Crap.

Well crap.

I wrote a reply last Friday, but forgot to hit the Reply button. Brother-in-law who was a ‘Nam vet decided to do himself in for Memorial Day, so we were gone until early this AM helping my wife’s sister. They don’t have internet, so I couldn’t check postings. Here is my reply:

“Thanks for all the replies and ideas!

Barn is on a knoll, probably the highest point on the property, so drainage isn’t an issue. Temps are, it goes from around 10 in Feb and hits 100 a couple times in the summer. Existing concrete has a couple of good cracks, but by the looks they’ve been there for 50 years. The floor looks like a lunar surface, probable a hundred 2-6” dia spalls 1-3” deep. Grinding ain’t gonna do it. Thinking about going with sand over the existing concrete, I’m checking with local contractors. I’ll keep watching, so any other opinions are sure appreciated!

Scott”

I did get an estimate from a local concrete guy this morning; he’s been at it for 20 years and his dad for 40 before him. Quote was for 3 grand, which includes the 7 yards of 4000psi, heavy 6” mesh, an inch of sand over the old floor, no pinning, and ½” felt 5” up the wall all the way around.

Whatch think?

I think its pricey

Price out the materials and you'll see how much he's getting for his labor. Contractors can get a better price on concrete than homeowners, so it often makes no sense to pour it yourself.

I'm not a fan of mesh, although it's OK if the crew is careful to lift it up as they pour. Fiber mix is easier to work with, and rebar is stronger.

Don't use the felt expansion joint if you can get rubber. (Ask when you call the redi-mix plant for concrete prices.) Felt quickly rots out, leaving a half-inch gap along your wall.