I saw a few videos using mortar mix as a "top coat" and tried it. It doesn't work, I got the same bubbling effect that separated the mortar from the cement that never really binds. I'm currently doing a 10 X 12 dry pour in 3, 4 X 10 slabs. I'm alone so this was my only option. My first slab came out great but it was very labor intensive to get the surface smooth. I used just quikreat cement. I tried the mortar top coat on the second slab and it was the easiest of the 3 slabs but the quality was terrible. My third slab I mixed 3 parts cement mix with 1 part mortar to make the screed process easier. It was a lot easier than the 1st slab and the quality appears to be as good. I'll be taking the forms off in a few days and so I'll know how solid it will be but I don't see any problems. Moral of the story is, don't use mortar as a top coat.

@TheLawnEngineer

16 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience, it can save us all some time and frustration.

@Sam-jk1ur

16 күн бұрын

@@TheLawnEngineer Yeah, that was the idea. I wish I knew this before I did my 2nd slab. Now I have 2 slabs that came out good and my middle slab that I'll have to figure out how to fix. Do you now have exposed concrete like I do after the mortar chipped off?

IIRC, didn't you cover the bbq concrete slab with your kid's pool? Might something similar have prevented the rainwater from messing up your firepit slab? It looks good. Also, could you have used a back & forth sprinkler unit to keep the slab wet that first day so you didn't have to stand there with the hose? I am thinking of those arched units.

@TheLawnEngineer

17 күн бұрын

Yes, I covered the 1st slab with a plastic slip n slide. A similar plastic sheet could have prevented the damage to this one. I thought I was cured enough to withstand rain, but I guess not. A sprinkler wouldn't be a bad idea once the slab is cured enough but I'm not sure at what point that happens. I'll get this dialed in when I'm done with projects =-)

Very nice LE. I have never dry poured anything bigger than a fence post, but it clearly has its advantages.That expansion joint was very smart. Maybe add a circle of pavers to dress up that fire ring a bit? Is that an American Chestnut nearby? Will the concrete affect its roots?

@TheLawnEngineer

18 күн бұрын

Thanks 👍. I’ll have to look for some pavers or retaining block that would look nice around the ring. The American Chestnut is very close to this area. I don’t think the roots will be affected because I didn’t run into any when I put in the gravel and retaining blocks.

once i seen the car I clicked away - sheep

@ImDying2Live

15 күн бұрын

You got so butthurt over ol boy owning a Tesla, you decided not to watch the rest of the video? That is a very sad way to be, I hope you get over your fear of EVs. The people who like them can drive them and you can drive what you choose.

@NikoStark1

15 күн бұрын

What because he’s driving a Tesla lmao? What do you think your car manufacturer makes you? Sheep

@TheLawnEngineer

15 күн бұрын

I was skeptical too until I drove one. There is something primal about harnessing the power a flammable liquid by creating controlled explosions in a metal box, but an electric motor is simply a better way to move a vehicle. The Tesla Model Y is also the most American made vehicle available.

Definitely can't fix stupid...

@TheLawnEngineer

15 күн бұрын

You should subscribe and watch all my videos to document all the dumb things I’m capable of.

@ImDying2Live

15 күн бұрын

Nope, and we won't even bother trying to fix you! Carry on!