This may sound dumb, but I have been a DIYer/handyman for many years...and you helped me stop being so afraid of concrete. Every time you say, "No bid deal," I think "I can do that." Thank you, sir. Great fan of your videos.
I can always tell when someone is genuinely trying to pass on some knowledge by how simple they explain things. Sometimes people try to over complicate things to impress, I like how you are experienced enough to provide genuine ideas without needing to "honk your own horn". I'm making caps for an outdoor fireplace this weekend and I will benefit from your experience and methods. Tremendous thanks to you sir!
This will work perfect for my brick 1/2 wall caps. I've been doing more and more of this type of work and I enjoy it, thanks to this invaluable encyclopedia you've created.
I have to say that the more I watch your videos the more I am impressed at the wide range of masonry you are skilled at. I spent 17 years as a bricklayer/laborer and a couple years doing concrete work. I've been on my own for 2 years doing "a little bit of everything", from repair, patching, pointing, etc. It's been a learning experience. Seeing you do everything makes me want to keep pushing and learning. Thank you for the videos
Thanks, MMG, it’s not a easy trade to make a living in, I would have got a gov job and then did it on the side for extra money, it gets to you after a while, thanks, mike
Nice video. In the UK, I usually tap in a piece of beading with a round edge into the mould on each side, after all the wet concrete is in place.. This will be removed when set to form drip edges for rainwater- preventing water making its way onto the brick face. To ensure this thinnish beading comes out easily, I cover it with cling-film.
I was thinking the same thing for the drip, here in Ireland I think it probably cost more to make than to buy in a precast yard. Them premixed bags of concrete are used a lot in the US don't see them much here.
Mike my man, you are the bees knees my friend. I’m just a dumb ol Ironworker and didn’t know the finer points of concrete, but I refuse to do any job half assed. Your videos have shown me the old school methods that have kept houses standing for centuries. Thank you for all of them.
I have a small statue in my garden and have been considering buying a stone to put the statue on. My raised beds for vegetables are 4x8x16 blocks so I was going to make a stand on the sides and back for the statue and plant some shade loving plants underneath for contrast. This video filled the need for my platform top! I will use some quarter round for the top and cove along the base and give it my best! Again, Mike you are a knowledgeable craftsman that is willing to share your trade and skills! thank you very much!
Just in process of doing 16 and found your video simple and easily followed . The trick with the wire hooks was a life saver for me , as I work on my own , I have to do 2 pillar caps and am struggling to get 2 inch mouldings to insert as a curved edge . Many Thanks from Ireland .
If you spray it with Sherwin williams Hydro Defend concrete sealer it will stay clark and not get all dirty and stained. Costa about $35 per gallon and covers about 200 sq ft. put 2- 4 coats for good measure.
Mike, with your help my dad and I were able to patch up my front stoop. I love watching you work and your explanations are amazing. An old timer showed me a trick with a form like that where he pulled the blade out of my sawzall and made an impromptu vibrator. I know you said you don't use it but I thought I would pass the tip along.
I did the same thing but for replacement step treads. It was cold so i was able to make them in the shop. Also used empty caulk tubes and screwed them to the plywood bottom form so id have holes for the railings after i laid the treads. whatever works right. thanks
@@MikeHaduck Experimented this evening with a practice piece. All was OK except my only problem was the concrete. After 1.5 hours, whilst trying to round the edges, i kept on hitting and dislodging the concrete ballast stones and it left a horrible local rip out. So, 1) did I use the wrong mix 2) did i hit this too early / too late? I waited 1.5 hours..
You are bloody amazing. A lot of guys will say I'm nuts but your cement works make me want to be a builder. Unfortunately I'm as old as you and my use by date has expired on new outside skills. I've got a few things out of your videos and this one reminded me of my dad, he didn't like gardening so he would concrete and make it look like fancy paving. Your great... Mr Portland
Just subbed, mainly for the no-nonsense informative videos but also for not being someone who bangs on to people to subscribe and hit the like button every 2 minutes...keep up the good work Mike.
I've done a little concrete work and I put a little cement in and stir it with my fingers and hand at the beginning and it does away with the little air bubbles and any other imperfections when you take the form boards off,...and after its full of concrete I take the trowel and upset the edges to do away with any imperfections there also.
