How to Start Laying Cement

Construction of a concrete slab starts with the proper preparations of the job site and the construction of forms. Both steps are crucial to a smooth and long-lasting concrete product. In some situations a do-it-yourselfer may accomplish some of the planning and preparation work that starts the concrete project while leaving the actual concrete construction to professional builders.

Things You'll Need

• Shovels
• Wheelbarrows
• 2-by-4 lumber
• Wood stakes
• 4-foot carpenter's level

Instructions

1. Excavate the sod and any necessary topsoil from the project site. The organic material in the sod decays if left under the concrete, leaving voids that can cause cracks. Excavate enough topsoil to allow a gravel subgrade under the planned concrete.

2. Pack the gravel using a vibrating plate tamper. This tool, often available from rental outlets, uses a gas engine to vibrate a heavy metal plate, tamping the gravel bed.

3. Build the forms out of dimensional lumber. Use 2-by-4 inch boards for 4-inch thick concrete slabs or wider boards for thicker slabs. Place the form boards around the perimeter of the planned concrete slab. Drive stakes into the ground around the outside of the form.

4. Level the forms using a 4-foot carpenter’s level. Fasten the form boards to the stakes using nails driven through the stake into the form board. Make sure the point of the nail doesn’t extend through the form board into the area where the concrete will be placed or poured.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the stakes off at the same level as the top of the forms. This allows a screed, a straight board pulled across the form to level the concrete, to be moved without interference with the stakes.

• If you are planning on a do-it-yourself concrete pour, make sure you have enough help. Plan on at least two workers for small projects of up to 2 cubic yards with another helper for each additional yard. Make sure you have enough tools, including shovels and trowels for the project.

• The area where the concrete will be laid or poured should be wet but free of standing water at the time of the pour.

References

• Concrete Network: Make Sure the Subgrade is Compacted
• Custom Crete: Do-It-Yourself Guide to Concrete