The mixture of these materials ultimately turns into a stone-like substance. Use 16d duplex (double-headed) nails to connect the form boards and attach the bracing. Then nail the pegs to the frame. The bulk of the work for a new slab is in the excavation and form building. You can then level the concrete with a float or trowel. Step 6 Pour more wet concrete on top of the rebar until you completely fill the space up to the borders of your form-work. Once the truck has reached the end of a section, spread the concrete out evenly, and a touch higher than the form, with a concrete placer/rake. If the crown faces down, you’ll end up creating a trough in the slab where water can pool. Drive a stake into the ground at each corner of the slab area. Try to achieve a surface rough enough for traction but not so rough that it hurts to walk on barefoot. Drive a stake at the end. Then cut off the ends of the pegs so that they are smooth with the top of the frame. Stretch a mason’s line just above the top edge of the board, align the board with the string and brace it with pairs of 2x4s every 2 ft. Use 16d duplex (double-headed) nails to connect the form boards and attach the bracing. Avoid hot, windy days if possible. The fix will be durable and you avoid the high expense of a complete tear-out. This kind of weather accelerates the hardening process—a slab can turn hard before you have time to trowel a nice smooth finish. Follow the steps described below to properly lay a concrete slab. Wavy, crooked broom lines are less noticeable that way. Then drive four stakes to roughly indicate the corners of the new slab. The lumber needs to be straight. I have used this technique many of time's and I have never had any problems. Start by marking out the size of the area using strings and pegs knocked into the ground to form a rectangle. Now place a layer of gravel evenly over the entire area to create a path for water to pass easily below the slab after it is laid down. You and your helpers should take these steps: Wear eye protection. yds. Drag a straight 2×4 (screed board) across the top of the concrete forms to level the concrete. So you’ve carefully followed the rules on how to prepare the ground for paving slabs, the next stop you’ll want to know is how best to lay the paving slabs themselves. Our expert likes to float in both directions when he can. Tap each slab against the previous slab you installed and then drop it into place to avoid dragging it through the sand and disrupting your flat surface. Before you do any digging, call 811 or visit call811.com to arrange to have your local utilities locate and mark buried pipes and wires. How to lay paving slabs on a patio. The leveling procedure on how to lay a concrete slab is accomplished after all the extra concrete is removed. deep in front of the screed board is about right. For smaller concrete projects, follow these tips for mixing concrete to the perfect consistency. Cutting away the damaged concrete and pouring a new concrete cap on the step can often repair badly broken concrete steps. You can lay plastic over the concrete instead, although this can lead to discoloration of the surface. Do this in three or four spots and average the results. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be The method below is suitable for many types of paving slabs, so whether you’re laying concrete slabs or natural stone, our guide has you covered.However, bear in mind that if you are laying porcelain paving slabs you will need a slightly different installation method.. What you need to lay your paving slabs: Sweep dirt and debris off the concrete. Cut a second board to the width of the slab. Go down 21ft (6.3Mt) and place your other peg exactly 4′ off the fence, and pull the string line tightly around this peg. Pour the concrete in small sections, spreading the concrete by moving the chute back and forth and by having the driver pull forward as you go. Level the board and nail it to the second corner stake. Concrete slabs are the foundation for many different buildings in Australia. Then figure on spending a day building the forms and another pouring the slab. To tamp the slabs down, place a small piece of wood on top of the slab and hit the wood with a rubber mallet until level. Wire the perimeter rebar to rebar stakes for support. The goal is to remove marks left by screeding and fill in low spots to create a flat, level surface. Wait at least 10 days to drive on it, and avoid spreading any ice melting chemicals for the first two years. If the forecast calls for rain, reschedule the concrete delivery to a dry day. 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