Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, I need some advice with a project I would like to do. I have a 10x10 shed for my torts with their entrance being a 5x3 square covered with 2 layers of clear vinyl stips for their door. Outside the door is a sandy loam that grows nothing due to the torts. During heavy rain the dirt/sand splashes up all over the shed and door and some erodes away. I would like to mix some sand and portland mix with concrete color and do a skim coat over the area to form almost a shell to keep everything put. Would this work? any other options other than pouring a concrete pad? Would the polymetricsand used for pavers work for this? I am trying to keep it natural looking without spending a fortune. Also if the portland/sand/color idea will work can I mix it all up dry, spread to the desired contour I'm looking for then wet? or do I have to do it the normal way? thanks for any input or advice. Forgot to mention the area I'm trying to cover is about 10x8. Thanks again, Mike

The problem you will run into with a skim coat as you suggest is it will not support your weight. It would probably work for the turtles but if you for any reason needed to walk on it it will break.

My suggestion short of pouring a concrete pad would be locate a brick and block supplier in your area. Pick up 2" concrete slabs, these measure 8"X16"X2". They aren't very expensive and will support your weight. Then you can use your idea of portland cement and mortar color. I would still recommend this be at least 1" thick in the thinnest area.

You might get away with doing the portland part dry then wetting it down. But you will have to be sure you get it thoroughly wet all the way through. In the long run it would be easier to mix it wet and then contour it the way you want.

Hope this helps,
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BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
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This does help, I was thinking it might not support much weight, but wasnt quit sure. Thanks for the suggestion. Mike