QUICK GUIDE: LAYING PATIO SLABS ON CONCRETE
- 1. Mark the area
- 2. Dig a bed that’s 105mm deep
- 3. Add a 50mm sub-base layer
- 4. Mix the concrete – one part cement to six parts ballast
- 5. Add a 30mm layer of concrete mix
- 6. Lay the paving slabs, leaving 8 to 10mm spaces between them
- 7. Fill the joints with the mortar mix
Full Answer
How do you build a concrete patio?
Installing the Patio Foundation
- Lay and Compact the Gravel Base. Your patio needs the support of a gravel paver base. ...
- Lay Retaining Wall Block
- Place the Pipe to Set Paver Sand Depth
- Pour and Screed the Paver Sand. This patio has 6-inch-by-6-inch and 6-inch-by-9-inch stone in a running bond paver pattern, with 6-inch-by-9-inch blocks along the border.
What is the best concrete for a patio?
- Circular – awesome way to accent fire pits or fountains
- Herringbone – a classy, versatile look
- Basket Weave – good for vintage, old-timey styles
- European Fan – the go-to for a European style outdoor space.
- Running Bond – easy to install, little to no paver cutting required
How much does it cost to replace a concrete patio?
Patio Replacement. Replacing the entire concrete patio will cost more, of course. Demolition of the old one alone may already cost somewhere between $800 to $1000. Installing a new one after the old one has been removed also depends on the material used: Concrete – Pouring new concrete may cost around $11.50 per square foot.
How to prepare for a concrete patio?
- You can calculate the number of bags you will need by determining the cubic yards of the patio site. ...
- If mixing by hand, you can put the concrete mix into a mortar tub or a wheelbarrow. ...
- If using a mixer, make sure you can move the mixer into the area where you are building the patio. ...
How do you prepare the ground for a concrete patio?
2:176:18Pouring a concrete slab: Prepare the Ground & Drainage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing you want to do is bring in a backhoe or a skip loader and scrape off any organicMoreThe first thing you want to do is bring in a backhoe or a skip loader and scrape off any organic material or topsoil from the area where the slab will be poured topsoil.
How do you lay a concrete patio for beginners?
How to Build a Concrete Patio SlabStep 1: Lay Out and Excavate the Patio.Step 2: Drive Stakes Along the New Layout Lines.Step 3: Nail the First Form in Place.Step 4: Splice Boards Together, if Necessary.Step 5: Place the Mesh.Step 6: Pour the Concrete Into the Forms.Step 7: Flatten the Surface.Step 8: Round the Edges.More items...
What do you put under concrete patio?
What Material is Used for a Slab Base? The base in concrete construction is usually a form of crushed stone. Most concrete contractors want a mix of coarse and fine aggregate to create a compactable base that is going to be safe for settlement and drainage.
Can I lay a concrete patio myself?
It is possible to build an attractive concrete patio yourself, but careful planning and preparation is necessary. Be sure to place all the concrete at once; a big patio can be broken down into smaller manageable sections using 2x4's.
Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?
Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.
Do you need gravel under concrete?
You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.
What happens if you don't put gravel under concrete?
Because concrete is a very porous material, it will absorb any moisture that it contacts. This can cause pooling. Without crushed stone, pooling water will settle under it and erode your slab. Adding a layer of crushed stone will add proper drainage, as well as create a barrier between your slab and the ground.
Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?
No, you do not need rebar for a 4-inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4-inch-thick slab cast on the ground and in permanent contact with it will float and rebar is not required. Rebar is recommended on concrete measuring 5 – 6 inches thick.
How thick should concrete be for a patio?
Four inches is the minimum thickness for a concrete patio. You'll want to make it six to eight inches thick if the patio will support a structure such as a gazebo or hot tub.
Do you need rebar in concrete patio?
Do concrete patios need rebar? Even though it's possible to build a concrete patio without rebar, it's not recommended. All concrete is subject to cracks, but rebar holds all the cracks together and keeps the slab level and even. Without rebar, the cracks would become quite wide and the concrete would become uneven.
Can you pour concrete over grass?
Technically you can, but you really shouldn't pour concrete over grass. To maintain its tensile strength, concrete needs to be laid on a firm, even, and dry foundation. Grass and soil will naturally channel moisture into the concrete from below, which will likely result in it cracking over time.
How much does it cost to pour a 24x24 slab of concrete?
Concrete Slab For Garage Cost A typical 24x24 garage slab costs between $3,057 and $5,944 with prices ranging from $5.31 to $8.31 per square foot for a 4” reinforced slab of concrete, and $6.83 to $10.32 per square foot for a 6” slab of reinforced concrete.
How much does a 12x12 concrete patio cost?
Cost To Pour Concrete Patio Slab A concrete patio is generally 4” thick and costs $5.53–$10.25 per square foot to install. For a typical 12x12 patio slab costs ranges from $796 to $1,476. Always reinforce slabs that are 4” thick with rebar for strength. Your final cost may be affected by many design factors.
How thick should a concrete slab be for a patio?
Four inchesHow thick will your patio slab be? Four inches is the minimum thickness for a concrete patio. You'll want to make it six to eight inches thick if the patio will support a structure such as a gazebo or hot tub.
Can you pour concrete over grass?
Technically you can, but you really shouldn't pour concrete over grass. To maintain its tensile strength, concrete needs to be laid on a firm, even, and dry foundation. Grass and soil will naturally channel moisture into the concrete from below, which will likely result in it cracking over time.
Do I need expansion joint between house and patio?
Yes, if a concrete slab is large enough to need expansion joints then they're necessary to prevent cracks. As concrete expands and contracts it needs room to move. Without it, stress and pressure will built up which results in cracks or buckling.
What causes a patio to crack?
