Readers ask: How To Prepare For A Concrete Slab?

What do you put under a concrete slab?

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.

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

What is the best base for concrete slab?

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. Crusher run (a mix of crushed stone and stone dust) is one of the best base materials for concrete flatwork.

How do you prepare a concrete base?

Preparing the base

  1. Step 1 – Mark and measure. Using pegs and string, mark out the area for the base of the building.
  2. Step 2 – Dig marked area.
  3. Step 3 – Lay MOT stone.
  4. Step 4 – Measure and cut timber rails.
  5. Step 5 – Spread and compact stone.
  6. Step 6 – Cover with sand and damp-proof membrane.
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Should you put plastic under concrete?

Recently, though, research has shown that the old traditional layer of 6-mil Visqueen (polyethylene plastic) under the slab is seldom effective for two main reasons: Although it may seem water-tight, this grade of material allows a lot of water vapor to pass through.

Do I need sand under concrete?

To prevent cracking and crumbling, concrete patios need to be built on solid, well-drained soil. If you live in a region with lots of clay in the soil, you will need to dig down further and backfill with layers of compacted sand and gravel.

Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?

No, you do not need rebar for a 4inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4inch-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 do you prepare the ground for a concrete garage floor?

Good ground preparation starts with removing the topsoil. Then, if the soil has not previously been “disturbed” (i.e., dug up), a four-inch layer (minimum) of gravel or stone should be added. (Soil that has been dug up before should be compacted.) The gravel or stone also needs to be compacted.

Do I need rebar in a small concrete pad?

Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in depth, you are probably going to want to add in some rebar to help reinforce the entire structure.

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How many inches of gravel do you need for a concrete slab?

A hand tamper is sufficient for packing gravel, but a plate compactor makes the job much easier, especially when preparing a large area such as a patio. Excavate the soil to a depth of 8 inches, allowing 4 inches for the gravel base and 4 inches for the concrete slab.

What type of gravel goes under concrete?

Backfill beneath concrete flat-work along foundation walls should be accomplished with a granular material that is uniform in size. Some fill materials, such as round stones like pea gravel, tend to be self compacting. “I recommend open-graded granular material be used,” says Tull.

Can I use pea gravel under concrete?

If you use pea gravel beneath a patio, take a few simple steps to ensure the stability of the base before setting your surface stones, pavers or bricks. Click to see full answer. It should be ok to pour concrete over your gravel walk although you might want to give the concrete a little more depth along the sides.

How deep should I dig for a concrete slab?

Excavate the slab area to a depth of about 7 inches, allowing 3 inches for a gravel base and 4 inches for concrete.

Is it better to pour concrete in sections?

There are many advantages to pouring your concrete floor in sections, including extending the life and health of your concrete. Another advantage or sectioning is that you can do it yourself and do not have to hire an entire work crew to get the job done before the cement dries.

What size rebar do I need for a concrete slab?

Common Rebar Sizes

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Rebar in patios, basement floors, footings and driveways may vary from size 3 to 6. Contractors sometimes use the “1/8 Rule,” meaning the size of the rebar is 1/8 the thickness of the slab. For example, a slab that is 6 inches thick might have rebar marked as size 6 or 3/4-inch.

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