Heard a homeowner say concrete work is 'just pouring mud' at a party last weekend

I was at a backyard BBQ in Tacoma and this guy in a polo shirt told everyone my trade is 'just pouring mud and waiting.' I asked him how many 80-pound bags he's hand-mixed before noon in July. Made me wonder how many folks actually know what goes into a proper finish.

2 comments

2 Comments

anthonykim22d ago

I read somewhere that a guy spent like three days fixing a small patio that some "just pour mud" guy had done in five hours. The cure was all wrong, the finish looked like a waffle, and the edges were already crumbling. I think the joke is that people see the final product and think it's simple, but they don't see the hours of prep, the right mix ratio, or the timing to avoid cracking in the heat. That polo guy would probably flip if he knew about things like cold joints or how much water on top actually ruins the surface. It's not rocket science, but it's definitely not as easy as watching it happen.

jason7322d ago

Bet that same guy has never had to fix a cracked driveway that was "just poured mud" by someone else. How long did it take before his contractor buddy showed up with a finicky mix and the sun was already cooking the surface? Did he actually ask what happens when the slump is off by half an inch or the curing time gets rushed?