Readers ask: How Do You Lay Concrete?

How do you prepare ground for concrete?

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 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.

Can you lay concrete on dirt?

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

What are the steps to pouring concrete?

Concrete Pouring Process

1. Preparation. Our first job on any site is to clear it and clean it, and often this requires earth-moving equipment.
2. Forming. Our next step is setting concrete forms.
3. Pouring Placement. When the final forms are in place, it’s time to install the concrete.
4. Pre-Finish.
5. Finish.
6. Curing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Is Clay a good base for concrete?

The clay can compress under the weight of the concrete, causing the slab to shift or sink over time. It also can leach moisture from the concrete itself, resulting in uneven curing and a brittle base. With proper preparation, however, it’s possible to pour a slab on clay soil without encountering these problems.

When should I start watering my concrete?

Be sure to start watering the concrete in the morning and keep watering throughout the hottest part of the day. Do not start watering during the hottest part of the day because it could shock the concrete into developing surface crazing (similar to a hot glass breaking when filled with cold water).

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.

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.