A successful layout of concrete leads to a solid foundation. With the right tools and a few tips, laying the foundation can make for a successful DIY project. For a successful project, you will need essential tools such as a measuring tape, hammer, concrete mixer, gloves and glasses for protection, a shovel, and a hand tamper.

The right tools and materials are required to ensure a great concrete slab. If you intended to lay a concrete slab alone find someone who is experienced preferably an experienced concrete worker to help you with the procedure.

Step One

Prepare the ground properly before pouring the concrete. This may involve leveling and flattening the ground, you may need to remove some soil, rocks or other debris to achieve this. Depending on the soil type as well you may need a tamping machine to flatten the earth and squeeze moisture out of the soil before you pour any concrete, as too much moisture in the soil can cause cracks and issues later on.

Step Two

Construct a form around the exterior of the area to lay the concrete. In most cases, it will be made of wooden boards thus providing the support that maintains the precise shape of the slab. Level it in every section to ensure you have a well-leveled slab when it dries.

Step Three

The third step is now doing the mixing itself using a mixer and shover, then pouring. Mixing can be done both manually and mechanically where one can decide to hire a mixer depending on the size of the project one is undertaking. To get strong concrete, an accurate amount of water needs to be taken into consideration. An accurate amount of cement and water needs to be used to ensure you have a thick mixture that will pour well.

Step Four

The step involves adding strength to the freshly poured concrete. A vibrating unit is of important use here because it will disperse any troublesome air pockets thus making it remain in contact. This will ensure there is less air in the slab hence reducing chances of crack or crumbling down the line. You can reinforce the slabs using steel. This reduces the threat of cracks and generally makes the site durable and stronger.

Step Five

You will need a concrete truck to pour the concrete into its desired positioning. Everything must be prepped and ready for when the truck arrives to not delay pouring. If you have prepared in the correct way, your concrete forms will be level, square and able to withstand and withhold the concrete being poured into it. Large slabs require enough room for the truck to easily pull up and pour your concrete at the correct position. Concrete experts have always advised construction workers to avoid pouring concrete slabs on the days that are extremely cold to avoid thawing and on very hot days to avoid fast hardening of the slab.