HOW TO FORM LEVEL CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

End view of trench

Tools required :-  Wood saw, lump hammer, tape measure, spirit level. To achieve a good level concrete foundation excavate the soil and hardcore as level as possible to the required depth for your brick / block work. If you need a foundation depth of say 12" (300mm), as an example, saw some 1" x 1" (25mm x 25mm) timber into approximately 24" (600mm) long lengths, mark each one 12" (25mm) from one end. In the centre of your trench starting at what you think is the highest point (use your spirit level to obtain a rough guide), knock the first piece of timber into the ground to the … [Read more...]

MIXING CONCRETE OR MORTAR BY HAND

Tools required :- Spade / shovel, spot board and bucket. Safety tip :- Bags of sand, cement and aggregate are heavy so care should be taken when lifting them, squat down and gripping the bag lift the weight with your legs rather than your back. Use gloves as cement can irritate and burn skin.   To mix concrete or mortar by hand you will first need a spot board, (a piece of wood board approximately 3 ft square) placed on the ground, a spade or shovel, the ingredients for the mix and water. Use the spade to place the sand, cement and aggregate if required on to the board in the … [Read more...]

BUILDING YOUR OWN BRICK BARBECUE

Dimensions for brickwork

Tools required :- Spade / shovel, spot board, bucket, bricklaying trowel, 150mm boat spirit level, 600mm spirit level (if you have one), lump hammer, bolster chisel, tape measure, plumb line (a length of string with a couple of nails attached), a piece of metal or rubber tube 20 - 25mm dia, soft hand brush.   Building your own barbecue requires a bit of planning before you start. It needs to be built a safe distance away from anything that is flammable, and where the smoke won't fill yours or your neighbours house. To get the dimensions for your brickwork you will need your grill set, … [Read more...]