This is really simple stuff.
It is best to beat down the dirt as level and firm as possible. There is a
tool for this, but anything flat and heavy will work. If you fear water
getting under the slab, dig out 6 inches and fill it with crushed stone.
Build a form using 2 x 4, and get that level and square. Since you will have
to break the form, it is better to have a short length of 2 x 4 extending
beyond the corner.
Concrete is very strong in compression but not tension. That is what the
rebar is for. For the cost of it, space 1/2 inch rebar on one foot centers
and wire them together. Use some pieces of rubble to lift the grid up to the
middle of the pour. There is nothing exact about any of this, and it may not
be necessary, but it is so easy to overbuild a small slab.
The ready mix gravel mix works fine. A cheap plastic tub and a shovel is all
that you will need. A straight length of 2 x 4 will level the concrete. Once
it starts to set up you can use broom lightly to put a nice texture on.
Buy more concrete than you think you need and return the extra bags.
This ain't rocket science.
You can break the form after one day, but it is better to wait three days.
David Oliner
/// unsubscribe/change address requests to majordomo@autox.team.net or try
/// http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/wilma/shop-talk
|