How to Use Mats Instead of Wire for Concrete

Fiberglass wire placed in thin concrete sheets, such as those used for countertops, serves as a reinforcing layer. This reinforcement helps keep the concrete from cracking. As an alternative to wire, though, you can use a fiberglass mat instead. This cloth-like material functions the same as wire once it's placed in the concrete and helps prevent the initial formation of cracks and slows their spread over time. Because the material can be cut to whatever shape you wish, it’s useful for irregularly shaped slabs.

Concrete form
Safety goggles
Face mask
Rubber gloves
Concrete mix
Large bucket
Electric drill with grout mixer attachment
Fiberglass mat
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Set the concrete form that you intend to use to create the slab on a flat surface.
- 2
  Put on a pair of safety goggles, a face mask and rubber gloves to avoid skin and eye contact with the concrete mix, as well as inhalation of the mix’s particles.
- 3
  Mix the concrete in a large bucket with an electric drill and a grout mixer attachment. Mix the concrete with water until you have a batch about the same consistency as thick cake batter.
- 4
  Pour the concrete into the form slowly from a corner and fill it halfway.
- 5
  Cut a piece of fiberglass mat to the size of the form’s interior with a utility knife. Set the mat over the concrete in the form.
- 6
  Continue filling the form. Rub the concrete onto the mesh by hand and make sure that all of the small holes in the mesh are filled so there are no air pockets in the material. After covering the mesh, pour the remainder of the concrete into the form up to the rim. Wait for a week to 10 days for the concrete to cure before removing the form from the slab.

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