How to Build an Inexpensive Extended Concrete Patio
It's often said there's more than one way to skin a banana, and the same can be said for home improvement projects, like building your own concrete patio. You can have all the bells and whistles, or try going the other direction and see how cheaply you can build while still creating a decent product. And if you're a newbie to concrete, an inexpensive concrete patio project can be a great way to get started. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Construction level
- String level
- Scrap wood
- Nails
- Hammer
- Mallet
- Cement
- Cement mixer
- Concrete rake
- Floater
Instructions
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1
Level the ground of the proposed area for the concrete patio. Use a construction level to verify that it's leveled to expectation. Tamp the ground to flatten it.
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2
Dig a 4-inch deep footing around the proposed patio perimeter. Prepare profiles around the patio perimeter at the four corners. Attach string around the profiles and around the entire perimeter to mark the cement height. Use a string level to ensure the string is level. The string will also serve as a visual aid when leveling the wood forms.
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3
Make wood forms along the footing. Scrap wood is fine to use, since it will be discarded later. The forms will hold the cement in place when it's poured and while it's drying. Make the forms as tall as the expected height of the concrete patio.
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4
Mix cement with sand and water in a cement mixer, according to package directions. Be ready to work once the cement is mixed, due to its fast drying action.
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5
Pour the cement into the wood-lined area. Pour a layer of cement until the bottom is completely covered. Add rebar mesh, and then completely cover with cement to a depth of four inches. Alternatively, eliminate the rebar and pour concrete to a depth of about three or four inches. Using the floater, smooth out the surface of the cement. Allow to set for at least 24 hours, or follow cement package instructions.
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6
Remove the wooden wall support structure. Using the hammer, pry the wood away from the cement. Remove string and profiles. Hose off the entire area.
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