I buy my top caps already made at the masonry store when I do wall caps. But my workers have been pushing me todo customs. Always been afraid, will give it a go!
You can also cast in place using blue screws to attach form boards ripped to the thickness of the over hang. Molding and or form liners can be added to achieve the look you want saves transport and install time
hi Mike good work. some people are asking you if its worth it, its like saying to Michaelangelo when hes laying on his back in the Sistine chapel if its worth the trouble of laying on his back to paint the ceiling. Its about the satisfaction of creating something and seeing the finished product that is the pleasure, no matter what it is. Keep up the good work Mike, its great to see a craftsman at work.
I had to match what was there, and I am far away from Michaelangelo, I am just passing along what I learned from the old timers, (mostly old school) but I appreciate it, thanks mike
thanks to your instruction, I am going to start another little block laying job just as soon as the sun comes up! Just sitting here waiting on daylight. :) And watching more of your instructinoal videos!
Ah, I was wondering how they did this. My porch sides are topped with concrete caps. Flanking the steps are curved... s-shaped caps similar to a ski jump. I am not sure how they would have done that 100 years ago but I haven''t seen another house around here with the same. Each probably weighs 500 lbs. Good videos.
Hi! I've seen those, I know exactly what you mean! They look so elegant. I'm currently trying to learn enough to make some cobblestone ledges flanking the front steps of my bungalow. I was tempted to try the ski-jump style, but as a beginner I've decided to keep it simple, flat, and level, and do a 2-tier look instead. It was fun to find your comment mentioning this charming feature, which I'm not sure on the official name for. I've been calling them "stairway ledges" for now. Looking forward to having a place to set groceries while I unlock the front door, and a perch for packages and deliveries so they won't be plunked in front of the door and prevent my opening it to retrieve them... And then of course the curb appeal! Thanks for your interesting comment, and have a great day!
I have been interested in doing this but worried about consistency in color between manually mixing batches of concrete, since weather and slight difference can change the color slightly.
i've done concrete fab work ( not as good ) and found one of the keys is to not make things that are too heavy to move. or get out the shop doors. btw i find the use of bonding and fortifying liquids a very useful technology to help in making cements and concretes bind properly along with your "wet to stick" hints.
Thanks Mike. I'm making a column cap and this was exactly what I needed to know as far as making a mold. Question; What type of premixed cement should I use. I would prefer not to see a lot of aggregate in the surface of the cap. The cap will be 26" x26".
Hi Richard, I like the quickrete red bag (quick setting) but if you want it to last longer I would add a little more portland and keep it moist for a couple days, thanks mike
i wanted to make my single driveway into a double or triple. but can i just sand my old driveway, wet it, paint with new cement, and get it to match my new driveways? my dad has been fighting me on getting more driveway just because they think it will look ugly to mix new and old concrete.
how is the durability of the caps compared to resurfaced concrete? I noticed that the last step in making a cap is basically the resurfacing procedure. can you comment on whether the caps are more durable because they do not directly contact the ground or because they are a greener concrete when a skim coat is applied. Thanks!
+David Norris this was a match job to repair what was bad, I am more of a fan of natural stone, (which God made) and of course it usually last a lot longer, sometimes you can get a bad batch of concrete and they will fall apart faster and then I seen them last over 40 years without degrading, the skim coat is a whitewash basically and it could be used again every year or so to keep them up. and anything that lays on the ground will fall apart faster because of the moisture in the winter with the freezing and thawing , ( 6 in on side or half dozen in the other) everything has its shelf life and sooner or later degrade,, and it all depends on where you live, everybody got their own opinion. I hope it helps thanks, mike
Hi CM, I am a little disappointed with quikrete products, when I use their concrete mixes I add a little more Portland any more, other th ed n that you could use the regular mix, not fast drying, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck Thank you for your quick response. What is the crux of your disappointment? How much more is a little more, 8oz. per bag, another suggested amount?
