How to Lay Concrete

How To Lay Concrete

• 1

  First decide the general layout of what you intend to build. Next build a wooded form to hold the concrete. Use temporary stakes at first to hold the boards in place. Use a level to insure you have a proper grade. Install more stakes to insure the wooden form does not move.

• 2

  Depending on the Concrete project you are making you may choose to use some steel reinforcement to add strength. Steel mesh with either 2” x 4” or 2” x 6” holes works best. Lay the steel mesh inside the form and use small pieces of rock or brick to elevate the mesh off the ground. Ideally, the mesh should be raised 2” high if your total concrete thickness is to be 4”.

• 3

  Spray the ground, forms and mesh with a fine mist just prior to pouring your concrete.

• 4

  If you are mixing your own concrete add less water than you think you will need at first. You can always add more, but you cannot remove excess water. When using pre-mixed concrete you are ready to pour immediately.

• 5

  After pouring your concrete use a 2” x 4” to level and help compress the poured concrete. Use a back and forth sawing motion using the forms sides as your guide.

• 6

  Last but not least use a float to further smooth the concrete. Use a groover to add contraction joints which help the concrete expand and contract without cracking. The general rule of thumb is to add a contraction joint every 4’ – 6’ feet.