How to Lay a Slab
Many of the most common home improvement projects involve the laying of a concrete slab. Slabs are used for patios, driveways, and as the foundations of sheds, among other uses. A properly laid concrete slab can last a lifetime, whereas one that is poured incorrectly can crack and crumble in a relatively short period of time. It is important, then, to know how to lay a slab the right way. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plate compactor
- Gravel
- Vapor barrier membrane
- 2x4 lumber
- Stakes
- Steel mesh
- Concrete
- Trowel
Instructions
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1
Prepare a base for the slab by excavating it to a depth of four inches, clearing and leveling the ground on which the slab will be poured. Use a heavy duty plate compactor to compact the soil firmly, then water down the area, allow it dry, and compact it again. Take note of any high or low spots in the ground during this process and add or remove soil as necessary.
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2
Add a four-inch layer of loose gravel to the area and level it. Lay down the special membrane material, such as polyethylene, so that moisture cannot seep up from the ground to the concrete.
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3
Build a form for the slab by nailing together lumber along the perimeter of the area for the slab, on top of the membrane. For driveways or other slabs that will have vehicle traffic, add steel mesh in the form to serve as reinforcement for the slab before pouring concrete.
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4
Add 2x4 pieces of lumber laid on edge on opposite ends of the perimeter to serve as screed rails. Set and secure these screed rails with stakes so that the tops are at the exact planned height of your concrete slab.
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5
Pour the concrete, leveling the slab as you go. Level the slab by laying a 2x4 so that it lies on, and spans, the two screed rails. Drag the piece of lumber using the screed rails as a guide so that the excess concrete is removed.
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6
Finish the concrete surface with a hand trowel, or power trowel if the size of the slab dictates it, and allow the slab to cure.
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