What Accessories Do You Need For Working With Concrete?

Kathy Hays | March 5, 2024

Working with concrete is an integral part of construction, whether it involves laying foundations, building structures, or creating pathways. The right concrete accessories not only enhance the efficiency of the work but also ensure safety and precision in the construction process. This article outlines the must-have tools and accessories for anyone dealing with concrete, providing valuable insights for developers and construction professionals alike.

Mixers

A good quality mixer is at the heart of any concrete work. It ensures that the concrete mix achieves the right consistency and strength by thoroughly combining the ingredients. For projects not using ready-mix concrete, a reliable mixer is indispensable for onsite mixing.

Protective Gear

Gloves: Working with raw concrete can cause skin irritation or burns due to its caustic nature. High-quality rubber gloves are essential to protect your hands during mixing, pouring, and handling.
Work Boots: Durable, waterproof rubber boots protect your feet from wet concrete and rough terrain, making them essential for onsite work.
Safety Glasses: To guard against flying debris and dust, safety glasses are a must-have for anyone working with concrete.

Transport and Application Tools

Wheelbarrows: These are crucial for moving small batches of concrete or carrying tools and materials across the job site. Powered versions can make even quicker work of transport.
Shovels: A robust shovel is necessary for mixing, transferring, and placing concrete, as well as for cleanup tasks.
Screeds: Screeds are used to level out poured concrete, ensuring an even surface by removing excess material.
Pumps: Large volumes of concrete are best moved and placed by pumps. Unless you plan to do this often, renting a pump is advised.

Precision Tools

Tape Measures: Accuracy is key in construction, making tape measures essential for determining distances and ensuring correct form placement.
Vibrators: To eliminate air pockets and ensure a compact, uniform concrete mix, vibrators are used immediately after pouring.
Floats: After screeding, floats are used to smooth the concrete surface, filling in minor voids and imperfections.

Specialized Cutting and Shaping Tools

Saws: Different types of saws, including circular and masonry saws, are used for cutting concrete, particularly for creating joints.
Groove Cutters: For preventing cracking and ensuring a smooth finish, groove cutters create uniform grooves in the concrete surface.
Broom: Broom finishes are among the most common exterior finish. Dragging it across the surface makes for small, but noticeable grooves.

Finishing Accessories

Curing Blankets: Used to control the rate of evaporation and curing of concrete. They are especially important in hot, humid, or windy conditions.
Pail and Bucket: Essential for mixing smaller quantities of concrete or adding water to adjust the mix, these tools are indispensable for precise work.
Sealers: Represent a broad class of compounds used to help address the long-term performance and durability of the concrete. Small amounts can go a long way.

Working with Concrete

Equipping yourself with the right concrete accessories is crucial for achieving optimal results in any construction project. From mixers to precision and finishing tools, each accessory plays a vital role in the process of working with concrete. Not only do these tools help in achieving the desired structural integrity and aesthetics, but they also ensure the safety and efficiency of the workers involved. For developers and construction professionals, understanding and investing in these essential tools can significantly impact the success of their projects, ensuring that every concrete job is done right, from start to finish.