Used motor oil on the forms. Old school. Love. At one time I lived a life with diesel fuel in a sprayer on any of my trucks year round. No matter what business I was in. Now than I am doing free masonry, seems to have never changed. Maybe diesel fuel is good for quick forms for steps so cement-all sticks to the steps better than it does a board. It is bizarre here we are 2021 and no masons much less thousands of masons and THEY the smarts, and ASTM have ever invented a material that is non stick can be cut to form for concrete forms. Home Depot Patent Time. Let me know.
Nice but since I'm lazy I would lay plastic down on my driveway then lay 1x4 16ft long then fill in the 1x4 every 16in or so and call the concrete truck, pour it and finish the tops by hand with a trawl also pour it very wet to help fill in the pits.
Hi david , I have two wheelbarrows over 25 years old I use for concrete only,(But I clean them clean very well) and then I got my cheap plastic one I use for small jobs and I get about 2 -3 years from that, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Thanks for the video! Would it be a bad idea if I made a mix of portland cement and bonding agent and paint a stamped surface in an attempt to look like the same color? There will be no walking on this area which was poured last year.
Hi JN, I would do a little sample first and see what it would come out like and maybe check a mason or stucco paint also, I hope it works out, thanks mike
Many thanks for taking time to answer Mike. I was hoping I could make a mix of iron oxide, titan oxide, portland and concrete primer and first paint with a light color mix and after that has dried paint with a darker (to get it into the cavities) and use a spunge to take it off the high spots before it dries to make the stamped concrete look antique. Perhaps that is a bad idea and I should go with a stucco or mason paint instead? Thanks again!
Great video. I'm planning to build some dyed concrete caps for around my fire pit. I plan to use roughed up foamular to give a matching edge to the retaking wall blocks. (Wish me luck!)
Mike, Well explained. Informative and easy to follow in a relaxed and unpretentious manner. Am looking to make a Limestone coloured window sill here in the UK as I have clad the exterior of the house and the sills aren't deep enough. £100 each from cast stone company or make myself.....prefer the latter! Thanks
I love this vid ... I have made wall caps using the foam molds and spec mix and stained them I live in the hot calif low desert what can I do to protect it for say the next 50-100 yrs ? tip I mix the cement like soup never have any air pockets and I pour it into the mold im not a pro like you but much respect
+Brian Michaelis on the video "Stone cutting, laying and making patters with Jeff Haduck (Mike Haduck)" you can see the steps leading up into the house and they were done the same way over 10 years ago. they were made with the exact same technique I use here. thanks mike
Hello Mike.... I am from Turkey....good job.... could you please tell me how many cap you produce with 1 form until it broke??? i mean form producing capacity...
Hi Jeff, Good Question, I think I would check out the folks that really make them and see what they did first,, lots of weight to consider if it falls, thanks mike
Thanks for this video Mike. I was thinking it would be possible to make your own custom size stair treads and I believe using this process it would not be much different than what you did here, just a little variance in the form. So thanks for showing how to go about this.
Hi Mike, thinking of doing some 48 x 48 inch pavestone for the garden in the garage this winter with this technique. Is that possible with that size or would you recommend to just pour it in place when the weather is better?
Hi Marcus, it is impossible for me to say unless I was there, I would check and see what everybody else in the neighborhood did first, I always drive around and get my ideas like that, I hope it helps, mike
This may sound dumb, but I have been a DIYer/handyman for many years...and you helped me stop being so afraid of concrete. Every time you say, "No bid deal," I think "I can do that." Thank you, sir. Great fan of your videos.
C. Joseph Jones , I appreciate the comment, and comments like this make me think I am on the right track, thanks, God bless. mike
me too
I can always tell when someone is genuinely trying to pass on some knowledge by how simple they explain things. Sometimes people try to over complicate things to impress, I like how you are experienced enough to provide genuine ideas without needing to "honk your own horn". I'm making caps for an outdoor fireplace this weekend and I will benefit from your experience and methods.
Tremendous thanks to you sir!
Paul Price I agree 100% very talented yet teaching as well
This will work perfect for my brick 1/2 wall caps. I've been doing more and more of this type of work and I enjoy it, thanks to this invaluable encyclopedia you've created.
Thanks ltmonson,, Mike
Hi Mike - years later, this is still helping people. Many thanks!
