Do-it-yourself enthusiasts turn to concrete for creating flat surfaces that can stand the test of time. Whether you’re involved in a project surrounding a driveway, back patio or decking stairs, a concrete pad or slab is the ticket to long-lasting results. Home renovators can benefit from significant cost-savings by completing jobs independently, so Marstellar Oil and Concrete is here with some tips for building a concrete landing space.
Before You Begin
It’s essential to research local codes for DIY building projects. By making a few phone calls or reading online, you should be able to determine the guidelines for what is allowed based on zoning. Factors such as concrete slab dimensions, thickness and purpose must be confirmed with officials in your area.
1. Determine Building Location
Creating a concrete pad calls for home renovators to carefully measure the building site. Consider how large the slab will be, and prepare your site by removing any plants from the area. You’ll want to create an outline for the concrete by placing a series of boards in the preferred shape of the surface. Review the following information for seamless construction:
- 2″x6″ boards make excellent frames for small landings.
- 2″x12″ boards should be used for garages and shed platforms.
It’s proactive to contact your local plumbing and electrical companies prior to digging. Technicians will be able to tell you if any pipelines or wires run near the surface of the yard so that you can avoid costly repairs down the line. Drive stakes into the ground at each corner of the preset frame to establish the perimeter of the slab.
2. Digging up the Yard
Use the perimeter frame to influence where you’ll dig. While depth varies based on the size of the project, most concrete pads require builders to dig roughly 8 inches into the ground. If you’re having trouble digging in a neat fashion, try using spray paint to connect points between stakes along the inside of the frame.
3. Fill the Hole With Gravel
Concrete slabs need granular fill for a strong base. Fill the opening in the ground with 4 to 6 inches of limestone, and pack it as tight as possible by tapping rocks with a shovel or plate compactor if one is available. Once the hole has enough granular fill, fasten rebar and mesh screening across the limestone to prevent future stress cracks.
4. Apply the Concrete
Talk to your concrete supplier about the best mixture for your applications. Marstellar Oil and Concrete will deliver directly to your site and can walk you through methods for calculating how much concrete you’ll require. Note the length, width and depth of your concrete slab for quick estimates.
Wetting the frame and gravel base helps to make pouring and spreading concrete more manageable. Allow the concrete mixture to fill the wooden frame, and use a rake or shovel to distribute accordingly.
5. Complete the Finishing Touches
Monitor the wet concrete mixture, and level the surface by guiding a 2″x4″ screed board over the pad. Round out the edges of the concrete slab with an edger tool, and use a bull float to smooth the surface. Remove the frame once the concrete is completely dry.
Marstellar Oil and Concrete for Residential Concrete Services
Since 1998, Marstellar Oil and Concrete has been helping DIY renovators and professional contractors with concrete projects both large and small. We work with customers in central Pennsylvania and arrange residential deliveries for patios, floor repairs, aging foundations and more. For further information about our ready-mix concrete services, contact us online today!
