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WHO ARE WE?Tolleson, AZ Concrete From driveways to pathways to patios and porches and any other concrete or masonry needs you may have, we have you covered. Our expert concrete tradesmen have perfected the art of concrete over the decades. As a result we have the knowledge, the expertise and the wisdom to know what works best in each individual scenario. Our main objective is to provide our customers with an end product that not only looks amazing, but will last a lifetime as well. With something as important as the aesthetics and functionality of your home on the line, it is important to never settle. Fill out the form below for a free estimate or give us a call!
(623) 624-8895 |
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A Brief History Of Concrete
The invention of concrete, from a date perspective, is subjective. Prior to the advent of our modern-day concrete, ancient civilizations used cements which were comprised of crushed, burned gypsum or limestone (lime). When adding sand and water to these substances, it resulted in the creation of mortar which was used to adhere stones to one another. Over thousands of years, and countless technological advances, these materials, along with other newly-utilized materials, became what we know as concrete today.
Today’s concrete is comprised of Portland cement, an aggregate material consisting of coarse and/or fine stone or sand, and water. Chemicals, known as admixtures, are then added to control the setting properties of the concrete, especially when pouring concrete in areas that experience extreme variances in climate such as windy conditions, or high or low temperatures.
One of the predecessor materials to our modern-day concrete was invented in about 1300 BC. Middle East builders discovered that when they coated their fortresses and the walls of their homes with a thin, damp coating of burnt limestone, it resulted in the occurrence of a chemical reaction with gases in the air. This reaction subsequently created a hard, protective surface...the beginning developments of cement.
However, it wasn’t until 1793, when a man by the name of John Smeaton helped accelerate the development of concrete by discovering a more modern method for producing hydraulic lime to be used for cement. Smeaton used a combination of limestone and clay which was fired until it transformed into something known as clinker. This clinker material was then ground down into a powder. It was the use of this powdered clinker material in the historic renovation of the Eddystone Lighthouse in Cornwall, England that generated its popularity and acceptance.
Eventually in 1824, an Englishman, by the name of Joseph Aspdin, invented Portland cement by using a kiln to burn a combination of clay and finely ground chalk until none of the carbon dioxide remained. It's named was derived from the Isle of Portland, England due to the fact that the cement resembled the high-quality building stones used in that region. Among scholars, it’s widely believed that Aspdin was the first person to create fusion by heating silica and alumina materials until the point of vitrification. Seeing as though vitrification resulted in a product that was not desirable, Aspdin refined his method by carefully, and systematically, adjusting the proportions of limestone and clay, then pulverizing them, and finally burning the mixture into clinker. This clinker wa ground into the finished cement we now know as Portland Cement.
Today’s concrete is comprised of Portland cement, an aggregate material consisting of coarse and/or fine stone or sand, and water. Chemicals, known as admixtures, are then added to control the setting properties of the concrete, especially when pouring concrete in areas that experience extreme variances in climate such as windy conditions, or high or low temperatures.
One of the predecessor materials to our modern-day concrete was invented in about 1300 BC. Middle East builders discovered that when they coated their fortresses and the walls of their homes with a thin, damp coating of burnt limestone, it resulted in the occurrence of a chemical reaction with gases in the air. This reaction subsequently created a hard, protective surface...the beginning developments of cement.
However, it wasn’t until 1793, when a man by the name of John Smeaton helped accelerate the development of concrete by discovering a more modern method for producing hydraulic lime to be used for cement. Smeaton used a combination of limestone and clay which was fired until it transformed into something known as clinker. This clinker material was then ground down into a powder. It was the use of this powdered clinker material in the historic renovation of the Eddystone Lighthouse in Cornwall, England that generated its popularity and acceptance.
Eventually in 1824, an Englishman, by the name of Joseph Aspdin, invented Portland cement by using a kiln to burn a combination of clay and finely ground chalk until none of the carbon dioxide remained. It's named was derived from the Isle of Portland, England due to the fact that the cement resembled the high-quality building stones used in that region. Among scholars, it’s widely believed that Aspdin was the first person to create fusion by heating silica and alumina materials until the point of vitrification. Seeing as though vitrification resulted in a product that was not desirable, Aspdin refined his method by carefully, and systematically, adjusting the proportions of limestone and clay, then pulverizing them, and finally burning the mixture into clinker. This clinker wa ground into the finished cement we now know as Portland Cement.
How Much Is A Yard Of Concrete? A yard of concrete refers to a cubic yard which is 3 feet in width by 3 feet in height by 3 feet in depth or length. It is a 'cube' measurement hence the term cubic. If converted, it would be the equivalent of 27 cubic feet, and if we take it a step further to square feet we must factor in the depth or thickness of the poured concrete. At a thickness of 3 inches, it would equate to 108 square feet of concrete coverage area. To put that into perspective, it would cover an area roughly 10 feet wide by 10 feet long, or the approximate size of a small bedroom.