Ensure the gravel or crushed rock is compacted and laid evenly. Fluctuation in the height of the base can cause shifting or cracking in the patio over time.
How long to wait to remove concrete slab?
Wait at least 3 hours after your last work on the slab before removing the forms or your concrete will be too soft and sag. I use 3 hours because I can shape the edges faster when the concrete is still pliable. If you wait till the next day, you can still fix the edges, but you will have to use a lot of pressure and you will have to mix some extra cement to fill holes. When the cement is pliable, you can just add pressure and it will shape the edges and applying pressure will fill holes. Don't be afraid to apply pressure on the concrete when shaping it.
How long does concrete cure?
Additionally, flatten out the surface using a float. Finish by letting the concrete cure for 2 days. For tips on how to build a form and how to calculate the amount of concrete you'll need, read on!
How to make a rounded edge on concrete?
Using an edger, slide it between the forms and the concrete to create a rounded edge. When the concrete can support your weight, cut grooves in the concrete every 8 feet. These are control joints that help if the concrete shifts or changes over time.
Why do you need a respirator for cement?
Using a respirator will prevent you from getting a sinus or lung infection.
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How Much Will You Save?
You’ll save 40 percent to 50 percent by pouring your patio yourself. (Taking the DIY route also means you can be sure the technical details are done correctly.) You’ll save even more if you mix your own concrete instead of having a ready-mix truck deliver it.
How to calculate concrete volume?
Formula for determining concrete quantity: (Thickness x width and length of patio in feet) divided by 27 = Concrete volume required in cubic yards.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Four inches is the minimum thickness for a concrete patio. You’ll want to make it six to eight inches thick if the patio will support a structure such as a gazebo or hot tub.
What are the advantages of a concrete patio?
Durable, attractive, long-lasting and easy to keep clean — these are the advantages of a concrete patio. Unlike paving bricks or patio slabs, a poured concrete patio greatly reduces gaps and cracks that can lead to weed growth and ant infestations.
How do I dig up sod on a patio?
Excavate the area: Use a shovel or rented mini-excavator to dig up the sod and top soil in the area of your patio. Aim to go down six to eight inches below the current soil level.
How to smooth concrete?
Fill the forms with concrete, then use a straight piece of wood drawn across the top edges of the form to smooth and level the concrete. Leave the concrete alone until the surface water dries but the concrete itself is still soft, then immediately continue smoothing the surface with a trowel. A special trowel for edges lets you make the concrete look like the edges of a sidewalk.
What do you need to level concrete?
Saw the stakes: When it comes time to level your concrete you’ll be drawing a long, straight piece of wood across the top edges of the form as you’re finishing the concrete. This is called “screeding” and it’s why you need to saw the stakes flush with the top edges of the form. Do this step now using a handsaw.
What finish do you use on concrete?
If the concrete will receive a rough broom finish , no additional finishing may be needed. If the concrete will be smooth toweled or stamped, a steel trowel finish is needed. Let the concrete rest until the surface begins to firm up. Once firm, use a steel trowel to create a smooth, hard and uniform finish.
What is a broom finish?
The most basic type of finish is known as a "broom finish". A special broom is pulled across the concrete surface creating a rough textured surface. Other types of finishes include stamped, textured, or smooth trowel to name a few. Read about types of textured concrete finishes.
How to keep concrete warm during curing?
If concrete is placed in weather below 40˚F, use curing blankets to keep the concrete warm during the initial few days of the curing process.
How long does concrete cure?
The curing process lasts 28 days, with the first 48 hours being the most critical. Apply a liquid chemical curing and sealing compound to help the concrete cure slowly and evenly, which helps reduce cracks, curling, and surface discoloration.
How long does concrete sealer last?
A good quality sealer is always a good idea. Apply a month after the concrete is placed. Exterior concrete sealers can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending primarily on environmental conditions. Occasional soap and water cleaning is also advised to keep your concrete looking its best.
How to prepare a concrete site for pouring?
On small projects, use hand to tools to clear the area of all grass, rocks, trees, shrubs, and old concrete, exposing bare earth. Earth moving equipment speeds up the process, especially for large pours. ...
What is a small hand held float?
Small hand-held floats are good for edges and detail work, large bull floats are best for working large areas. At the same time, work control joints and edges into the concrete with special hand tools. Read more about how to finish concrete.
What about a free estimate?
Do you want to upgrade your patio and lay pavers over concrete, but have no idea how much is gonna cost? What about a free estimate? If you live in Sarasota, Manatee, or any of our surrounding counties contact us , we will be glad to assist you!
Why do we need pavers?
Pavers are not only known for their cost-benefit but also beauty and style. Installing pavers can significantly increase your home value and curb appeal.
How high should a patio be?
Your new patio or walkway needs to be up to 3 inches higher than the original concrete. You need to be sure to plan for transitions to other areas, especially if the patio adjoins your house.
Do you need to edge a concrete patio?
To keep the sand and pavers from settling and squishing around, a concrete slab paver patio needs to be firmly edged. However, your edging needs to allow for water to properly drain. Otherwise, if it’s watertight, your patio could turn into a puddle.
Can you put pavers on top of concrete?
The process of laying pavers over concrete is the same as laying a paver patio over the ground. Pavers can be installed on top of concrete without mortar if you put a layer of sand between ½ to 1 inch first.
Can pavers be used over concrete?
This is the most common method of laying pavers over a concrete base, especially with pedestrian applications, such as walkways and patios. It can be also applied in driveways as long durable bedding sand is used.
Can you put bituminous over concrete?
The installation with bituminous is not very common. It is used only for high impact and friction areas. Follow the next two steps when installing pavers over concrete using a bituminous set: Step 1: Place a level 1 inch bedding layer of sand mixed with a bituminous binder between the pavers and underlying the surface.
