Imagup General Magazine 2024
Building a patio beside your house can significantly improve its attractiveness and value. You can choose to install in the front or the backyard, and that place can become a new area for all activities in the family. If you don’t have enough space in your home, you will finally be able to organize some events with more people, like birthdays and many other occasions. During the warmer time of the year, you can enjoy your meals while you are outside, which can be much more pleasant.
However, companies that can create a proper patio for you can be quite expensive. If you are a person that loves DIY projects, you can manage to build a concrete patio on your own, but there are some important steps you need to follow, especially if you don’t have any previous experience with patios, or how to use concrete. In this article, we are going to introduce you to the most important steps for properly pouring your own concrete patio slab.
Get Necessary Materials and Tools
The main factor of quality concrete patio slab is to get proper materials and machinery to finish the project in high-quality. For the best concrete mix and all additional equipment that is necessary for the process of building a patio, you should visit certifiedmtp.com, which is a website of a company that is expert for cement, asphalt, concrete, various materials, and proper tools and machines.
You must make a list of all important equipment like grade stakes, concrete mix, tape measure, mason’s string, gravel, line level, tamper, circular saw, power drill, screws, wheelbarrow, acrylic cure, and lots of other materials. When you get everything that is needed for the project, you can continue with the next step.
Determine the Area of the Patio
After you have all you need for the project, the next step is to scale the dimensions of the patio and determine how many concrete and time you will need for the job. In case that the area is too big, you should be aware that it will be a complicated process, and you might consider getting a mixer instead of pouring the concrete by yourself.
The location is also important, and the area needs to be scaled properly for the concrete. Moreover, if you live in an area that requires a special license building anything in the yard, make sure to get one. Also, check for cables or tanks before you dig the area. The best way to easily measure and lay out where to build a patio is by using rope and sticks for corners. Everything must be in proper symmetry.
Remove Soil and Plants from the Area
You should remove the topsoil, grass, and roots. For this process, you can use regular gardening tools. Also, we advise you to create a minor slope away from the house to avoid possible flooding when the rain occurs. After that, dig an area and surround it with wooden boards. The depth should be between 4 and 8 inches. If you choose to dig 8 inches in depth, you will get the same scale as the ground around the patio. The depth is determined by personal choice.
Build a Base
When you have determined the depth and dimensions for the area, you need to install a frame of formwork that represents a base for the concrete. You will need accuracy and patience to be sure that the base is symmetrical and strong enough to hold the concrete in one place. Be sure that you don’t measure the frame along with the dimensions of the patio, and leave enough space for form, that you will remove when the concrete is stable.
Make sure that all forms are parallel with the strings around the base. Also, the base needs to be strong, so you must nail every board that was previously installed on the right level. When the frame is over, you have to remove the tops of the boards that can be visible after you pour the concrete. In the end, apply to release agent or vegetable oil on the wood to avoid the concrete of adhering with it.
Pouring the Concrete
In the process of pouring, you have to mix the concrete first. For some smaller areas, you can do it by hand, but it is much easier with a mixer. It is necessary to calculate the amount of the cement and other material that you need for the concrete and mix it in the machine. The best way is to place the machine next to the area to be able to pour it right after the concrete is made.
Apply a smaller amount of concrete and use a wheelbarrow to put the same amount every time. Also, it is beneficial if you have some help, someone who will scale the concrete from the same moment when you place it in the frame. You can use the same piece of board that you were using for the base. Use a shovel to properly distribute the material over the base.
When the base is full, you will need a flat piece of wood to scale the whole area. During the process, check for some rocks or shells, that can often be found in the mix, and be sure that the area is flat before it gets stable. Check every corner several times to be sure that the area is filled properly. In the end, it needs around 2 days for concrete to become stable for stepping on it. During this period, you should cover it with some plastic, and water it at least once during the day.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, with proper material and skills, you can be able to create an amazing area in front of your home, where you can rest during the day, play with your children and a pet. Also, the concrete patio is the best place to build a barbeque grill check out our favorite propane grills in this article. There are many ways to decorate the patio and create additional space in your home where you can spend your free time.
