How to Lay Concrete

The first step before laying concrete is to decide what type of concrete you are going to use. If you have a large project in mind having it delivered pre-mixed is probably the best way to go. The most important thing to keep in mind when using pre-mixed concrete is that when the truck arrives it is game time and you have to hustle. The other type of concrete you might consider is ready-mix which comes in bags. This method, even though a little more expensive, allows you to set your own pace. Be sure to rent a cement mixer as mixing concrete by hand is not fun or fast. Almost all concrete jobs require a wooden form of some sort.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Concrete mix
• Shovels
• Wheel Barrows
• Garden Hose
• Wood for framing material
• Nails
• Hammer
• Level
• Steel Mesh
• Magnesium Float & Groover

How To Lay Concrete

1. First decide the general layout of what you intend to build. Next build a wooded form to hold the concrete. Use temporary stakes at first to hold the boards in place. Use a level to insure you have a proper grade. Install more stakes to insure the wooden form does not move.

2. Depending on the Concrete project you are making you may choose to use some steel reinforcement to add strength. Steel mesh with either 2” x 4” or 2” x 6” holes works best. Lay the steel mesh inside the form and use small pieces of rock or brick to elevate the mesh off the ground. Ideally, the mesh should be raised 2” high if your total concrete thickness is to be 4”.

3. Spray the ground, forms and mesh with a fine mist just prior to pouring your concrete.

4. If you are mixing your own concrete add less water than you think you will need at first. You can always add more, but you cannot remove excess water. When using pre-mixed concrete you are ready to pour immediately.

5. After pouring your concrete use a 2” x 4” to level and help compress the poured concrete. Use a back and forth sawing motion using the forms sides as your guide.

6. Last but not least use a float to further smooth the concrete. Use a groover to add contraction joints which help the concrete expand and contract without cracking. The general rule of thumb is to add a contraction joint every 4’ – 6’ feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Never plan to pour concrete in the hottest part of the day, as this will cause the concrete to dry too quickly.
• Make sure you have adjusted your frames grade to allow for water runoff. Standing water is very bad for concrete longevity.
• Once the concrete has set up a little bit use a broom to add a swirl pattern which will make the surface safer to walk on when wet.
• Concrete takes about three days to properly cure, mist the concrete lightly for the first few days.