How to Pour a Concrete Slab by Hand
A concrete slab, a common structure used in modern buildings, can provide an important foundation for homes and buildings by carrying the weight of everything placed on top of it. A concrete slab gains further strength from an internal network of steel rods that resist tearing and pulling. Horizontal slabs, usually 10 to 50 centimeters thick, serve as floors and ceilings, while thinner slabs work better for external surfaces. With proper pouring methods, you can produce slabs of superior quality. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Concrete
- Water
- Lumber
- Nails
- Shovel
- Trowel
- Hammer
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter's square
- Wheelbarrow
- Bucket
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Rubber boots
- Long sleeves
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a frame using lumber. This will serve as a boundary to prevent the concrete from spreading.
-
2
Nail a piece of lumber on top of the frame from corner to corner to make certain the frame stays square until you install pegs, which will hold it in place.
-
-
3
Ensure that the frame is level. WIth a hammer, pound pointed 900 mm pegs into the ground against the outside of the frame at 3-foot intervals.
-
4
Dig a trench about 100 mm (4 inches) deep and 200 mm (8 inches) wide around the exterior of the frame. Saw the tops of the pegs, making them even with the top of the frame. Dampen the pour area prior to pouring the concrete.
-
5
Start pouring concrete slowly on the pour area, filling up to 75 mm (3 inches) below the height of the formwork. You may fit steel bars into the form to reinforce the concrete. Place a rod around the perimeter of the formwork 50 mm (2 inches) in and 50 mm (2 inches) down from top of the frame. When two rods meet, create a 400 mm (16 inch) overlap and tie them together with a tie wire. With a hammer, tap around the outside of the frame to help the concrete flow readily and to eliminate air bubbles. Spread the mixture evenly with a straight piece of lumber; move it back and forth along the top of the frame.
-
6
Smooth the top of the concrete with a trowel, sliding it across in wide arcs. Let it dry. Retrowel if needed.
-
7
Remove the frame the next day if it comes off easily. If not, leave it in place for 3 days or until the concrete has grown strong enough to remove it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wet concrete can irritate bare skin; avoid contacting it directly.
