Things You'll Need
Landscape paint
Shovel
Compactor
Gravel
Wire mesh
2-by-4-inch boards
1-by-3-inch stakes
Hammer
Concrete mix
Hose
Trowel
Burlap
Mobile homes require a stable surface to be level and avoid settling. Many states require a certain depth for the concrete slab to be below the frost line of the ground around it. This prevents the concrete slab from cracking and the mobile home from settling. If a mobile home begins to settle, it becomes unlevel, which can cause windows and doors not to open or close properly.
Site Preparation
Step 1
Measure and mark the spot for the mobile home. Use landscape paint or soluble spray paint to mark the outline of the slab.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Dig the sod out within the boundaries to a depth of 8 inches. Level the area with the claw rake.
Step 3
Push out air pockets and moisture with the compactor. This step eliminates potential shifting of the soil as it compacts from the weight of the concrete.
Step 4
Dump the gravel into the center of the work area. Cover the entire area with a 4-inch layer of gravel. Level the gravel by dragging a board across it, with the assistance of you helper. Compact the gravel with the compactor to increase drainage and stability of the base.
Step 5
Unroll the wire mesh over the gravel. Cut the wire mesh to size. This is the reinforcing material for the concrete similar to rebar in concrete walls.
The Frame
Step 1
Measure and cut boards to the size of the slab area.
Step 2
Set the long boards parallel with the narrow side up. Set the short boards butting against the ends of the long boards with their narrow sides up. Make the ends flush. Hammer nails through the sides of the short boards into the ends of the long boards. This becomes the floating frame for the concrete.
Step 3
Lay the frame over the slab area with the sides matching the dimensions of the area. Brace the frame by placing the stakes every 3 feet along the outside of the frame.
The Slab
Step 1
Schedule delivery of the concrete to the work site. Mobile home sites are large spaces requiring large amounts of concrete to form the slab.
Step 2
Pour the concrete into the frame, starting at one corner. Work outward from the corner until the entire frame is filled. Use the spout or pipe at the end of the mixing unit of the truck to evenly distribute the concrete.
Step 3
Position a board across the short side of the slab with the narrow end facing up. Have a helper move the board in a sawing motion with you as you work across the surface to the opposite end. This levels the slab and helps push air bubbles out.
Step 4
Smooth the surface with the flat trowel. Create 1/2-inch deep control joints every 4 square feet with the corner or joint trowel by scoring a line across the slab from long side to long side.
Step 5
Soak the burlap. Lay the burlap over the slab for seven days. Wet the burlap twice daily. This helps cure the concrete evenly and reduces cracking.
Tip
The company delivering the concrete to the site will have the best information about the type of concrete used for mobile home slabs. They will mix the concrete in the truck en route.
Video of the Day