Concrete finishing?

   / Concrete finishing? #1  

dummy

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Help prepare me for some sticker shock. I'm ready to pour and finish the garage floor (~28 x 28) and new apron/drive (~23x30) Any good clues how much I will end up paying for a finisher? All site prep is done, including barrier, wire and grade pins.
 
   / Concrete finishing? #2  
Around here they usually get 2 bucks a yard and they furnish the trowel machine.
 
   / Concrete finishing? #3  
dummy,

Do I assume you're going with a smooth finish inside and a broom finish outside?
Around here, the prices vary a bit based on your requirements.
I've gotten work done for as low as $0.60/sq ft. (driveway) and up to $1.50 depending on what needs done.

A couple things to consider (and the finishers may take into account when they give pricing):
How much time can you give them to do the project? A continuous pour may cost more than allowing sections.

Do they have floor drains or other things they'll need to work with? With the floor drains, it normally takes a little more effort to get correct sloping.

How are you going to sectionalize the concrete for expansion (zip-strip, saw it in later, expansion joint, or whatever it's called when they use the thing that looks like an edger but goes up the middle of the crete).

How close can they get the concrete truck? Wheelbarrowing adds a little premium.

The way in which the finisher is going to do the work will change things. If using a power screed and troweler the price will probably be different than if doing by hand.

For the concrete itself:
At least around here, if you're doing it on a weekend, price goes up $10/yard for concrete.

Have you considered getting fiber in the concrete. I've seen a couple finishers really mess up the wire whereby when done, it didn't do anything. (they walked on it so much they pushed it back down).

Ask the finisher who's going to order the concrete and release the trucks. If he is, see if there's a premuim. Some people aren't very nice and throw 5-10% on top of the price.

Don't forget to get a good sealant for it. Some finishers will do this for free. If they won't, it's an easy job. Just have good air circulation.

Do you have stone under the vapor barrier?

Watch the weather. To save cost, try to schedule when it's warm enough where they don't have to add calcium or other retardant.
 
   / Concrete finishing?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
<font color="blue"> 2 bucks a yard </font> That would be extremely cheap. When can you come by /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / Concrete finishing?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Good questions. Prefer smooth finish on both surfaces, considering exposed aggregate for outside. Time (to a point) is on their side, fairly flexible. Floor drains are not allowed by code. All other considerations are in the blockwork; elec., plumbing, gas. Expansion joints, going to check today about the plastic type they use on pool decking (for outside only). Considered fiber, but realized me and the dogs will end up laying on the concrete. Compacted clay with a compacted 4" 3/4 gravel (#67) base.
Yes, the less desirable weather factor is fast approaching.
 
   / Concrete finishing? #6  
I found an individual to do my concrete work at the following rates:
$.50 per sq ft to pour & finish & apply sealer (smooth or brushed)
$.25 per sq ft to grad & prep area
$.25 per sq ft to form
$1 per linear ft for stress cut with saw

I bought the fiber mesh concrete & sealer - he did schedule the trucks. He finishing would be more for raised aggregate...
 
   / Concrete finishing? #7  
Dummy, Howdy neighbor! I had my 24'x32' (768 sq.ft.)Barn Basement all ready for pouring as you have stated and I ended up paying $400 to a fellow that I have used in the past. That price may be a bit high but the guy has good work ethics,
The finish came out super smooth ,I sealed it with the $100 for 5gal. stuff (polymer resin)from Chaney Enterprise...
As far as the apron goes 23'x30' that will cost about the same as a smooth finish.. If you weren't intimidated by the overall size and had some help I would do the exposed aggregate myself and $ave you need some formula S retarder (5gal $80) plastic to cover area and a stiff broom or two,garden sprayer ,hose etc..... WHEW I'm tired already /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
 

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   / Concrete finishing? #8  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( going to check today about the plastic type they use on pool decking (for outside only). Considered fiber, but realized me and the dogs will end up laying on the concrete. Compacted clay with a compacted 4" 3/4 gravel (#67) base.
Yes, the less desirable weather factor is fast approaching. )</font>

If you have that much stone and a good clay base, you may be able to get away without a vapor barrier. If the cost isn't too high it's a good idea but maybe not necessary.

As for the fiber, it should pretty much all disappear through either the sealer and/or wear within a week or so.
 
   / Concrete finishing?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
<font color="blue"> If you weren't intimidated by the overall size and had some help I would do the exposed aggregate myself </font> Been there, done that as the saying goes. Every once in a great while (not too often), I am better off parting with dollars to get a pro. Larger projects like this are one of them. You only get one opportunity for success (without jackhammers /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). Your floor looks like it turned out very nice. I like dealing with Belair road supply and Carruth when possible. Chaney's getting a little too big for the average homeowner. Did you know they have a 7 yard minimum now?

BTW, I'm over in Rison from a picture you posted before and the Chaney "concrete store" fact, are you in the lower LaPlata / Faulkner area?
 
   / Concrete finishing?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
That sounds reasonable. I'm not so sure my time for grade/prep and forming didn't cost more than that /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 

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