Old timer told me to wet the forms, I thought he was nuts

Back in March I was pouring a small pad for a buddy's shed outside Tulsa and this retired finisher, guy must've been 70, watches me set up and says 'wet those forms down before you pour or you'll be fighting the edges all day.' I figured it was some old wives tale, dry lumber pulls moisture out of the mix so fast it sets up rough along the frame. Sure enough I skipped it to save time, and by the time I got to the edges the concrete was stiff and I left drag marks I had to patch. Next pour I soaked everything, night and day difference, edges floated smooth with zero effort. Anyone else ever get a tip from a veteran that sounded dumb but saved your butt?

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jones.brooke25d ago

That wet the forms line got me thinking about something else. Dry wood can also warp and bow when it soaks up moisture from the concrete, which can mess with your straight edges even if you get the finish right. Soaking them first keeps the lumber stable too, not just the mix.