Thanks Boe, Mike
I have to say that the more I watch your videos the more I am impressed at the wide range of masonry you are skilled at. I spent 17 years as a bricklayer/laborer and a couple years doing concrete work. I've been on my own for 2 years doing "a little bit of everything", from repair, patching, pointing, etc. It's been a learning experience. Seeing you do everything makes me want to keep pushing and learning. Thank you for the videos
Thanks, MMG, it’s not a easy trade to make a living in, I would have got a gov job and then did it on the side for extra money, it gets to you after a while, thanks, mike
@@MikeHaduck I agree. In hindsight I would've got a nice consistent job with benefits. This trade definitely does take it's toll on you.
Mike, you should be required viewing in the world. Love everything you put out.
Thanks Socks, Mike
@@MikeHaduck Thank you for your wealth of knowledge. Keep'em coming.
Thanks , Mike
I'll never build a concrete wall cap but I sure enjoyed watching you work at your craft. Thanks for sharing.
thanks JPVegh, I appreciate it. mike
Wow,I'd never even thought of making my own cap blocks, thanks Mike!
Thanks Troy, Mike
Nice video. In the UK, I usually tap in a piece of beading with a round edge into the mould on each side, after all the wet concrete is in place.. This will be removed when set to form drip edges for rainwater- preventing water making its way onto the brick face.
To ensure this thinnish beading comes out easily, I cover it with cling-film.
I was thinking the same thing for the drip, here in Ireland I think it probably cost more to make than to buy in a precast yard. Them premixed bags of concrete are used a lot in the US don't see them much here.
Mike, this was a terrific video, extremely self explanatory and excellent for a layman such as myself!
Thanks Robert, Mike
Mike my man, you are the bees knees my friend. I’m just a dumb ol Ironworker and didn’t know the finer points of concrete, but I refuse to do any job half assed.
Your videos have shown me the old school methods that have kept houses standing for centuries. Thank you for all of them.
Hi William, I appreciate it , mike
I have a small statue in my garden and have been considering buying a stone to put the statue on. My raised beds for vegetables are 4x8x16 blocks so I was going to make a stand on the sides and back for the statue and plant some shade loving plants underneath for contrast. This video filled the need for my platform top! I will use some quarter round for the top and cove along the base and give it my best!
Again, Mike you are a knowledgeable craftsman that is willing to share your trade and skills! thank you very much!
1mtstewart thanks for the comment, mike
Always I learn from Mike's videos. A man cannot learn enough! Thanks Mike! "Bo" in Union County North Carolina....
Thanks Bo, I appreciate it, Mike
Just in process of doing 16 and found your video simple and easily followed . The trick with the wire hooks was a life saver for me , as I work on my own , I have to do 2 pillar caps and am struggling to get 2 inch mouldings to insert as a curved edge . Many Thanks from Ireland .
Thanks ringside, good to hear from. Ireland, Mike
If you spray it with Sherwin williams Hydro Defend concrete sealer it will stay clark and not get all dirty and stained. Costa about $35 per gallon and covers about 200 sq ft. put 2- 4 coats for good measure.
Thanks, mike
Mike, with your help my dad and I were able to patch up my front stoop. I love watching you work and your explanations are amazing. An old timer showed me a trick with a form like that where he pulled the blade out of my sawzall and made an impromptu vibrator. I know you said you don't use it but I thought I would pass the tip along.
Hi David, thanks for the tip I never heard that sounds like a great idea I’ll have to pass it on, thanks for the input, Mike
Thank you mike, you video was very informative and inspiring. Just wht i neede for own garden walls. Thank you stay safe.
Thanks Walid,, Mike
This is also a really handy way to make concrete tables. I never thought of a right angle concrete piece to set up the forms. Great idea, thanks Mike!
Thanks Jonathan, mike
I love your video's! They are always helpful.
Thank you for sharing your years of knowledge and wisdom.
Thanks Don, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
I did the same thing but for replacement step treads. It was cold so i was able to make them in the shop. Also used empty caulk tubes and screwed them to the plywood bottom form so id have holes for the railings after i laid the treads. whatever works right. thanks
Fantastic video Mike, this is just what I need. My wall caps will be 1.625” high and 2’ long. The option I have considered is a pured in place method.
