Replies

1. 
   frammer52 | Jul 15, 2008 05:34am | #1

   nope.

1. 
   popawheelie | Jul 15, 2008 06:22am | #2

   I don't mean to be a bother. But could you elaborate a bit on it. It is an exposed walkway in the front yard and It's pretty important to me. And I do get into the details. Maybe more than I should.

1. 
   DougU | Jul 15, 2008 06:34am | #3

   Pop

   I cant imagine the chemical in straw that could possibly stain concrete? Not 100% sure on this subject but I'd be mildly surprised to hear that straw could stain concrete.

   Doug

1. 
   popawheelie | Jul 15, 2008 07:02am | #5

   Thanks!

2. 
   frammer52 | Jul 15, 2008 05:04pm | #8

   We use straw and hay without a problem.  Don't know what more to tell you.

   I prefer to use plastic over concrete and keep watering it this time of year.  Hay and straw in the fall, spring to help insulate against the cold.

1. 
   popawheelie | Jul 15, 2008 08:15pm | #9

   I was going to use the straw to keep the plastic off the slab ( the plastic has already marked up the slab) and have something under the plastic that would hold some moisture.

   So I put straw down, wet it, and then put plastic over it. Will that stain the concrete?

    

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Jul 15, 2008 11:14pm | #10

   Burlap.

   Soak it and then throw the plastic back over it.

   Slow cure for 14 days your home free.

   BTW all the marking will fade out with time.

   It can't look new forever.

2. 
   Danno | Jul 15, 2008 11:15pm | #11

   Only thing I wondered about in your scenario is could the straw mold or get some other fungal thing and that stain the slab?

   I saw a sidewalk the other day that looked like it was cured under a wet tarp--had all sorts of interesting patterns, like a "rag-rolled" wall. Thought acid staining would really look cool.

3. 
   frammer52 | Jul 16, 2008 12:46am | #12

   nope, have done, keep checking every day!

4. 
   popawheelie | Jul 16, 2008 12:53am | #13

   I pulled up the plastic, put down the straw, wet it, and covered it back up with the plastic.

   I am acid washing it after it cured so it should take off alot.

   And if there is some straw marks left I'm calling it the new and improved organic green straw finish!

   Seriously, the patern and color left from straw wouldn't be all that bad.

   It's probably better than the marks left by the plastic. 

2. 
   IMERC | Jul 15, 2008 06:40am | #4

   never heard or saw that to happen...

   or...

   nope...

    

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!
   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

3. 
   Matt | Jul 15, 2008 02:03pm | #6

   It can, but not by itself.  What I mean is that if dirt gets on the slab, it will collect around the straw and leave "patterns" where the straw was.  If you have a perfectly drained area with no recently excavated soil around the slab the straw won't get dirty.   Chances are, the straw and slab will get dirty.  In building homes I take extra care to see that my concrete doesn't get dirty - this applies specifically to the landscapers.  Part of the deal is to install the concrete as late in the construction process as is practical.  Sure it can be power washed but it really never comes clean especially if there is red clay in the area.  The problem of dirty concrete is significant if the concrete gets dirty and wet - as opposed to dry dirt being swept off and then removed by a power wash.  Further if you try too hard to get the concrete clean with the power washer, the concrete surface can be compromised.  Dirty concrete is not a problem for builders who are not meticulous.

   Long story short, I wouldn't put straw on a slab unless it was necessary for cold protection.  Even then I would put down plastic first - which can also mark the slab but not as bad as the straw.

   The best way to cure a slab is to apply some sort of sealer.  That also helps protect the concrete from getting stained.

1. 
   popawheelie | Jul 15, 2008 03:49pm | #7

   Thank you Matt. I guess most guys just don't notice. So far everything that has touched the slab has left a small mark of some sort. Even the plastic.

   I'm going to see if the concrete supply store has a sealer I can use.

4. 
   Henley | Jul 16, 2008 01:41am | #14

   I've seen straw marks on slabs. I don't know as I'd call them "stains".
   They fade out rather quickly.
   All those marks in your fresh slab will fade soon, look up at the
   pretty birds and bouncy joggers for awhile!

1. 
   popawheelie | Jul 16, 2008 01:49am | #15

   I'm fine with it. I was trying to get a definitive answer on it but sometimes there isn't one.

   Apparently the only way to keep water in it and not have marks on it is to spray a curing agent on it. Then if you want to finish it some more you have to remove the curing agent.

   I didn't want to go through that. If I could have I would have pooled water on top of it but I can't.  

1. 
   Henley | Jul 16, 2008 02:12am | #16

   It's fairly common to roll a sealant on right after your done
   finishing. Sealing the moisture in so it cures slowly and helps
   prevent staining.
   But by and large, just keeping it wet for a day or two will
   ensure nice results.