Jobsite gear, materials, and moving them right
Mixing Concrete by Hand: Tools, Water and Mixing Steps
Mix bagged concrete by hand with measured water, manageable batches and a hoe. Learn the mixing sequence and checks for dry pockets and excess water.
By Tony Marsh · Nov 2, 2026 · 4 min readLatest
Mixture Ratio of Concrete: Cement, Sand, Stone and Water
Read concrete mix ratios by volume, calculate water-cement ratio by weight, and know when to use bag instructions or a project-specific mix design.
Standard Floor Joist Spacing: 12, 16, 19.2 or 24 Inches?
Understand standard floor joist spacings, measure on-center layout correctly, and check when 12, 16, 19.2 or 24 inches fits the floor design.
Form Plywood: Grades, Overlays, Thickness and Reuse
Compare Plyform, MDO and HDO concrete-form plywood, then check thickness, support spacing, release agents and realistic reuse expectations.
How to Mix Mortar Mix: Water, Mixing Steps and Consistency
Mix bagged masonry mortar by hand or mixer. Learn how to measure water, eliminate dry pockets, check consistency and manage working time.
LVL Floor Joists: Selection, Sizing and Installation Checks
Learn when LVL can serve as floor joists, how to read product-specific span tables, and what to check for bearing, holes, bracing and moisture.
Difference Between Mortar and Concrete: Which Mix Fits the Job?
Compare mortar and concrete by ingredients, bonding, strength and placement. Know which to use for masonry joints, slabs and concrete repairs.
More articles
Type S Mortar vs Type N: Strength and When to Use Each
Compare Type S and Type N mortar strength, typical uses and repair compatibility—and learn why stronger mortar is not always the right choice.
Utility Trenching: Plan, Excavate, Install and Backfill
Plan utility trenching around service requirements, existing lines, machine access, trench protection, bedding, inspections and backfill.
Retaining Walls on a Slope: Layout, Terraces and Stepped Bases
Plan hillside retaining walls with stepped bases, terrace spacing, drainage, equipment access and global slope stability—not just exposed wall height.
Ringlock Scaffolding: Components, Connections and Selection
Understand ringlock scaffold components, rosette-and-wedge connections, applications, and the load, layout and compatibility checks before ordering.
Supported Scaffold: Types, Foundations and Setup Checks
Understand supported scaffold types, foundation requirements, tipping restraint and load limits, with practical checks before crews use the platform.
How Thick Should a Concrete Slab Be?
Use 4 inches as a light-duty starting point, then check vehicle loads, soil support, foundation details and actual slab depth before pouring.
How to Prevent Crane Accidents on Site
Plan crane lifts around verified weight, working radius, ground support, power lines, rigging and crew communication—with practical stop-work checks.
Cross Bracing Floor Joists: Purpose, Spacing and Installation
Learn what floor-joist cross bracing does, when bridging is required, and how joist type, spacing and connections control installation.
Forms for Concrete Columns: Selection and Pre-Pour Checks
Compare tube, plywood, panel and steel column forms, then check concrete pressure, bracing, lifting access, finish and stripping requirements.
Clevis Shackle: Types, Load Ratings and Fit Checks
Choose a clevis shackle by working load limit, bow or D shape, pin retention and connection fit. Know what to inspect before a jobsite lift.
Compact Backhoe: Choose by Depth, Reach and Working Space
Choose a compact backhoe by usable digging depth, stabilizer spread, loader capacity and tractor compatibility—not horsepower alone.
Anchor for Masonry Wall: Choose by Substrate and Load
Match masonry wall anchors to hollow block, grouted CMU or brick, then check load direction, embedment, spacing and installation requirements.