Thanks John, whatever works, Mike
@@MikeHaduck Experimented this evening with a practice piece. All was OK except my only problem was the concrete. After 1.5 hours, whilst trying to round the edges, i kept on hitting and dislodging the concrete ballast stones and it left a horrible local rip out. So, 1) did I use the wrong mix 2) did i hit this too early / too late? I waited 1.5 hours..
@@johnwealthy6044 hi John, I start edging it right after I pour and then lightly keep going over it, just like in my concrete videos. Mike
You can also oil the forms with diesel fuel or motor oil for easy release .
Nice work Mike !
Dyno Mite Thanks, I appreciate it. mike
You are bloody amazing. A lot of guys will say I'm nuts but your cement works make me want to be a builder. Unfortunately I'm as old as you and my use by date has expired on new outside skills. I've got a few things out of your videos and this one reminded me of my dad, he didn't like gardening so he would concrete and make it look like fancy paving. Your great... Mr Portland
Lez Cartwright ur a lame
rufino alonzo...
And you're an ass. What a jerk.
You've got some nice videos. I used to pour concrete and built my own home years ago. Thanks for taking the time to do them.
I appreciate the comment, makes me think I am on the right track, thanks mike
" TOP CLASS " JOB Love the use of hooks simple thing to do .......would never of thought of that Great tip
Thanks Micky, mike
I tried to like this video twice! Brilliant from start to finish!
Thanks Blah, I appreciate it, mike
Just subbed, mainly for the no-nonsense informative videos but also for not being someone who bangs on to people to subscribe and hit the like button every 2 minutes...keep up the good work Mike.
Thanks Scot, Mike
good simple logic on the form. I like the hanger idea. Lots of work for one by one.
James Campbell , hi James, yea lots of work for one by one, glad its over. thanks mike
This could be an ASMR vid..found it soothing to watch..OK back in my box lol...was amazing because now I think I can make my own call caps....x
Thanks Carmel, I am sure you can, Mike
I've done a little concrete work and I put a little cement in and stir it with my fingers and hand at the beginning and it does away with the little air bubbles and any other imperfections when you take the form boards off,...and after its full of concrete I take the trowel and upset the edges to do away with any imperfections there also.
thanks Randy, we all got our own style, mike
You are great man,Mike ! Thank you very much,Mike! What a great way to make wall cap!
I am just a regular guy , but I appreciate it. mike
I buy my top caps already made at the masonry store when I do wall caps. But my workers have been pushing me todo customs. Always been afraid, will give it a go!
Hi Emilio, I like the fact drying cement for these but I add a towel full extra of Portland anymore, I think its stronger, thanks Mike
You can also cast in place using blue screws to attach form boards ripped to the thickness of the over hang. Molding and or form liners can be added to achieve the look you want saves transport and install time
Thanks Larry, Mike
I'm totally inspired. Learned something new. Thank you!
thanks Umaru, I appreciate it. mike
I knew he was good,
Didn't know he was
THAT GOOD!
Thanks, mike
Thank you for your wisdom. You just gave me an idea for a new project! Keep up the good work!
Thanks James, I am just passing along what I learned from others, mike
Another great video Mike. I really appreciate the time you take to share your knowledge.
BlackOmega314 thanks, I appreciate it, mike
hi Mike good work. some people are asking you if its worth it, its like saying to Michaelangelo when hes laying on his back in the Sistine chapel if its worth the trouble of laying on his back to paint the ceiling. Its about the satisfaction of creating something and seeing the finished product that is the pleasure, no matter what it is. Keep up the good work Mike, its great to see a craftsman at work.
I had to match what was there, and I am far away from Michaelangelo, I am just passing along what I learned from the old timers, (mostly old school) but I appreciate it, thanks mike
Thanks for schooling us Mike !!
robstorms Just passing along what I learned from others, thank you, mike
Yet again another great video. Thanks Mike!
Ross Pagni thanks Ross, I try, mike
Great video. Very helpful. Thanks for posting!
Thanks T, Mike
Wow .. big WOW. Very nice job and easy to follow steps on an interesting made video. Thank you very much.
thanks Sulais, I hope it helps,, mike
Wish I could have worked along side you for a while Mike I would certainly learned a thing or two. Another great vid
Thanks David, I am just passing what I learned from the old timers, thanks mike
Man, that's a nice work-flow! Thanks for sharing it. Like the wire loops too..
thank you bertt, I appreciate it mike
Man, i would have made a big production out of this . Great common sense approach . Maybe one day i'll get to that level.
