Contents
- 1 How do you prepare ground for concrete?
- 2 Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?
- 3 Can I lay concrete yourself?
- 4 What do you lay under concrete?
- 5 What is the best base for concrete?
- 6 How deep do you lay concrete?
- 7 Should I put plastic under concrete?
- 8 Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?
- 9 Is sand a good base for concrete?
- 10 Can you pour a 2 inch concrete slab?
- 11 Is it worth pouring your own concrete?
- 12 What is the cheapest way to pour a concrete slab?
- 13 What type of gravel goes under concrete?
- 14 Can I use pea gravel under concrete?
- 15 How many inches of gravel do you need for a concrete slab?
How do you prepare ground for concrete?
Preparation is the most important aspect of pouring a concrete slab.
- Dig the ground down to the proper depth.
- Smooth out the ground with the flat side of a rake so that you have a level surface.
- Tamp the ground with a hand tamper or mechanical tamper.
- Pour 2 inches of small, rounded gravel for additional drainage needs.
Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?
Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.
Can I lay concrete yourself?
Placing concrete is somewhat labor intensive, so definitely get some day help. Probably you + 3 guys would knock it out in a few hours. For tools: rakes, trowels, shovels and a 10-ft long 2×4 as straight as you can find to straightedge the concrete as you’re finishing it.
What do you lay 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.
What is the best base for concrete?
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 deep do you lay concrete?
Clear the area of stones and plants and excavate to a minimum depth of 100mm (deeper for soft ground). The ground should be levelled and well compacted using a small garden roller or a lump hammer to provide a base for your concrete.
Should I put plastic under concrete?
Recently, though, research has shown that the old traditional layer of 6-mil Visqueen (polyethylene plastic) under the slab is seldom effective for two main reasons: Although it may seem water-tight, this grade of material allows a lot of water vapor to pass through.
Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?
No, you do not need rebar for a 4–inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4–inch-thick slab cast on the ground and in permanent contact with it will float and rebar is not required. Rebar is recommended on concrete measuring 5 – 6 inches thick.
Is sand a good base for concrete?
Pour concrete over a solid, well-drained base
of sand or gravel over clay and other poorly draining soils to provide even support.
Can you pour a 2 inch concrete slab?
If done properly, new concrete can often be poured right over an existing slab. For this to be feasible, the contractor needs to pour at least 2 inches thick, use smaller aggregate, and incorporate reinforcement such as welded wire mesh or fiber mixed into the concrete.
Is it worth pouring your own concrete?
Pouring and finishing concrete is pretty easy. Getting it to look as good as a professional requires, well, a professional. However, you can get it to look very presentable, especially for a patio, all by yourself (and a couple of friends).
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.
What type of gravel goes under concrete?
Backfill beneath concrete flat-work along foundation walls should be accomplished with a granular material that is uniform in size. Some fill materials, such as round stones like pea gravel, tend to be self compacting. “I recommend open-graded granular material be used,” says Tull.
Can I use pea gravel under concrete?
If you use pea gravel beneath a patio, take a few simple steps to ensure the stability of the base before setting your surface stones, pavers or bricks. Click to see full answer. It should be ok to pour concrete over your gravel walk although you might want to give the concrete a little more depth along the sides.
How many inches of gravel do you need for a concrete slab?
Excavate the slab area to a depth of about 7 inches, allowing 3 inches for a gravel base and 4 inches for concrete.