My cement statue fell apart after 50 plus years of standing around enigmatically. How can I put it back together? [more inside]
posted by diode on Oct 29, 2009 - 7 answers

Masonry Mortar Question: I'm doing an artsy birdbath out of riverstone and for the top water-holding basin I need a mortar that adheres well to stone, lasts, endures shrinking/expanding well (as it will be in contact w/ H2O even in the winter), and of course holds water well (or can be be waterproofed). [more inside]
posted by argybarple on Oct 11, 2009 - 3 answers

How easy are self-leveling cement compounds to use? [more inside]
posted by markblasco on Sep 24, 2009 - 10 answers

What specific product should I use to mount a 40 pound slab of slate to the wall? [more inside]
posted by Glendale on Jul 7, 2009 - 14 answers

What do I need to know about cement, asphalt or crushed gravel and which would be best to create a parking area next to my garage? [more inside]
posted by readery on Apr 7, 2009 - 11 answers

I'd like to make concrete slabs and coat them with vitreous enamel, but concrete breaks down at high temperatures. Is there anything as long-lasting and beautiful as vitreous enamel that could be applied to concrete? Or is there anything with the properties of concrete that can withstand the application of vitreous enamel?
posted by Joe in Australia on Aug 30, 2008 - 7 answers

I've been sought out by a manufacturer of cement processing equipment to translate their catalog from Mandarin to English. They found me through another client in an unrelated industry. It's a big sexy gig, the paycheck is a dream, the work is at least a 6-month job, and they don't care that I'm not a specialist - they want someone who'll do the homework and get it right. And that's what I specialize in and my favorite type of translation work, the stuff with lots of details. But where, exactly, do you learn about cement processing and testing equipment? [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Jul 13, 2008 - 16 answers

What is the best way to convert an old, dry cistern into a wine cellar? [more inside]
posted by liquado on Mar 23, 2008 - 11 answers

What's the purpose of painting concrete/cement block black and what are those flaps above the windows for? [more inside]
posted by nnk on Mar 5, 2008 - 11 answers

How can I get this parking-deck-drip-residue off of my car's paint and windshield? [more inside]
posted by Askr on Jan 18, 2008 - 7 answers

I need some ideas to build 5 outdoor steps leading up to a door. Must be steps that can be built in the most quickest, cheapest and easiest of ways. I'm open to any unconventional plans - and of course would appreciate photos of the ideas. Right now I have at my disposal cement mix and tons of building rubble made from concrete. Wondering if the rubble can be recycled to build with. Any ideas - much appreciated!
posted by watercarrier on Oct 28, 2007 - 9 answers

What kind of cement/mortar should buy I at Home Depot or Lowes to fix a crack in a stone facade/wall on the front of my house? [more inside]
posted by 14580 on Oct 18, 2007 - 3 answers

What is this strange object attached to my basement floor? [more inside]
posted by fusinski on Jul 1, 2007 - 23 answers

I need to create a foundation for building a shed, with specific parameters, but I have minimal/difficult on-site water and no electricity. Impossible, you may say! But I'd still like to do it. Please help me come up with the best plan to proceed. [more inside]
posted by Kickstart70 on May 24, 2007 - 31 answers

On my street (and others, here in Toronto) workers have cut large circular pieces out of the sidewalk about every 10 feet or so. For several days, the big wheels of cement sat nearby, and the holes were covered up with metal lids. Now the pieces are back in the sidewalk, all patched up with cement filling the gaps. So... what the heck was being done there?
posted by Robot Johnny on May 1, 2006 - 9 answers

I need to rip an extra-wide door out of our shed and put in a new narrower one. The door frame consists of substantial timbers -- I'm guessing around 3x8 (actual measurements). The floor is cement, there's no bottom frame member. What's the best way to replace the door? [more inside]
posted by user92371 on Mar 20, 2005 - 8 answers