How to Make a Concrete Basement Floor

Concrete floors are common in basements.

Concrete is the most common material used to make basement floors. A well-constructed basement floor will support the home above it and also offer an economical way to expand the living area in your home. An important part of making a concrete floor is properly mixing the cement. Be sure to refer to the recommended measurements for water and dry ingredients provided on the bag of cement you use.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Shovel
• Sand
• Trowel
• Gravel
• Cement
• Water
• No. 3 rebar pieces

Instructions

1. Level the ground of your basement where you will put concrete. Use a rake to distribute the soil evenly on the ground.

2. Level the floor with sand. Throw shovels full of sand all over the area and cover the whole floor. Level the sand with a trowel. The sand should be around 2 cm thick.

3. Make the concrete mixture. Follow the instructions indicated in the manufacturer's manual for mixing the cement mixture. Mix the dry components first. Then dig a well in the middle of the pile of dry components and pour in the water. Combine the components with a shovel.

4. Hose the your basement floor with water before pouring the concrete mixture.

5. Lay a No. 3 rebar around the perimeter of your basement floor. The rebar should be 2 inches away from your basement wall.

6. Pour the mixture onto the ground of your basement floor. Apply the concrete mixture to the whole floor. Use a wooden plank to level and smooth the floor. The concrete should be distributed evenly and should be at least 4 inches deep.

7. Leave the concrete floor to cure. Keep the concrete moist for three days. Spray a fine mist of water over it.

References

• Build Easy: Making a Concrete Floor
• University of Missouri Extension: Concrete Basement Construction