Tried that new rapid-set concrete mix on a driveway apron last week

I switched from the regular 5000 psi mix to one of those fast-setting bag blends thinking it'd save me a morning. Big mistake. I barely had time to get a decent finish before it started kicking off, ended up with a rough texture that took extra grinding. The regular mix gave me a solid hour to work, the rapid set gave me maybe 20 minutes. Has anyone else found a fast-set product that actually gives you enough working time?

2 comments

2 Comments

lucas_hunt11d ago

That 20 minute window sounds about right for most rapid set bags I've used. The issue is they design those mixes for small patch jobs where you just trowel it in place, not for a full driveway apron. I learned the hard way that the "working time" on the bag is measured from when the water hits the mix, not when it's placed on the ground. The Sakrete Pro Finish 5000 is usually a solid compromise, it sets faster than standard concrete but gives you a real 45-60 minute working window if you keep it cool. You want the bag to say "extended working time" or "high performance" on the front, not just "rapid set.

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hall.charles10d ago

Yeah man @lucas_hunt nailed it with that bit about when the timer starts. I did a small set of steps once with rapid set and by the time I got the last bag mixed the first one was already turning into a rock in the wheelbarrow. The Pro Finish 5000 is a good call if you need something that sets faster than standard but doesn't leave you scrambling.