How to Make a Concrete Layout

Creating a concrete layout is essential in the preparation of any building or patio. Whether your concrete slab will be open or used to support a structure, a layout, or form, must be made beforehand. Because concrete slabs vary in size and shape, there isn't any one layout that can be purchased. It isn't a one size fits all, but the same techniques apply to any slab.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure 3 2-by-4-by-12 boards Bundle 12-inch stakes 8-penny double-headed nails Shovel Hammer

1. Determine the size and shape of the concrete slab or patio you want to construct. For this example, we will make a concrete layout for a patio that comes out from a house slider.

2. Begin your concrete form at the top of the patio 2 inches below the bottom of the slider door. Plan a 1/4-inch pitch so that water runs away from the house.

3. Dig out the dirt from the area where you've decided to pour your slab. Dig out 6 inches below the top of the form. Allow 2 inches for sand and 4 inches for concrete.

4. Place a 2-by-4-by-12 on edge along the three remaining sides of the slab. This is your concrete layout form.

5. Buy a bundle of 12-inch stakes. Hammer one into the ground behind the 2-by-4s every couple of feet. The stakes prevent the layout form from falling over.

6. Drive a double-headed 8-penny nail through the stake and into the layout board. The double-headed nails are easy to remove once your slab is poured.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding sand to the ground before pouring the concrete helps prevent cracking. Wet the sand and then let it dry. Do this three times. The compacted sand allows for an evenly poured slab and also prevents moisture from being sucked out of the dried concrete. You can add mesh to the sand before pouring the concrete to hold it all together.
• Check your concrete layout to make sure it is plumb and square. Measure 3 feet across the back of the house at a corner. Now measure 4 feet down the form at the same corner. If the layout is square, the tape measure will read 5 feet from both marks. Do this on the remaining three corners.