Foundations & Concrete Work (For Pros By Pros)

"Foundations & Concrete Work" has been an indispensable resource for my recent DIY projects. The guidance provided is thorough and easy to understand, which is fantastic for someone like me who is still learning the ropes. The book offers detailed instructions on everything from pouring a foundation to finishing concrete surfaces, making it much easier to take on projects with confidence. One aspect I truly appreciate is how the book simplifies complex topics. The step-by-step approach breaks down each task into manageable parts, which has been incredibly helpful. The illustrations and photos are clear and provide an excellent visual reference, ensuring that I know exactly what to expect at each stage of the process. What I particularly liked is the practical tips scattered throughout the book. These nuggets of wisdom have saved me from potential mistakes and made my work more efficient. I also appreciate the range of projects covered, as it gives me a solid foundation (pun intended) in various aspects of concrete work. If there's anything to note, it's that some sections could use a bit more depth, particularly for more advanced techniques. However, as a beginner, I found the content perfectly suited to my needs. In short, this book has significantly boosted my confidence in handling concrete projects around the house. Whether you’re laying a new foundation or just doing some minor repairs, this guide is an excellent addition to any DIYer's library.

I thought this was a book I purchased a long time ago and though many moves it came up missing. So I purchased this one and what I could remember from the lost book I couldn't find it in the pages of this one. It is a good book. I bought 2 and gave the second one as a present to friend who was just getting started with a foundation repair project.

Great book so far giving it 4 starts because I received it damaged

I am just a beginner to using concrete but after reading this book I think that as soon as the winter is over I will begin pouring my own footings and start with concrete and concrete block construction at my ranch. Anything I build will be stronger and last longer than an average tin building. I am really looking forward to putting my new knowledge to use!

All the knowledge you would need for basic work. A little short on how to do the more complicated work to look professional. Tips are not there.

This book goes straight to the important stuff like checking soil for concrete and explaining the curing process. It is a great book that merges age-old concrete methods (but still relevant) with new concrete design (pre-cast) and does so with a beautiful flow that makes the ideas stick. Highly recommended to the concrete enthusiast. It also talks about waterproofing and controlling water drainage which is really important to guarantee a home keeps its foundation strong.

I was looking for something that would tell me how to set up forms to pour a pony wall over the top of an existing slab. This book doesn't go into details about what boards to use, details on bracing, and other topics that I need to understand. I was hoping for detailed diagrams showing cross-sections of foundations and the forms used. But this book is a collection of project overviews and advice more than a how-to for this sort of detail. It's not to say that there isn't a lot of good advice, just that if you're looking for fine details, this probably isn't the book.

I bought this book for home DIY and found it is very helpful. It covers most of the concrete work I want to know, such as foundation, decking post, concrete work and also the drainage. Not only the detailed step by step description with photos, it also explains why. I am doing home renovation and need to lay a block foundation for my conservatory room and this book gives me most of details I need to learn and know.

Very useful book which is laid out well.

Not being a professionnal concrete worker, this book, through the various chapters, explains clearly, simply and with sufficient details to be able to understand, and once practiced, experiment in building foundations, from the initial steps of leveling, all the way to connecting to a mudsill. Very complete, it explains most North American building methods, in real life situations, and in a humoristic manner. It is sufficiently detailed to demonstrate how foundation work with the external forces, to help us (not professionnals) to feel confident in making/building basic foundations. And I strongly believe this is also a good book for professionnals too, as you never know enough ! I highly recommend !!

Great information for many different projects glad to have this one in my library.

nice and informative with the typical yank/Canadian no nonsense approach; unfortunately Amazon has a different style so i must ramble on a bit

Covers all basic aspects for good foundations and groundwork. It would be helpful to include a bit more information on concrete mix ratios and applied information for those that are interested in mixing their own concrete. Also including a short description of Stabilized Rammed Earth and Slip-Form methods of building with concrete as a viable foundation and wall system would be nice. A good book though overall for anyone wanting a thorough introduction to concrete work.