Dog kennel help

[JOE_DIRT]

I am in the process of building a 12X15 kennel for my dogs. The problem I have is this - I called a concrete guy yesterday and he wants 800 bucks to pour the concrete and fininsh it. I then called the ready mix company and they told me they could pour it for me for less than $200. I can smooth out the concrete myself with a long 2x4, but it will be slightly rougher than being finished with a trowel. Will this harm the dog, or does it even matter? I don't want to waste $600 if I don't have to.

[GALAZIO]

You want to "float" it... not trowel it.

The 2x4 is to get a rough, level serface between the forms. If you shake the 2x4 while "leveling the mix, it will have a "float" affect on the mix and help with it setting up smoother.

If it was me...I would use the board, shake it to get it as smooth as I could (but not perfect), then I would take a push broom and lightly pull it across the surface to knockdown any high spots and to apply a slight textured surface which will allow for better grip for the pooch.

Be sure to apply expansion joints if you are in the north to help from the concrete cracking as it goes through the seasons.

Use the $200 guy, get a friend ('cause you'll need to work fast)...and enjjoy your handy work.

[fishskipper]

If it were mine I would pay the extra $$$... Make sure it has a slope to it... Smooth finish is a lot easier to keep clean.

[dirtyj]

You can rent a "bull float" from most toll rental places and that will help your cause. Agree with the broom finish, but don't be too agressive or it will hold a lot of dirt and poo.

[gottaflylee]

Raither than broom it I would let it dry for a few hours to over night...depending on the outside temp...have the concret. people use a smooth stone... and water hose finish it. This will give you a smooth finish, easy to clean but it will also give your pet some traction. You can find out more about it in a google search or get a book about it @ lowes or home depot.

[Reelhope]

Joe,
Dude-sent you a pm.-I would come down over the weekend and do it for you, for less than that! This is the kind of work I do on the side. Decks, fences, concrete, kitchen, bath and basement remodeling! Give me a call!
Anyone else who also needs work done, glad to travel!
Here is some samples of my work!

[j towne]

Go down to the local Home depot and yell out of your truck.

¿Quién sabe cómo hacer el trabajo concreto?

[Squidnation]

Real nice stuff todd. I may have a deck project for you in the not too distant future.

[hotshot1]

I say go with reelhope, The concrete has to be smooth or it will calus the hell out of the dogs pads and elbows. If there are a lot of grooves it can harbour parasites and bacteria. I see dogs with calus and foot problems a lot that are on a lot of concrete. Keeping smooth will also aid in cleaning , the grooves will hold in a lot of dirt, I would also put a drain in the middle so you don't get stagnant water agian leading to the mentioned problems. Concrete with dogs can get real smelly if not kept clean. also have a good area where they can get off the concrete and into the shade.

[hotrodmarlin]

Whatever you do make sure you cure it. I would suggest a 30% solids acrylic cure and seal to spray on just after you finish the concrete. Concrete loses about 75% of it's strength if not cured properly and the sealer will protect it and will be much easier to clean. Try to find a construction supply company to buy it from instead of the crap Lowe's and Home Depot sell.