I've finally bit the bullet, and am going to sort out the garden this spring. I'm building a raised bed out the back. I've never done anything like this before and would really appreciate some expert advice.
The first 10 inches or so of this will have decking fixed into it, and wont be seen and I figured that concrete is cheaper than brick, so have designed quite hefty concrete footings. 3 or 4 courses of reclaimed brick will go on top.
So, I've placed the shuttering (Don't worry - I know I need more pegs on the outer perimeter)
Questions:
1. I'm planning on using a 1:5 mix of portland cement/ballast - is this OK?
2. I'm not bothered if the concrete is damp or not - do I need a plasticiser?
3. I've tampered down the soil, but do I need a base level of gravel or hardcore tampered into the soil for the concrete to key into?
4. I didn't think I'd need any rebar for such a modest project - do you concur?
5. I've read that people sometimes cover wet concrete with plastic to cure slowly - was thinking of using cling film, is this a silly idea?
I've figured out that this will come to 0.5 cubic meters, or about 1 ton of aggregate - amazing how much material is needed for such a modest project! I have strike release oil to paint onto the shuttering before filling. The brick courses will be laid end on to make the curve easier, with the capping course on their sides. I have about 200 bricks but will obviously need considerably more.
Thanks in advance for your interest
Aaron
The first 10 inches or so of this will have decking fixed into it, and wont be seen and I figured that concrete is cheaper than brick, so have designed quite hefty concrete footings. 3 or 4 courses of reclaimed brick will go on top.
So, I've placed the shuttering (Don't worry - I know I need more pegs on the outer perimeter)
Questions:
1. I'm planning on using a 1:5 mix of portland cement/ballast - is this OK?
2. I'm not bothered if the concrete is damp or not - do I need a plasticiser?
3. I've tampered down the soil, but do I need a base level of gravel or hardcore tampered into the soil for the concrete to key into?
4. I didn't think I'd need any rebar for such a modest project - do you concur?
5. I've read that people sometimes cover wet concrete with plastic to cure slowly - was thinking of using cling film, is this a silly idea?
I've figured out that this will come to 0.5 cubic meters, or about 1 ton of aggregate - amazing how much material is needed for such a modest project! I have strike release oil to paint onto the shuttering before filling. The brick courses will be laid end on to make the curve easier, with the capping course on their sides. I have about 200 bricks but will obviously need considerably more.
Thanks in advance for your interest
Aaron