I think I could use some more common sense myself, LOL, thanks mike
Mike you are just amazing.
Hi Andrew, no just been doing it a while, I appreciate it. mike
thanks to your instruction, I am going to start another little block laying job just as soon as the sun comes up! Just sitting here waiting on daylight. :) And watching more of your instructinoal videos!
thanks Andrew, I hope it all works out, mike
You work with high standards In quality - thank you for showing!!!
Hi Antonio , just passing along what I learned from others, I appreciate it. mike
Ah, I was wondering how they did this. My porch sides are topped with concrete caps. Flanking the steps are curved... s-shaped caps similar to a ski jump. I am not sure how they would have done that 100 years ago but I haven''t seen another house around here with the same. Each probably weighs 500 lbs. Good videos.
thanks bj147, usually with the ski jumps they place them and build up to them, I am glad if it helps, thanks mike
Hi! I've seen those, I know exactly what you mean! They look so elegant. I'm currently trying to learn enough to make some cobblestone ledges flanking the front steps of my bungalow. I was tempted to try the ski-jump style, but as a beginner I've decided to keep it simple, flat, and level, and do a 2-tier look instead. It was fun to find your comment mentioning this charming feature, which I'm not sure on the official name for. I've been calling them "stairway ledges" for now. Looking forward to having a place to set groceries while I unlock the front door, and a perch for packages and deliveries so they won't be plunked in front of the door and prevent my opening it to retrieve them... And then of course the curb appeal! Thanks for your interesting comment, and have a great day!
@@emilys3638 Thank you. That sounds very nice with stone. It will be charming.
Just a great video Mike,thanks for the info.
Thanks Richard, mike
I have been interested in doing this but worried about consistency in color between manually mixing batches of concrete, since weather and slight difference can change the color slightly.
Hi Michael, I never had a problem, unless I changed cement companies, then I might see a slight difference, thanks Mike
i've done concrete fab work ( not as good ) and found one of the keys is to not make things that are too heavy to move. or get out the shop doors.
btw i find the use of bonding and fortifying liquids a very useful technology to
help in making cements and concretes bind properly along with your "wet to stick" hints.
thanks pensive, I appereciate it. mike
Great work Mike! I've been planning on doing this for an up coming job and now I have some better tips. Thank you sir
Thanks, I hope it works, mike
Thanks Mike. I'm making a column cap and this was exactly what I needed to know as far as making a mold. Question; What type of premixed cement should I use. I would prefer not to see a lot of aggregate in the surface of the cap. The cap will be 26" x26".
Hi Richard, I like the quickrete red bag (quick setting) but if you want it to last longer I would add a little more portland and keep it moist for a couple days, thanks mike
Thanks Mike. Great videos.
mike is the man.
Thanks oldie, mike
You are the best mate . Cheers
Thanks dine, Mike
Best guy on RUclips
Thanks Alex, mike
i wanted to make my single driveway into a double or triple. but can i just sand my old driveway, wet it, paint with new cement, and get it to match my new driveways? my dad has been fighting me on getting more driveway just because they think it will look ugly to mix new and old concrete.
Hi Necro, check out my videos on how I resurface concrete driveways and sidewalks, mike haduck, I might give you some ideas, thanks mike
Love this look .... I have a block wall that need these... but I dint see how long and wide in inches these were ?
Hi Bruce, however you got to make them, as long as it works, thanks Mike
Sorry if I missed it in the video but not sure what type of concrete mix you used there? I assume it's stronger than mason mix?
Hi Jack, I used quikrete concrete mix fast setting ,I learned to add a little extra Portland, thanks mike
@@MikeHaduck thanks so much for the reply.
yeah Mike is great....never is it "a big deal"....just matter of fact very simple man whos been doing this along time....common sense goes along ways
Thanks Kirk, mike
I used nonstick cooking spray on my boards from dollar store. Super easy to apply
Thanks Chris, that sounds like a good idea, thanks Mike
STOP IT! You're Amazing! Mike, the Master Mason!
