Broken concrete hardscape

Title: Broken concrete hardscape
Many people emailed me off list asking for my tips and tricks for using broken concrete as hardscape so I thought I'd just post it to the list.   I ran my thoughts past my husband and he added a point or two of his own. If anyone has anything else to add, please do so!
 
  •  Call every trucking company, pool contractor and concrete  company in the phone book.  Tell them you are looking for clean concrete.  If they have what you are looking for, they can dump it at your house.  If you live closer to the worksite than the dump is, they will probably be happy to bring it to you for free as it costs them tipping fees to dump the concrete and it takes their time.
  • If you are looking for a particular color, ask for it.  We have some gray and some rose-colored concrete that was popular in the 70s.  The rose looks much like sandstone and we used it throughout our front yard.   Most people think it is sandstone, not concrete.
  • Be sure the concrete does NOT have any reinforcing bars (rebar) in it
  • Look for concrete that is 3" to 4" thick.  Thinner is too fragile and thicker gets pretty heavy.
  • Larger is better.  Pieces are best if at least 12" in one dimension. Smaller pieces can be used as fill if you are trying to build up an area but they are pretty much useless as construction materials
  • Break up too large pieces with a sledge hammer and/or mason's hammer (standard size with a horizontal, sharp blade).  Mason's hammers work best on thinner concrete.
  • Concrete can be stained with a solution of iron sulfate.  I haven't tried it yet but it has been recommended by several people.  Do a test first on a scrap piece of concrete.
  • Plan for a final trip to the dump.  No matter what you get,you'll end up with some rubble in the end so find a trucker who will come and haul it all away for you.  It will cost you a bit but not much compared to the cost of buying flagstone.

We have used this material to dry stack walls, set walkways (both mortared and non-mortared) and I am itching to try making a seating wall of it.  The only thing I worry about is that the exposed aggregate is kind of rough and I wonder if it will be scratchy on bare legs.  Anyone got any ideas?

Nan


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Nan Sterman                     Plant Soup (TM)
Please note new mailing address:       
PO Box 231034
Encinitas, CA 92023             760.634.2902 (voice)   
NSterman@PlantSoup.Com          760.634.2957 (fax)

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