarious — concrete has a way of surprising you. 👉 Drop your story in the comments: What’s the concrete job you’ll never forget? Need ideas? Truck got stuck Slab set up way too fast Homeowner changed something mid-pour Grade was messed up beyond belief Weather hit at the worst time Form blowout Your funniest crew moment Related Reading More real-world concrete tips: Top 10 Concrete Mistakes That Ruin Slabs Concrete Cracking 101 Best Hand Tools for Concrete Finishers Free Tool for Concrete Planning Need to calculate volume, slopes, overlaps, and materials fast? 📲 Download Concrete Buddy — Free Scroll down and tell your story — even a short one. Tell us what happened — funny, not funny, or a total...

I work in a strange spot in the concrete world — some days I’m the contractor running the whole job, and other days I’m the subcontractor showing up to pour and finish what someone else prepped. Because of that, I get to see a lot of what goes right… and a lot of what goes terribly wrong. Here are the 10 worst concrete mistakes I see on real jobs in 2025, whether I’m working for a custom home builder, a GC, or a homeowner. Most of these issues happen before the truck even shows up, and almost all of them are avoidable. I’ll also drop links to a few posts and tools that can help you avoid these problems — especially my Concrete Buddy App , which is a free concrete calculator and estimator, and some in-depth guides on reinforcement, cracking, and tools. 1. Bad Grade Work Before the Pour (The #1 Cause of Problems) This is hands-down the biggest mistake I see: the grade is nowhere near correct before concrete day. The edges are prepped for 4 inches, but...

Stamped concrete can transform a plain slab into the look of natural stone, slate, or brick — without the cost or maintenance of individual materials. Whether you’re a contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this guide walks you through stamping concrete from start to finish, including materials, crew setup, timing, tools, and helpful planning tips using Concrete Buddy . 1. Preparation and Planning Before starting, measure your total area and calculate concrete volume: Concrete volume (Canada): (Length × Width × Thickness ÷ 1000 = cubic metres) Concrete volume (US): (Length × Width × Thickness ÷ 27 = cubic yards) Mix type: Standard 32 MPa (4500 psi) with air entrainment for exterior slabs Colour options: Integral colour, colour hardener, and release powder/liquid (depending on your finish style) Pro Tip: Concrete Buddy makes this easy. Enter your slab dimensions, and it calculates volume in both cubic metres and cubic yards — perfect for ordering the correct amount of concrete ...

If you’ve worked with concrete long enough, you already know one thing for sure — it’s going to crack . That’s just part of the trade. The goal isn’t to stop cracks completely — it’s to control where and how they happen . That’s what separates a clean, professional job from one that looks like a spider web. Let’s break down why concrete cracks , what you can do to keep it under control , and a few simple rules of thumb that’ll save you headaches (and callbacks) down the road. Why Concrete Cracks Concrete shrinks as it cures. Moisture leaves the mix, the slab tightens up, and if it doesn’t have anywhere to move — it cracks. Add in temperature swings, poor base prep, uneven thickness, or too much water in the mix, or a hot load and it’s a recipe for random cracking. The good news is, most cracks can be predicted and managed with the right prep and timing. How to Prevent Cracks — What You Actually Do on the Job Here are some pro tips. If you stick to these five steps, you’l...

Custom Concrete Knee Pads are essential for any finisher spending long hours on their knees. Standard store-bought pads often fall short in durability, comfort, and sweat management. The main bonus of these custom pads is they don’t stick to the concrete — you can slide across without tearing it up and leave smaller imprints when kneeling. By combining recycled materials with smart padding, you get a pair that lasts, protects, and keeps you working comfortably all day. Want to make your concrete projects even easier? Check out the Concrete Buddy app — a free, all-in-one concrete calculator and estimator for pros and DIYers alike. Why Custom Knee Pads Matter Finishing concrete requires constant kneeling on rough or uneven surfaces. Poor-quality knee pads lead to fatigue, sweating, and even long-term joint strain. Custom knee pads, built from worn motorcycle tires, foam, felt, and leather , solve these problems by: Providing durable, ...