How to Pour a Patio Using Concrete

A concrete patio can be added to the backyard, increasing the outdoor use of the home.

A concrete slab can create a ground-level patio, enhancing the enjoyment of the backyard. The concrete provides a durable surface to an area subject to a lot of foot traffic and eliminates the necessity of mowing grass around patio furniture. Pouring a concrete slab for use as a patio falls within the abilities of a do-it-yourselfer with some concrete skills and a few tools.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete
• Stakes
• Carpenter's string
• Shovel
• Vibrating plate compactor
• 2 by 4 inch lumber
• Screed
• Trowels

Instructions

1. Stake out the proposed patio. Place stakes at the corners of the project and tie a carpenter's string between the stakes.

2. Excavate the area for the proposed concrete patio slab. Also remove the dirt from about 3 to 6 inches beyond the patio area in all directions. Dig deep enough to remove all grass, roots and organic matter.

3. Fill in the staked out areawith gravel to about 3 to 4 inches below the intended top level of the concrete patio slab. Level the gravel and use a vibrating plate compactor to pack the gravel in place. Rent a compactor at an equipment rental store.

4. Build the forms. Use 2-by-4-inch lumber to form a frame for the perimeter of the concrete slab. Drive stakes along the outside of the form. Use a carpenter's level to adjust the position of the forms at the intended top level of the slab. Nail the forms to the stakes at that level.

5. Pour the cement into the form. Wet the gravel subgrade with a garden hose to prevent the concrete from setting too quickly. Ready-mixed concrete is commonly poured in quickly from the truck and is rough-leveled with a shovel. Use a screed, a straight board pulled across the cement while resting on the top of the forms, to level the concrete.

6. Trowel the concrete to the desired finish after the it has been leveled with the screed. Add a decorative touch to the concrete with a broom finish or stamped finish. Either will improve the look of the patio.

7. Allow the slab to dry overnight. Apply a water seal to the concrete after it has cured.

Tips & Warnings

• Add steps, if necessary, for ease of access between the home and the concrete patio.

References

• Concrete Network: Concrete Patio
• Today's Concrete Technology: Pouring a Concrete Slab