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How Much Concrete Do I Need? The answer to this question depends on a couple different factors. the first and most important factor is the type of project are you working on. this will determine which measurements you will need to have on hand prior to ordering your concrete. The second factor piggybacks on the first; you'll need to figure out the specific measurements for whatever your pour area will be. Concrete slab measurements will be thickness x width x length, footings will by depth x width x length, and columns will be diameter x height. If, for example, you are pouring a concrete slab, you need to have three measurements in order to calculate the amount of concrete needed. Those measurements are as follows: thickness x width x length = amount of concrete needed. If you wanted a concrete slab 6" (.5') thick and 15' wide by 20' long, it would be calculated as follows: .5 x 15 x 20 = 150 cu ft / 27 = 5.56 cu yd. Concrete is an art form and, although many people attempt to tackle concrete jobs on their own to save a few bucks, we highly recommend hiring a professional, especially with stamped concrete and any concrete that will be exposed to heavy loads.
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How Long Does Concrete Take To Dry? When first poured, concrete is very sensitive and can be easily ruined. To ensure long-term strength and reliability, it must be properly cured. Neglecting this critical step will result in regret down the line. There are three main reasons or purposes of curing concrete:
In order to achieve proper curing, it is imperative that the appropriate temperature and moisture content are maintained. It is easy to bypass this step due to time constraints, impatience, or both; if you do skip this step, it will most definitely have a negative impact on the quality of your concrete work. It is highly advisable to let all concrete surfaces cure properly, however, horizontal surfaces tend to have the most obvious problems if not properly cured. Crazing, which is a pattern of fine cracks, will most likely result if the surface is not properly cured. It could then lead to a dusting surface that has low strength and little resistance to abrasions. The curing process, in its entirety, takes roughly 1 month. However, your concrete will be ready for use prior to achieving a full cure. All concrete projects will vary to some degree due to placement and finishing techniques, as well as concrete mix and weather. When waiting for concrete to cure, you can generally use these timeframes as rough guidelines:
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What Is Concrete Made Of? Concrete is a mixture comprised of two components: paste and some form of aggregate material. The paste is formed from Portland cement and water. This paste coats the aggregate material, whether it be coarse, fine, or a mixture of sand, gravel, and/or crushed stone. Once the aggregate material is coated with the paste, the aggregate material begins to leach the water out of the paste, thus hydrating itself and ultimately hardening into what we all know as concrete. The one unique trait to concrete as a building material is that it is malleable and plastic-like when poured and then hardens to become extremely strong and durable. Hence why it is the chosen material in the construction of everything from bridges, sidewalks, and highways to dams, house, and skyscrapers.
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How Much Does Concrete Cost? $125 per yard is a good place to start when estimating the cost of plain concrete. However, costs vary by geographic region and you''l also have to factor in the expense of a delivery driver and labor charges if you plan on hiring out the work to a contractor.
To arrive at an accurate estimate is not an easy feat due to the fact that many factors come into play when determining the cost of concrete. For example, concrete forms and finishing, sub-base materials and preparation, grading, and of course, the local cost of the concrete itself. The above-stated figure of $125/yd can be used as a rough indicator of price for plain concrete. If, however, you decide you want something with a little more character, there are decorative concrete options available as well. Decorative options such as stamping, staining, and other decorative touches will add character but will also add significantly to the cost of the project. Decorative concrete is an excellent option for those homeowners who want a high-end look at a fraction of the price of some of the more traditional high-end finishes. Not to mention, due to the versatility of concrete, it can be used for driveways, patios, porches, countertops, floors, and more. Due to the advancements in decorative concrete techniques, such as polishing, staining and stamping, your concrete can be transformed to take on the appearance of marble, slate, flagstone and more without the high-end price tag. Below are some rough figures for costs associated with various concrete applications: Outdoor Concrete--
Indoor Concrete--
Factors that influence the cost of decorative concrete:
When considering having any concrete done, always get a quote from a legitimate, professional concrete company such as Tolleson Concrete. We can often do the project at or below your cost due to the volume of material that we purchase and the fact that we have access to, and experience with, all of the proper equipment. This will result in a better end result and a cost savings to you...win-win! One Final Note: When considering the purchase of concrete, think about quality and service first and cost second. Concrete, when done correctly, will last for years to come, typically outlasting other options such as asphalt paving. Don't risk your long-term happiness with one of your largest investments, your home, to just any concrete company. Give us a call or fill out the form above for a free estimate! |
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Areas We Service
The following is a list of areas that we provide our services to:
Tolleson, Ahwatukee, Laveen, Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Queen Creek, Florence, El Mirage, Cave Creek,
Sun City, Sun City West, New River, Carefree, Apache Junction, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Glendale, Guadalupe, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Surprise, Gilbert, Scottdale, Chandler and the entire greater Phoenix metro area.
Tolleson, Ahwatukee, Laveen, Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Queen Creek, Florence, El Mirage, Cave Creek,
Sun City, Sun City West, New River, Carefree, Apache Junction, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Glendale, Guadalupe, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Surprise, Gilbert, Scottdale, Chandler and the entire greater Phoenix metro area.
Tolleson, AZ Concrete
(623) 624-8895
