Readers ask: Concrete Patio How To?

How do you prepare the ground for a concrete patio?

Preparation is the most important aspect of pouring a concrete slab.

  1. Dig the ground down to the proper depth.
  2. Smooth out the ground with the flat side of a rake so that you have a level surface.
  3. Tamp the ground with a hand tamper or mechanical tamper.
  4. Pour 2 inches of small, rounded gravel for additional drainage needs.

Can I pour my own concrete patio?

You’ll save 40 percent to 50 percent by pouring your patio yourself. (Taking the DIY route also means you can be sure the technical details are done correctly.) You’ll save even more if you mix your own concrete instead of having a ready-mix truck deliver it.

How much does a 12×12 concrete patio cost?

Cost to Install Concrete Patio by Size

Size in Feet Square Footage Price Range
10×10 100 $900 – $2,600
12×12 144 $1,200 – $3,000
12×14 168 $1,400 – $4,000
15×15 225 $1,800 – $5,500
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Can concrete be poured directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

Do I need gravel under concrete?

Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn’t drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains.

Do you need rebar in concrete patio?

Do concrete patios need rebar? Even though it’s possible to build a concrete patio without rebar, it’s not recommended. All concrete is subject to cracks, but rebar holds all the cracks together and keeps the slab level and even. Without rebar, the cracks would become quite wide and the concrete would become uneven.

What is the cheapest way to pour a concrete slab?

One of the least expensive ways to get concrete is to mix your own. You can buy bags of the mix from a home improvement store. Typically, you only have to add water for it to be ready to pour. However, it is important to get the ratio right and to mix the concrete thoroughly.

Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?

As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 10×20 slab?

A 60-pound bag yields. 017 cubic yards, and an 80-pound bag yields. 022 cubic yards. For a 10 x 10 slab, you would need 77 60-pound bags or 60 80-pound bags.

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How much does a 10×20 concrete patio cost?

Cost of concrete per square foot

Slab Size Square Feet Average Cost
10×20 200 $1,200
12×12 144 $864
15×15 225 $1,350
16×20 320 $1,920

How much does a 20×20 stamped concrete patio cost?

The average cost for a stamped concrete is $5 to $12 per square foot, not including the concrete slab which costs $2 – $7 per square foot. Most homeowners spend a total of between $3,751 – $8,540 for stamped concrete patio. Get free estimates from concrete pros near you.

How much does a 20×20 patio cost?

Cost to Put in a New Patio by Size

7×7 $250-$2,500
10×10 $500-$5,000
12×12 $750-$7,200
16×18 $1,450-$14,500
20×20 $2,000-$20,000

Should you put plastic under concrete?

A concrete vapor barrier is any material that prevents moisture from entering a concrete slab. Vapor barriers are used because while fresh concrete is poured wet, it’s not supposed to stay that way. It needs to dry and then stay dry to avoid flooring problems. This is why a vapor barrier under concrete is essential.

What is the best base for a concrete slab?

Most concrete contractors want a mix of coarse and fine aggregate to create a compactable base that is going to be safe for settlement and drainage. Crusher run (a mix of crushed stone and stone dust) is one of the best base materials for concrete flatwork.

How long does it take for 4 inches of concrete to cure?

When waiting for concrete to dry, keep these timeframes in mind: 24 to 48 hours – after inital set, forms can be removed and people can walk on the surface. 7 days – after partial curing, traffic from vehicles and equipment is okay. 28 days – at this point, the concrete should be fully cured.

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