Did you know the US construction industry completes nearly $1.4 trillion worth of structures each year?
Concreting is the literal foundation upon which any great project is built. Knowing how to pour a concrete slab is a fundamental skill that any homebuilder or landscape gardener should know.
If you’re planning on pouring a concrete slab for an upcoming project, you may want to refresh yourself on the fundamentals. That’s where our practical guide comes into play.
Read on to learn how to pour a concrete slab.
Get The Kit
The first thing to consider when undertaking a concreting job is whether or not you have the correct equipment. There’s nothing worse than starting a time-critical concreting job only to find you’re missing a vital piece of gear.
Your essential concrete slab pouring toolbox should contain:
- Long and short spirit levels
- Float
- Finishing and edging trowels
- Rubber boots
- Gloves
- Shovel
- Rubber bucket
- Concreting rake
- Cement Mixer
- Tamping tool
Ensuring you have the right tools and equipment for your next concrete slab project will guarantee a quality finish. You can buy or hire equipment from your local builders’ merchant.
Set Your Ratios
Different structures and builds require different types of concrete. You need to choose the proper aggregate ratio and mix strength depending on the function of your concrete slab.
Consider whether your concrete slab will withstand outside conditions or bear a lot of weight. Outdoor projects like concrete patio slabs can be protected from frot damage using cement-rich concrete with a frostproofing additive.
Load-bearing slabs and house foundations should be deep and reinforced with rebar and concrete fibers. For Indoor applications, concrete slab screeding is typically mixed at a semi-dry 2:1 ratio.
Mixing and Pouring a Concrete Slab
It’s time to lay your concrete! Use a rubber bucket to measure out the correct ratios for your concrete slab and allow it to mix thoroughly. Meanwhile, set out any reinforcing steel as required.
Working from one end to the other, pour and roughly level the concrete until the working area is filled. Use a tamping tool and float to release any trapped air in the mix and set a level.
Allow the leveled slab to ‘sweat’ for around 15 minutes and skim any excess water off the top.
Finish
Once the concrete slab has begun to plasticize, you can use your float to create a smooth finish.
Depending on whether your concrete slap has an aesthetic purpose, you may only need to leave it with a rough finish. Either way, finishing your slab at the right time gives you a true, level working surface.
Pouring a concrete slab can time consuming work. That’s why hiring RZ Contracting is a smart move for your next project.
How To Pour a Concrete Slab
So, that’s the 101 on how to pour a concrete slab.
Good concreting groundwork precedes a great finished product. Whether you choose to lay a concrete slab yourself or hire a contractor, we hope this guide helps you with your next project.
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