by Penny B

Created on: September 21, 2008   Last Updated: April 12, 2012

Concrete slabs can be used for many different purposes. They make excellent patios or walkways, or can be a good foundation for decks, a shed, greenhouse, garage, or even larger buildings on your property.

Pouring a concrete slab isn't as hard as one might think. Here are some easy, do-it-yourself steps to follow:

STEP ONE Level and Set Up Forms

The first step is to level out the area, making sure it is free of debris. Next, set up your forms. This will ensure that the cement goes and stays where you want it to be, creating a boundary for your slab.

Measure out the area where you want your slab poured. Then stake 2 x 4's (upright) around the perimeter (be sure that your stakes are on the outside of your forms). The stakes will hold your forms in place while the heavy cement is being poured.

STEP TWO Sand and Rebar

Before pouring your cement, you will need to add a layer of sand within the forms. Next, set in the rebar, approximately every 2 square feet, length and width. This will give your cement slab added strength and durability, especially if you will be adding weight to or building onto the slab.

STEP THREE Pour, Place and Screed

Now you are ready to pour your cement. If you are mixing the cement yourself, a good mixture is 4 measures of sand to every 1 measure of cement. You can either use Portland cement or sulfur resistant Portland (Sulfur resistant cement is recommended if you will be parking a vehicle on your slab. This will ensure a longer life to the cement slab). You can either mix your cement using a cement mixer, or by hand in a wheelbarrow, depending upon how much cement you will be needing, and the size of your slab.

If you are pouring a much larger slab, you will need to hire a cement contractor who will bring the cement to your home in a cement truck. After pouring off the cement, they will then leave you to finish the process yourself.

When mixing the cement yourself, be sure that the consistency is correct. If it is too thin and soft, it will take longer to dry. It will also be harder to work with if you need to incline your slab for the purpose of water run-off. If it is too thick, it will dry too quickly, compromising the curing process and subsequent strength of the slab. It may also have a tendency to shrink and crack.

Now you must place and screed the cement. In this procedure you are positioning and leveling out the wet cement within your formed area.

STEP FOUR Float

Once your cement is leveled, you must now use a bull float to taper

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