The Do-It-Yourself Guide To Home Concrete Projects

For librarians, a good how-to tape for home projects is always a sound investment: in boom times, homeowners have trouble finding firms to take small jobs; in recession, people do their own work to save money. Host Martin Douglas is a master concrete finisher; his presentation is good, sensible and straightforward. He discusses tools needed for the project (with thrifty emphasis on renting equipment), guides the viewer on a tour of the concrete plant, and creates both a curved and brushed walkway: from planning and excavating to placing the reinforcement wire, spreading the concrete, adding the top colored layer, and sealing. In addition, the program offers a particularly informative demonstration on working with exposed aggregates and various grades of stone. The tape ends with an analysis of finished projects and an address to write to if the viewer has questions or needs help. The only real demerit comes from all the wind noise picked up by the microphone. Still, this video is as helpful as having your dad lend a hand, and you won't even get yelled at. Recommended. (R. Reagan)