The Waiting Game: How Long Does New Concrete Take to Cure?
Initial Set: Right after pouring, the concrete starts to stiffen up. It can handle light foot traffic within 24 to 48 hours, but it's still fragile, so be careful.
Early Strength: Over the next few days, the concrete gains strength, reaching about 70% of its full strength in about a week. It's getting stronger, but don't put heavy loads on it just yet.
Full Cure: Concrete keeps getting stronger for several weeks, reaching its maximum strength after about 28 days. During this time, protect it from drying out too fast or extreme temperature changes.
Factors Affecting Cure Time: Temperature, humidity, and concrete mix all play a role. Warmer weather speeds things up, while cold or dry conditions slow it down.
Patience Pays Off: Rushing the process can lead to problems later on, so give your concrete the time it needs to cure properly. It'll be worth the wait for a strong and durable surface that lasts.