DK2 Concrete Power Equipment
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Work With Concrete Using the Right Equipment
Mixing, pouring and spreading concrete require care, which can pay off in a sleek finished product. At Lowe’s, we offer the tools you need for the result you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What equipment do I need for concrete work?
A: For small jobs, you’ll need concrete mix, gravel, 2-by-4 boards, a shovel, a hand tamper, a mortar hoe, a mixing trough, a trowel and a wheelbarrow. You’ll also need waterproof gloves, waterproof boots and splashproof goggles, as well as general items, such as a bucket, a garden hose and a stiff broom. For larger jobs, add to the list such items as remesh or rebar, rebar ties, a plate compactor, a concrete mixer, and perhaps a concrete vibrator. You’ll also likely need hand tools, such as a screed, an edger and a groover.
Learn more about the best materials and tools for masonry work that involves concrete in our Masonry and Cement Product Buying Guide.
Q: What do you use to spread cement?
A: Cement is a key component of concrete. When people refer to “spreading cement,” they typically mean spreading concrete. To spread concrete, start with a gravel base in a frame. You’ll need a metal or wood screed and a concrete float. Pour the concrete into the frame, then drag the screed across the concrete to level it. After the concrete loses its surface sheen, smooth it with the float. You may also want to apply a stiff broom to create a slip-resistant texture.
Learn more about concrete work in our How to Build a Concrete Slab guide.
Q: What are the uses for a concrete mixer?
A: A concrete mixer, which people sometimes call a cement mixer, blends gravel or sand, cement, and water to create concrete. Builders use these mixers in place of mixing concrete by hand, which can be time consuming and physically taxing. Mixers are available as either portable drums or handheld machines for home use. To operate a drum concrete mixer, pour the desired ratio of materials or concrete mix into the drum, then mix and pour the mixed concrete into a wheelbarrow. Be sure to follow manufacturers’ guidelines and wear appropriate safety equipment.