How to Use Sonotubes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Double-Check Measurements and Depth Before beginning work with a Sonotube, you must be certain that your installation location is fully prepared for its placement and use. ...
- Step 2: Place the Tube and Secure It ...
- Step 3: Make Concrete and Fill ...
- Step 4: Insert Rebar and Finish ...
- Step 5: Level and Allow Time to Dry ...
- Step 6: Remove Cardboard Tube ...
Full Answer
What do you fill sonotube with?
Fill: Be sure the Sonotube® Builder's Tube® concrete form is dry before filling it with concrete. Sonotube Builder's Tube concrete forms are single-use forms. It is recommended that you erect all the tubes for your job in advance in order to pour all at once and to save time.
How do you back fill a sonotube?
How should I backfill around a Sonotube inserted into the ground? Backfill soil carefully by hand in layers of no more than 12” at a time, using a hand tamper to pack the soil. Use of backhoes or mechanical tampers could lead to collapse of the Sonotube.
Do you leave sonotube in ground?
No, it's not a problem to leave the Sonotube and its plastic "Square Foot" (like these) in the ground forever.
Do you put rebar in sonotube?
Yes, you need rebar in sonotubes. It's easy to install with spacers and very cheap. The added strength and stability it will add to your deck or another outbuilding is worth the extra time and effort to install.
Can you backfill Sonotubes before pouring concrete?
You can, as you pour your concrete, fill the hole to sonotube level, and add sand or gravel around the outside of the sonotube as you fill it with concrete, that'll keep it from flowing up around the tube.
How many bags of concrete does it take to fill a sonotube?
You will need approximately either 1 1/2 of 80lb (pound) or 2 of 60lb (pound) bags or 0.785 cubic feet of concrete to fill a 12 inch wide Sonotube per foot deep. So, for 3 feet deep, 4 bags of 80lb or 5 1/2 bags of 60lb or 2.35 cubic feet of concrete will be needed.
How deep should Sonotubes be?
Dig down to the frost line before pouring the concrete. Frost lines vary depending on your region. Start by assuming you want a 10-inch diameter Sonotube that is about 3 feet deep.
Does a sonotube need a footer?
However, if you are using an in-ground footing, your tube should sit evenly on top of it. In theory, your Sonotube should stay in place on its own. However, you may find it necessary to add some wood supports to prevent it from moving about throughout the process.
How long does sonotube last in the ground?
Sonotube commercial concrete forms can withstand rain for up to 72 hours.
Can you pour concrete on outside of sonotube?
Pouring around the sonotube is a bad idea and you won't have any structural connection between the footing and the pier. The tube needs to be suspended and braced above the footing and rebar installed to connect the pier and footing. If the tube is embedded into the footing a couple of inches it is no big deal.
How long should quikrete cure before removing forms?
24-48 hoursQuikrete offers a variety of strengths and specialty mixes that set faster than normal. If you're pouring a thin slab of 4-6 inches, the standard Quikrete mix should cure at least 24-48 hours before you remove the forms.
How deep do concrete piers need to be?
Piers can be square, rectangular, or circular, and diameter of piers is usually 6, 8, 10, or 16 inches. The depth of pier foundation is below the freezing depth, usually around five to six feet.
How many bags of quikrete does it take to fill a 12 sonotube?
and 80 lbs. A 12 inch sonotube requires 1.74 60 lbs. or 1.31 80 lbs. bags of concrete to fill it one foot. That's .
How deep should Sonotubes be?
Dig down to the frost line before pouring the concrete. Frost lines vary depending on your region. Start by assuming you want a 10-inch diameter Sonotube that is about 3 feet deep.
How long does it take for sonotube cement to dry?
Recommended time for the easiest and fastest stripping is 24 to 48 hours after the pour. Sonotube concrete forms should not be left on the column for more than five days.
How much concrete does it take to fill an 8 inch sonotube?
You will need approximately 0.345 cubic feet or either 0.58 of 80lb (pound) or 0.77 of 60lb (pound) bags of concrete to fill a 8 inch wide Sonotube per foot deep. So, for 3 feet deep, 1.035 cubic feet (or 2 bags of 80lb or 2 1/2 bags of 60lb) of concrete will be needed.
For your DIY projects
The easy-to handle Sonotube® Builder’s Tube® concrete form is just the right tool for professionally forming round concrete supports for dozens of projects around the home.
Estimate your needs
The Sonotube Builder’s Tube concrete form requires no assembly. They are ready to use the moment they are needed. The only preparation you may need is to cut the easy-to-handle lengths to fit the exact size of the project. Consult the following chart to estimate the amount of concrete you will need.
Easy steps for professional results
Place: Dig a hole to the desired depth. Place the tube in the hole, filling around the outside to secure. If the tube extends more than 2 feet above the ground line, provide additional support with a collar or wooden frame and side braces.
