I recently poured Quikrete concrete mix for four piers that I'm planning to attach my pergola to. I've come across varying information about how long I should wait before I can drill into the concrete for attachment. Some say a week, while others suggest different timelines. I want to ensure I get this right. How long should I wait?
3 Answers
Typically, you can drill into your concrete piers after they’ve set for around 3 to 7 days. The longer you wait, the better, since it helps the concrete gain strength. Full curing takes about 28 days, at which point you’ll have about 80% of its design strength, so if your anchors will carry heavy loads, waiting for the full period might be wise.
Exactly! Just keep in mind the longer curing the better for heavy structures.
It's best to wait about a week before drilling or loading those piers. While you might get away with a shorter time, giving it a week is the safest bet to ensure the concrete has set properly.
A week is usually safe for drilling. Some people might wait just a few days. If you’re using wedge anchors, make sure to not tighten them too much initially to avoid cracking the concrete—just snug them up and give it a few days before fully tightening.
That makes sense! So if I wait the full 28 days, I'll feel much safer about the strength.