Concrete & Masonry Basics: Pour Slabs, Lay Block, and Repair Stonework That Lasts

Concrete & Masonry Basics gives homeowners a practical, safety-first guide to small concrete and masonry projects that last. Learn the difference between cement, concrete, mortar, and grout, how to plan and estimate a pour, when bags make sense and when ready-mix is smarter, how to prepare a compacted base, set forms, place reinforcement, pour and finish slabs, cut control joints, cure properly, lay block, repoint mortar, and repair concrete, brick, and stone. The book is honest about the hard limits too: wet concrete burns, silica dust, heavy materials, frost depth, drainage, retaining walls, foundations, chimneys, structural masonry, permits, and engineered work all get clear warnings. Built for beginners, this guide focuses on preparation, safe workflow, real math, and permanent work done right the first time.