How to Pour a Concrete Slab

A concrete slab when properly poured can hold the weight of a structure, autos and farm equipment. Most garages and shops built today set on a concrete slab foundation. Concrete will last for years through extreme hot and cold temperatures. Concrete can be easily cleaned and maintained to provide years of service.

Items needed:

• Lumber


• Hammer


• Nails


• Shovel


• Trowel


• Concrete


• Mixer


• Wooden stakes


• Rebarb


• Saw


• Tape Measure


• Wire


• Water and hose
  
  

Instructions:

1. Build a frame out of lumber that will be the size of the area where the concrete slab will be located. The framework will hold the concrete in place until it sets.


2. Use a level to check the frame to see if it is level.


3. Use a hammer and drive wooden stakes into the ground around the frame to keep it level by placing the wooden stakes into the ground against the frame. The stakes should be about three feet apart.


4. Using a saw cut the wooden stakes even with the framework. 


5. Take a water hose and wet the ground inside the framework that will hold the concrete. 


6. Mix the concrete by following the package directions in a concrete mixer. 


7. Start pouring the concrete inside the form. Use the trowel to push concrete into the corners.


8. Fill the framework with concrete about three inches from the top of the form.


9. Start placing the rebarb around the edge of framework. Overlap the ends of the rebarb were they meet and tie together with a stiff wire.


10. Add the rest of the concrete to the edge of the framework.


11. Use a hammer and tap the sides of the framework to release the air bubbles in the concrete.


12. Start spreading the concrete with a straight board. Work the board back and forth to settle the concrete. A trowel can be used on top to create a slick finish.


13. Wait a couple of days to allow the concrete to set.


14. Remove the framework when the concrete is dried.