Posted by: Karen on August 08, 2004 at 11:35:37:

In Reply to: Re: aggregate concrete steps Posted by: ron on February 23, 2003 at 18:11:58:

: : : We are trying to build rounded steps that will match of new porch. In order to get the aggregate effect, the porch was poured and then smooth pebbles where embedded in the top and it was washed before it set. I have three questions.

: : : First, since we are still working on the sides of the house the aggregate porch has not been cleaned. Would you just scrub the top of the porch with a stiff broom or is there a chemical (?muric acid?) that would do a better job of cleaning the excess concrete to better expose the pebbles?

: : : Secondly, we would like the step risers to have that aggregate look also. How can that be accomplished? Or, can it be done? Otherwise we will probably face it in faux rock.

: : : Lastly, what is a good reading resource for blocking or pouring concrete steps?

: : : Thanks in advance, and do appreciate any advice.

: : : Walt

: : Walt
: : To get the risers to have the exposed aggragate you will have to order the rock throughout the mix also you will need to add a retarder to the mix. The retarder will slow the set and will allow the main part of the concrete to set but still allow the surface to be rinsed to allow the rock to show. Ortho's Home Improvement Encyclopedia has some very good information on many masonry topics and is a good addition to any handymans library.
: : To clean and brighten the steps use a product called shur-clean either the 600 or 601 will work this is a mixture of muriatic acid and detergents.
: : Jeff
: ;everything jeff said is true except for you dont have to put retarder in all the mix . just spray some on the surface after floating.

I was told to spray the surface with a sugar water solution, 5 pounds sugar to 3 Gal water. This will retard the top from setting. Not sure how long you leave it before you pressure wash the top to expose the crushed rock.

Followups::

• Re: aggregate concrete steps Art Sampson 07:02:27 3/12/2005 (0)
• Re: aggregate concrete steps Art Sampson 07:08:52 3/11/2005 (0)

: : : : We are trying to build rounded steps that will match of new porch. In order to get the aggregate effect, the porch was poured and then smooth pebbles where embedded in the top and it was washed before it set. I have three questions. : : : : First, since we are still working on the sides of the house the aggregate porch has not been cleaned. Would you just scrub the top of the porch with a stiff broom or is there a chemical (?muric acid?) that would do a better job of cleaning the excess concrete to better expose the pebbles? : : : : Secondly, we would like the step risers to have that aggregate look also. How can that be accomplished? Or, can it be done? Otherwise we will probably face it in faux rock. : : : : Lastly, what is a good reading resource for blocking or pouring concrete steps? : : : : Thanks in advance, and do appreciate any advice. : : : : Walt : : : Walt : : : To get the risers to have the exposed aggragate you will have to order the rock throughout the mix also you will need to add a retarder to the mix. The retarder will slow the set and will allow the main part of the concrete to set but still allow the surface to be rinsed to allow the rock to show. Ortho's Home Improvement Encyclopedia has some very good information on many masonry topics and is a good addition to any handymans library. : : : To clean and brighten the steps use a product called shur-clean either the 600 or 601 will work this is a mixture of muriatic acid and detergents. : : : Jeff : : ;everything jeff said is true except for you dont have to put retarder in all the mix . just spray some on the surface after floating. : I was told to spray the surface with a sugar water solution, 5 pounds sugar to 3 Gal water. This will retard the top from setting. Not sure how long you leave it before you pressure wash the top to expose the crushed rock.

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