INDUSTRY INSIGHT


RANGE REVIEW: GARDEN & WOODCARE


versatility, with growing numbers of DIYers using the material in unexpected and unusual ways. Concrete works well in the


garden for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a versatile product and different types of concrete can be applied in a variety of finishes. It can complement almost any style of garden – and by adding other natural textures like fabric or wood you can create a warmer feel to the space.


Concrete is also relatively inexpensive and, importantly, it can endure extreme weather without cracking and scratching - making it an affordable and durable long- term solution.


Concrete worktops Concrete is as strong as any building material so it should come as no surprise that it’s widely used for garden furniture, and installing a concrete worktop is one simple way to infuse a stylish aesthetic into the garden.


great way to personalise a concrete workstation.


Adding inserts or inlays is a Whether


its small


stones, pieces of glass or other materials that are mixed throughout the concrete, these can all contribute to an attractive and liveable outdoor landscape. As


concrete worktops


generally long, slender, thin beams, it’s critical to use a product with enough workability, grading and strength.


aggregate


Building a brick barbeque A well-built brick barbeque is a stylish addition to any outdoor area – not to mention, cost effective and easy to maintain. With the right products and know-how, it’s quick to build and can bring many years of use. To start with, you’ll need to lay a solid concrete base – this is essential to prevent cracks appearing in your barbeque. A pre-mixed concrete such Blue Circle High Strength 40 Newton is an ideal choice for this thanks to its strong, hardwearing blend of cement, sand and 10mm course aggregate. Once you’ve successfully laid your foundation and marked out the brickwork area, it’s time to prepare a mortar for laying the bricks. Again, for ease of use the best product for the job is a pre- bagged ready to use mortar mix which requires only the addition of water.


It can be tempting once you get


going to complete the job as quickly as possible, but do give the mortar enough time to cure once the first five or six bricks are laid. Once


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are


finished, you’ll need a pointing tool to fill and point the joints in the brickwork. To accommodate slight movements in the brickwork, we’d suggest a mortar which contains hydrated lime for its cohesive properties and flexibility.


Repairing concrete paths Damage to concrete paths can often be caused by consistent wear and tear as well as long-term exposure to the harsh elements of winter. Luckily, with good preparation and some simple tools you can restore a concrete path back to its former glory.


Once you’ve identified the


area that needs repairing, start by clearing away any debris before dampening the area and pouring in a quick repair concrete. Then, use a straight-edged tool to spread and level the cement and sprinkle with clean water. To prevent excess water from ponding on the surface, it’s a good idea to use a watering can with a rose attachment. Using your straight-edged tool again, compact and smooth the concrete


leaving it to set for half an hour. Once a couple of hours has passed, you can give it a final sprinkling of water.


For these types of projects, a


“Once you’ve identified the area that needs repairing, start by clearing away any debris before dampening the area and pouring in a quick repair concrete”


fast setting cement is ideal as it sets rapidly after placing and gains walk-on strength within the same day.


before


Fixing fence posts Another common RMI task that often becomes evident once the warmer months roll in. For unstable fence posts, a quick setting, no-mix concrete product, such as Blue Circle Postcrete is ideal – it can be used to fixing wooden, concrete and metal posts. As a general rule, around 25 per cent of the post should be buried underground. All you then need to do is fill the hole one third of the way with clean water and pour the product in evenly around the posts until dry powder is visible on the surface. In as little as ten minutes the it will have set and your fence post will be secure.


Conclusion Creating an attractive garden doesn’t have to be onerous. Concrete offers a versatile and affordable solution, and one that can easily transform the look of a garden with the right product and tools. Taking on these projects now will give you the rest of the summer to sit back and enjoy your new garden.


Tarmac, a CRH company, is the UK’s leading sustainable building materials and construction solutions business. Its innovative services and solutions help to deliver the infrastructure needed to grow the economy today and create a more sustainable built environment to support our future prosperity.


APRIL 2020 DIY WEEK 11


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