How to Lay a Cement Patio
A concrete patio can be a wonderful addition to any yard and can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the cost of building a deck. Additionally, the maintenance required for a concrete patio is very minimal. Laying your own patio may take around three days, but the rewards can be worth it. There are certain steps you can take to ensure that you build a patio that stands the test of time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Wood stakes
- String
- Shovels
- Gravel
- Old shoes or boots
- Premixed concrete
- Concrete mixer
- 2 x 4 piece of wood
- Hand tamper
- Edging
- Rubber mallet
- Jointer
- Broom
- Hose
Instructions
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1
Call your utility provider before you begin any construction project to ensure that you can safely dig in the area. Your utility company will mark off any areas that have underground wires.
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2
Plan your patio by determining the size of the area for the concrete you would like to lay down. Mark off the border of the building area by planting wood stakes into the ground and tying a string around the outer border. Purchase the right amount of concrete. Buy one bag of concrete for every 2 square feet. So for a 100-square-foot patio, you would need approximately 50 bags of premixed concrete.
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3
Dig out the desired building area to a depth of about 6 inches.
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4
Pound the edging into the ground along the entire border of the digging area. This will act to reinforce the cement patio and will provide structural support.
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5
Spray the bottom of the digging area with a hose and pour a 2-inch layer of gravel across the bottom. Use the hand tamper to compact the gravel down thoroughly. Use the 2 x 4 to level out the surface by dragging it along the gravel until it is smooth and even.
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Mix the concrete in the concrete mixer, which can be rented from most home-improvement stores. Follow the directions on the bags of concrete and add the appropriate amount of water.
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Pour the concrete down on top of the gravel. Use a shovel to spread it around to all areas of your patio. Spread out a 4-inch layer across the entire surface.
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Use a 2 x 4 to smooth out the concrete by finding someone to grab the other end and dragging it along the top surface of the concrete several times until you have a smooth, uniform layer.
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9
Use a jointer to cut joints that are 2 inches deep across the entire width of the cement surface by using a trowel. Space these joints around 3 or 4 feet apart across the entire surface.
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Wait for a layer of water to appear and evaporate, and then lightly drag a push broom across the surface to add a finished look that will prevent slippage as well.
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