To do this, you will need to measure the lot size and lines in relation to the slab.
Pre-Mix vs.
Loose Concrete Materials
Workingconcreteby hand in a wheelbarrow requires strength, organization, and speed.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
For a 3-foot by 3-foot slab, you will need two assistants.
The wet mix is poured into a prepared wood form and then left to cure.
Buy a crack-resistant, ready-mix to avoid setting a reinforcing bar (rebar) for strength.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Its synthetic fibers eliminate the need for rebar on small-scale concrete slabs.
This gives you more control over the proportions of the concrete mixture.
Volumetric concrete is usually less expensive than pre-mix concrete since transportation costs are minimized.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
When to Lay a Concrete Slab
Wait for dry, warm conditions to pour your concrete slab.
For most ready-mixes, the temperature should be 70F or higher for five days after pouring.
Never pour concrete when temperatures are expected to dip below 40F since it may cause the concrete to crack.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Avoid pouring concrete when rain is expected as this can compromise the concrete’s integrity.
Safety Considerations
Always wear the proper gear when working with concrete.
Safety glasses are also a good idea to prevent concrete from splashing into your eyes.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Long pants, long sleeves, and gloves will help protect the skin.
Use the speed square or a carpenter’s square to set the perpendicular lines.
fire off the twine tightly between the stakes to define the slab area.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
The intent is to provide yourself with extra working room on all sides.
Use the tamper tool to compact and flatten the gravel.
However, tamping will bring down the level to its correct height.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Set the Concrete Slab Form
Make concrete forms from two-by-fours.
Wet the Sub-Base
With the garden hose, lightly wet down the sub-base.
When it has a peanut butter-like consistency, pour it into the form.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Push the concrete around the form with the hoe and with gloved hands.
Using slightly more water than specified makes the concrete easier to work with.
However, too much water will reduce the concrete’s cured strength.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Add the water in 2-ounce increments.
Let the excess drop off the side for later removal.
Tap all around the outside of the form with a hammer to settle the concrete.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Float the Wet Concrete
Let the concrete settle until the surface water evaporates.
Then, using a concrete hand float, smooth and compact the slab’s surface.
A metal concrete trowel can be used 10 to 20 minutes after floating for a smoother finish.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
It can be left smooth or textured by lightly dragging a broom across the surface.
An edging trowel can be used for rounding the perimeter edges for a stronger and more finished look.
Let the Concrete Cure
Let the concrete cure for about 48 hours.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Full strength is typically achieved after 28 days, though it can be walked on after two days.
It’s best to wait 7 to 10 days before putting patio furniture on the slab.
This table provides an average of the costs that you’re free to expect.
You might need to add a gravel layer if the ground is clay.
For walkways, patios, garages, and driveways, pour a concrete slab at least 4 inches thick.
Make the slab at least 5 to 6 inches to accommodate slabs for trucks or heavier vehicles.
They are prone to more cracks when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
You will need to seal and repair it if a crack appears.
Expansion joints should be placed using this formula: thickness of the slab times 30 equals joint spacing.
So, for a 4-inch concrete slab, expansion joints should be placed every 120-inches or every 10 feet.
2010;10:19. doi:10.1186/1471-2466-10-19
Concrete expansion joints explained.
