When it comes to installing concrete flooring, anyone who hasn't previously done it wonders just what materials to use and how to mix it.

There is a list of materials that you will need to install concrete flooring. On it you'll find stakes, a 2x4 with a long enough length or screen the area, forming boards, mason's cord, gravel, concrete, 6 mil plastic, fine sand, concrete sealer, and, if you aren't using fiber-reinforced concrete, wire remesh.

The list of tools is just as long, including a 3 lb. sledge hammer, a shovel, a tape measure, a level, a tamper, a claw hammer, a line level, a wheelbarrow, a hoe, a bull float (if it is a large area), a hand float, a grooving tool, an edging tool, and a street broom.

Now comes the time to discuss mixes. There are various premixed products that are available today, which makes choosing what to use for your project a hard task. But, to help narrow your search, keep in mind that there are three basic mixes for concrete flooring. Regular concrete mix contains a mixture of gravel, sand, and cement. If you choose regular concrete mix for your flooring, you must use it with wire remesh. Wire remesh helps the concrete to be stable, while also ensuring that large cracks won't form. You should pour this type of mix when the weather is warm.

High early strength mix works well when the weather is cold. It contains the same ingredients as a regular mix, but also contains an additive to shorten setup time. You'll also need to use this mix with wire remesh.

Last is the fiber-reinforced mix. Again, this mix and the regular mix share the same ingredients. However, synthetic fibers are also included to make sure the bond is strengthened. You do not need wire remesh with a fiber-reinforced mix.

Once you've set up the area you plan to cover with concrete flooring, you can mix the concrete, doing so according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Once it is mixed, you can pour it into the prepared site.

While pouring, use the 2x4 to move the concrete and create an even surface. Make sure to pass over the concrete mix several times to ensure you don't have any high spots or air bubbles. Before it dries, use the float to smooth the top of the concrete. Use the edging tool to release the concrete from its form. Do this as the concrete sets. During this time you should also use the broom to surface the concrete. Wet the bristles and move it lightly over the surface. This technique creates small ridges that help provide an anti slip surface.

With a little research, you will again never wonder how to mix it and what to use when installing concrete flooring.