Hi, six inches thick is pretty thick especially if you aren't driving over it. 4' by 3' by 6" is six cubic feet, about 12 80 pound bags. If you are getting a mixer, that isn't too bad. If you are mixing by hand, then I would seriously consider going to 4 inches thick which would mean 8 80 pound bags. I have found that I can only mix two 80 pound bags at a time, and it is back and shoulder busting work. The stuff doesn't set up so quickly that you can't mix a couple of bags pour it, then mix the next couple of bags.
Dale says it is relatively easy and satisfying to work cement, but I haven't found the charm just yet. Teresa seems to go over every bit of the surface after I have, so I think I haven't developed the knack just yet. One last bit of advice. I keep making this mistake. I add a bit too much water. I mix and mix and mix, and it always seems like it needs just a touch more water. Then after I pour it, and start working it, the water starts to float and the surface becomes pretty creamy. Hold off on adding that last bit of water. Also, if your wife, or a friend has some vision, they can tell you if any parts of the mix are still dry. Apparently, there is a noticeable color change when the cement gets wet. That's how Teresa can tell me to keep mixing or not. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: (412) 268-9081