Stone Fireplaces howdy Jamie, no, I just seen some one else do it some years ago and copied it, thanks, mike
Great video! What kind of bonding agent 9:13 should I use?
Hi Domnic, I can't say, everyone got a different opinion, thanks Mike
Nice job with the video. I like the painting with cement idea.
+Atr42Greasemonkey it helps to hide things for sure, thanks mike
how is the durability of the caps compared to resurfaced concrete? I noticed that the last step in making a cap is basically the resurfacing procedure. can you comment on whether the caps are more durable because they do not directly contact the ground or because they are a greener concrete when a skim coat is applied. Thanks!
+David Norris this was a match job to repair what was bad, I am more of a fan of natural stone, (which God made) and of course it usually last a lot longer, sometimes you can get a bad batch of concrete and they will fall apart faster and then I seen them last over 40 years without degrading, the skim coat is a whitewash basically and it could be used again every year or so to keep them up. and anything that lays on the ground will fall apart faster because of the moisture in the winter with the freezing and thawing , ( 6 in on side or half dozen in the other) everything has its shelf life and sooner or later degrade,, and it all depends on where you live, everybody got their own opinion. I hope it helps thanks, mike
What mix would you use if you didn't want to use Rapid Set?
Other then the setting time, is there any other advantage in using a Rapid Set concrete?
Hi CM, I am a little disappointed with quikrete products, when I use their concrete mixes I add a little more Portland any more, other th ed n that you could use the regular mix, not fast drying, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck Thank you for your quick response.
What is the crux of your disappointment?
How much more is a little more, 8oz. per bag, another suggested amount?
Mike Haduck watched again. Portland putty and paid us a good idea. Fast dry was a good choice.
Thanks Jim, mike
Great job by the way. I love making all sorts of shit similar to this method. Countertops. Steps. Etc...
thanks D, I appreciate it. mike
You are a good teacher
Thanks jo, I appreciate it, mike
Awesome Job Mike.
thanks drewhon, I appreciate it. mike
Genius.. I'm a stone mason here in nc..I can tell u learned from the old masters...
John Hoyle thanks John, that's it, just what I picked up from the old schoolers , and just passing them along, thanks mike
Excellent video 👌🙏
Thanks Lizza, Mike
Great video! Lot of work but great tutorial
Thanks, mike
Used motor oil on the forms. Old school. Love. At one time I lived a life with diesel fuel in a sprayer on any of my trucks year round. No matter what business I was in. Now than I am doing free masonry, seems to have never changed. Maybe diesel fuel is good for quick forms for steps so cement-all sticks to the steps better than it does a board. It is bizarre here we are 2021 and no masons much less thousands of masons and THEY the smarts, and ASTM have ever invented a material that is non stick can be cut to form for concrete forms. Home Depot Patent Time. Let me know.
HI Mike, maybe, I'm a bit old school and lazy, whatever works,, lol, Mike
leave hooks u put on this way it fastens to wall i used my small compressor to vibrate my 3'x3' pillar caps
Thanks Luis, mike
Great job, you've given me some ideas thanks for sharing
thanks, I appreciate it. mike
Nice but since I'm lazy I would lay plastic down on my driveway then lay 1x4 16ft long then fill in the 1x4 every 16in or so and call the concrete truck, pour it and finish the tops by hand with a trawl also pour it very wet to help fill in the pits.
Hi Dave. I worked on jobs like that, thanks mike
How long should a good wheel barrow last under typical working mason conditions?
Hi david , I have two wheelbarrows over 25 years old I use for concrete only,(But I clean them clean very well) and then I got my cheap plastic one I use for small jobs and I get about 2 -3 years from that, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Doing something until you get it right is the best way to learn.
Thanks, very true. Mike
Thanks for the video! Would it be a bad idea if I made a mix of portland cement and bonding agent and paint a stamped surface in an attempt to look like the same color? There will be no walking on this area which was poured last year.
