How to Pour a Small Concrete Patio Slab

Creating a concrete patio is requires time and hard work. However, it is not as difficult as it may seem at first. A concrete patio can enhance the appearance of your backyard and give you a wonderful space to enjoy a meal and entertain guests.

1. Outline your patio site. Use wooden stakes and string to outline the location of your patio slab. Drive the stakes into the ground and connect them using the string. Ensure that the corners are square and the sides are straight.


2. Excavate the work site. Remove the sod in the area where your patio will be located. Dig to between 4 and 6 inches in depth and create a slight angle so that water will drain from the area. Fill the area with 2 inches of gravel. Use a tamping tool or shovel to compress the gravel until it is even and compact.


3. Build a patio form. The form will be created of lumber. You should use 2x4 lumber in a length that is appropriate to the size of your patio. The frame will secure the concrete and create its shape. Cut the lumber to the desired length and use stakes to hold it in place. Connect the frame using wood screws. Coat the inside of the frame with a layer of vegetable oil. This will prevent the concrete from adhering to the frame.


4. Install a reinforcement grid. Use a half-inch thick rebar to create a grid within your patio frame. Cut the rebar to the desired length and alternate their direction as you place them in the ground. Tie them together using wire and suspend them above the ground using rocks. The rebar will ideally be located in the center of the concrete slab, so ensure that there is proper ground clearance.


5. Mix and pour the concrete. Follow the mixing instructions on your bag of concrete. Depending on the size of your patio, you may find it necessary to rent a concrete mixer. Pour the concrete into the frame and use a shovel to distribute the concrete evenly. Make sure that you properly fill and form the corners of your slab. Use your shovel to stab and shake the concrete so that it settles evenly.


6. Smooth the surface of your slab using a 2x4 or screed tool. Fill in any low spots that appear. Use a wooden or metal float tool to float the surface of the slab until it appears smooth and even and you have eliminated any marks or gouges in the concrete. Once the concrete has lost its shine, finish the surface using a trowel to create a smooth surface. You may also choose to use a broom to create a more rough appearance.


7. Allow the concrete slab adequate time to cure. During the curing process, you must keep the concrete wet. For a small patio slab, cover the project site with a tarp or plastic. If your patio is larger, you can use a sprinkler system to provide water. Remove the wooden frame after about 48 hours.