Hi Lemmy,
I want to do a project that involves concrete. Basically I am making steps, giving them texture and stamping them so it looks somewhat like stones.
I have watched a million videos and I feel I can tackle this, plus I have a lot of areas to practice that won't be too visible so if the steps look a bit amateur it's fine.
My biggest question is about the effort of mixing concrete. I have a corded drill with a mixing paddle and most steps won't require much. However a few are larger and I would have to mix 10 bags or so. The drying time allows me to work one at a time and then do my stamping but I was wondering if this is feasible from an effort perspective.
I am an experienced DIYer but have not worked much with concrete, I made a coffee table, post bases, etc but never something that requires so many bags... am I setting myself up for failure / a broken back? hehehe
You will save a lot of money doing it yourself, artisans are pricy, and usually you also need to understand their job to be able to check if it was done right.
We bought all the equipment because we do stuff for a couple of hours early in the morning or after work, so renting wouldn't be worth the trouble. everything's going back on craigslist when we're done.
Even if there are small imperfections, the satisfaction of doing something with your own hands gives so much pride and confidence, it's worth it.
Every time we finish something, that's pretty much the point where we acquired enough experience, that doing it again would feel comfortable/easy, and then we never do xD
Buddy, you and I definitely think alike when it comes to DIY projects!