How to Lay Out Sites For Concrete Slabs

To lay out a site for a concrete slab requires elbow grease and some string as the main ingredients. You just have to make sure that the dimensions are correct for the project planned and then transfer those dimensions to forms that will hold the concrete.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 2-by-2-inch stakes
• Twine
• Hammer
• Shovel
• Gravel
• Tamping device
• 2-by-4-inch boards or 2-by-6-inch boards
• Nails
• Framing square

Creating the Outline

1. Create an outline of the area for the concrete pour by driving eight 2-by-2-inch stakes into the ground. Each stake should be 4 feet from the proposed cement pour.
   
2. Tie four pieces of twine between the eight stakes, two stakes per piece of twine, to create the square or rectangle you need.
   
3. Dig the ground to the depth needed for the concrete slab and the gravel below. For sidewalks or a shed foundation, the slab depth should be 4 inches. For vehicle traffic, the slab depth should be 6 inches.
   
4. Add 4 inches of gravel and tamp it down.
   

Making the Form

5. Drive 2-by-2-inch stakes every 4 feet along the outline. They will support the boards when concrete is poured into the form.
   
6. Adjust the twine so that it is level or gives you the needed slope on an incline.
   
7. Lay out the boards for the form, using the twine as your guideline to board height and position. Adjust the boards as necessary. Use 2-by-4s or 2-by-6s, depending on your project.
   
8. Hammer 2-by-2-inch stakes at the corners of the forms and nail the corners together after checking with a framing square for squareness of the corner angles. Use duplex-headed nails--nails with two heads--so you can remove them more easily.
   
   
9. Rub the inside of the form with motor oil for easier removal of the form after the concrete slab dries.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the local government building department or engineering department about local requirements and if an inspection of your work is required.

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