[william]

Hi all,

I will shortly be pouring some concrete into a round formwork for an entrance gate pillar. After that, the pillar will be plastered.

What's the best concrete mix and material to use that will create a rough enough surface that plaster will stick to? I was thinking 1 concrete to 6 builders gravel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, what mix/material would you recommend for the foundation. Pillar will be 5ft by 2.5ft.

Thanks,

William

[the keen edge]

Collect some wet ready mixed concrete from your local concrete plant.

This will save you time collect the individual items, and then mixing them in correct proportions, plus its quality will be assured; especially as your form-work is independently standing and exposed.
Calculation the required quantity and request 35 Newton strength concrete.

Set a few T12mm re-bar in the foundation extruding ~12" above the foundation top surface, say a 300mm x 300mm bend in a L-shaped fashion.
Then when your setting the column form-work, extend the foundation re-bars through the column by tying to them a few ~60" lengths of re-bar.
Link the re-bar together, nothing to specific or detailed, vibrate the column form-work when filled.

A gate pillar is exposed and could easily fall if struck by a vehicle.
So I suggest €20 worth of re-bar and €20 rental of the concrete vibrator, combined with ready mixed concrete would be money well spent.

[william]

Many thanks for this. Much appreciated.

[william]

I was quoted €43.50 (includes VAT) for 18m of 12mm high tensile reinforced rebar. That's €14.50 a 6m length. I feel that this is expensive. Am I right in my thinking?