How to Pour a Concrete Slab By Hand

A concrete slab can be used for many different home improvement projects such as building a garage, a utility building or a concrete porch. The unique design of a concrete slab is for it to hold the weight of whatever may be parked or set on top of it. The correct placement of steel rods inside the concrete increases the slabs strength and quality.

Things needed for framework:

• Saw


• Lumber


• Nails or screws


• Hammer or drill


• Wooden stakes


• Level


• Measuring tape


• Plywood
  
  

Things needed For pouring concrete:

• Concrete


• Mixer


• Trowel


• Concrete rods


• Board


• Shovel


• Water and hose


• Rubber boots


• Rubber gloves
  
  

Instructions:

1. Build a frame out of lumber around the area where the concrete slab will set. The frame works as a mold until the concrete hardens.


2. Cover the entire frame on top with plywood to keep the frame square. Attach the plywood with screws to the frame.


3. Use a level and check the frame to see if it is level. Drive wooden stakes into the ground around the frame to keep it level. 


4. Place the stakes about three feet apart around the frame.


5. Check the frame again with the level to see if it has moved. Correct if needed.


6. Dig a trench about four to six inches deep around the outside of the frame.


7. Cut the wood stakes off with a saw even with the frame. 


8. Remove the plywood and set it aside.


9. Take a water hose and spray the area inside the framework that will hold the concrete. 


10. Mix the concrete to the package directions in a concrete mixer. 


11. Start pouring the concrete inside the form making sure to fill the entire frame and corners.


12. Fill the framework about three inches from the top of the form.


13. Start placing the concrete rods around the edge of framework. Overlap the ends of the rods were they meet and tie together with wire.


14. Add the remainder of the concrete to the edge of the frame.


15. Take a hammer and tap the sides of the framework to release air bubbles that may be trapped in the concrete.


16. Start spreading the concrete with a board to create a level surface by moving it back and forth across the framework. A trowel can be used to smooth the concrete for a smooth finish.


17. Wait a couple of days to allow the concrete to set before removing framework.