Hi JN, I would do a little sample first and see what it would come out like and maybe check a mason or stucco paint also, I hope it works out, thanks mike
Many thanks for taking time to answer Mike. I was hoping I could make a mix of iron oxide, titan oxide, portland and concrete primer and first paint with a light color mix and after that has dried paint with a darker (to get it into the cavities) and use a spunge to take it off the high spots before it dries to make the stamped concrete look antique. Perhaps that is a bad idea and I should go with a stucco or mason paint instead? Thanks again!
I am not familiar with those techniques, so I do not know what to say, but I appreciate it. thanks mike
Great video. I'm planning to build some dyed concrete caps for around my fire pit. I plan to use roughed up foamular to give a matching edge to the retaking wall blocks. (Wish me luck!)
I will give you more than luck, I am sure you can do it, thanks mike
Mike, Well explained. Informative and easy to follow in a relaxed and unpretentious manner. Am looking to make a Limestone coloured window sill here in the UK as I have clad the exterior of the house and the sills aren't deep enough. £100 each from cast stone company or make myself.....prefer the latter! Thanks
Hi Tony, I made my own sills a lot, i hope it helps thanks mike
Tony Arnold
Yes
Any tips on how you installed these on the wall? Did you just use type s?
Hi, usually I use 2 sand 1 Portland but sometimes I just add a little Portland to the s mortar, everything depends. Thanks Mike
Awesome and eeezzzzz
Thank goodness tou uploaded this video
Thanks Hesdras, mike
I love this vid ... I have made wall caps using the foam molds and spec mix and stained them I live in the hot calif low desert what can I do to protect it for say the next 50-100 yrs ? tip I mix the cement like soup never have any air pockets and I pour it into the mold im not a pro like you but much respect
Hi Mick, I don't know in California, I would ask the guys who do that and the paint stores, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Really nice job, great tips, excellent thank you.
thanks Jasper, I appreciate it. mike
Could those be made out of just Portland cement no rock?
Hi Richard, sometimes I just use portland and sand, but with the fast drying cement things go a lot faster and easier, thanks mike
If I was to use this technique to make step caps how could I make them non slip or do youthink they would be ok?
+Brian Michaelis on the video "Stone cutting, laying and making patters with Jeff Haduck (Mike Haduck)" you can see the steps leading up into the house and they were done the same way over 10 years ago. they were made with the exact same technique I use here. thanks mike
Nice video Mike! Great job
thanks Charlie, I appreciate it. mike
Hello Mike.... I am from Turkey....good job.... could you please tell me how many cap you produce with 1 form until it broke??? i mean form producing capacity...
Hi ihsan, I got almost 15 out of them before they got bad, goof to hear from Turkey, thanks mike
Another excellent video Mike ! I don't live to far from you- Minersville,Pa.
AWAKENDUSK ,been through there quite a few times, thanks mike
If you spray form oil on the forms it will practically slide out when you go to strip.
Hi Jose, very true, I still can not get out of the old school. lol, I appreciate it. mike
Mike Haduck, Great video 🖒
thanks for sharing your great ideas sir! I subscribed and liked your video
thank you, mike
Really liked your video. Would this thickness of concrete be suitable for a garden type of bench. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jeff, Good Question, I think I would check out the folks that really make them and see what they did first,, lots of weight to consider if it falls, thanks mike
Thanks for this video Mike. I was thinking it would be possible to make your own custom size stair treads and I believe using this process it would not be much different than what you did here, just a little variance in the form. So thanks for showing how to go about this.
Hi Bob, yes I have done it from time to time, thanks mike
Hi Mike, thinking of doing some 48 x 48 inch pavestone for the garden in the garage this winter with this technique. Is that possible with that size or would you recommend to just pour it in place when the weather is better?
Hi Marcus, it is impossible for me to say unless I was there, I would check and see what everybody else in the neighborhood did first, I always drive around and get my ideas like that, I hope it helps, mike
Love the video. Do you use the wall cap for seating? How wide is the cap and how wide is the wall? Thanks of all you do.
Hi B.A. , It was for the top a concrete retaining wall, about 3 inches thick and 20 inches wide, Thanks Mike
Can this be used to replace terracotta for roof perimeter?
Hi A. k. I think you would have to ask a roofer that question, thanks, Mike
nice job mike👍
Thanks Rod, mike
Awesome video....please make more!!!
thanks Tabatha, I appreciate it. mike