If you’re looking for an affordable way to add square footage to your home, concrete is the way to go. It’s durable and easy to install, so it will last for years without any maintenance.
Plus, it doesn’t require any special tools or equipment beyond a few basic hand tools and a rotary hammer drill with a masonry bit.
You can do all this yourself if you’re willing to get your hands dirty (but there are also people out there who’ll help you). Here’s how:
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Step 1: Determine Your Needs
Before you can begin, you’ll need to determine how much concrete you’ll need. The amount will depend on the size of your job, whether it is for a patio or some other project. You should also consider what type of finish you want on the concrete and its shape.
For example, if a smooth finish is desired then an air-entrained concrete mix will be required as this provides a more polished look than that achieved with standard ready-mix concrete (which has no air entrainment).
Once you know how much concrete you need and what kind of finish is preferred, it’s time to determine what type of shape is needed for your project.
Concrete Calculation
| Considerations | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Size | A larger job of course requires more concrete, but dimensions and shape matter as well. The more complex shapes will need more concrete as well. |
| Type of Finish | Simple broom, wet or slick finishes will require different amounts of Concrete per area. More intricate and delicate finishes will require more skill and care in application. |
| Delivery | If you have ready-mix concrete delivered, the amount needed will depend on the number of yards you order. |
| Mix Design | The mix design of the concrete affects its density and therefore its weight per yard. The weight per yard uses cubic yards as a measurement. |
Step 2: Make A Plan
Before you start, make sure you know how much concrete is needed. This will help you determine what type of truck will be needed to transport it to your site.
If this is going to be a DIY project, then the next step would be to decide if you want to buy pre-mixed concrete or mix it yourself at home.
There are benefits and drawbacks for each option; however, if this is not your first rodeo with concrete, then I would recommend buying pre-mixed bags so that there are no mistakes in measuring (just check out our previous article on helpful tips for mixing).
You may also want to consider hiring an experienced professional who can offer recommendations based on their experience working with different types of projects and materials like granite countertops versus cement blocks or brick pavers versus mulch beds around trees & shrubs
But this can be costly depending on what work needs done and how many people need hired (contractors often charge per hour due $$$$, so keep track!).
Ready to tackle that concrete project? Our guide on proven ways to add yards of concrete provides tips on how to calculate the amount of concrete you’ll need, preparing the site for a pour, and other essential steps to get the job done right.
Step 3: Secure The Permits
Once you have your measurements and design, it’s time to secure the necessary permits. This can be a bit of a pain, but it’s necessary if you want to avoid fines or legal troubles later on.
If you don’t have the right permits, the county could fine you for violating local zoning regulations and if that happens, they’ll probably make sure everyone in town knows about it!
To get started with this process:
Check with your city or county office to see what licenses or permits are required in order for them to approve your application (and also make sure they don’t impose any fees).
Be aware that some areas require that contractors obtain additional licenses as well—so before hiring one, ask them whether or not they’re legally able to meet ordinances in your area.
Call up your state government too; they may require an environmental impact report (EIR) or other forms of documentation which must be submitted before submitting their own permit application form.
Remember: do not skip this step! You need these papers so that officials know everything has been done properly from start all way through completion (and any possible problems will have been addressed).
Permitting Process
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Research: Check the required permits of the construction project with local authorities. Regulations could vary based on location and the scope of the project. |
| Step 2 | Application: Once you are confident with the project details, submit the application for the permits. Applications will likely request detailed information about your project. |
| Step 3 | Approval: Once submitted, the permit issueing authority reviews the application in-depth. They may also request additional information, make corrections or request meetings to discuss the application |
| Step 4 | Issuance: After reviewing the application and ensuring everything complies with regulations, you will receive the permit. |
| Step 5 | Commencement: Once you have the permit in hand, you can commence construction with added safety and legality. Always ensure you follow relevant safety regulations and permit terms. |
Step 4: Get The Right Tools And Materials
shovel
level
tape measure
a concrete mixer (or a 5-gallon bucket) and stir stick to mix the concrete
2×4 or 2×6 boards, cut to length and screwed together in pairs to make a form for the sides of your walkway (you’ll need one pair per side of the walkway).
You can also use cinder blocks or other heavy objects if you don’t have boards on hand. The form should be at least 4 feet long and as high as you want your finished concrete path to be.
(If it’s much shorter than that, you won’t have enough space for the width of your trowel.) To ensure good drainage during pouring, dig down about 6 inches into your soil with a spade where each piece of wood sits on top of the ground. Then pour some gravel into these holes so water won’t pool up inside them during rainstorms!
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Step 5: Set The Forms For The Concrete Slab
Now it’s time to set the forms for the concrete slab. To do this, you’ll need to make sure they are level and straight. You also need to make sure that they are square, or 90°.
Here’s how:
First, place 4 stakes into the ground at each corner of your poured slab, then tie string between them at 8′ (2m) intervals so that you have a grid pattern of strings with all measurements being level.
The next step is to measure from one stake to another on each side of your project (this should be done twice).
This will give you an X-Y axis showing both directions from which deviations can be measured from when pouring slabs over contours in hillside homesites such as those found in Switzerland where we were working recently!
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Step 6: Pour Concrete And Add Finishing Touches
Pour the concrete in a thin layer, then use a level to make sure it’s flat.
Use a trowel to smooth out the surface of the concrete and remove excess that may have spilled over.
Sweep off any excess that has been pushed off to one side of your form with a broom or leaf blower, ensuring you don’t miss any spots and leave them exposed once you break down your forms.
Let this cure for at least 24 hours before removing forms from around it (that’s when it will be hard enough to walk on safely).
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Conclusion
We know that adding a concrete slab to your yard can seem like a huge project. But with these tips, you’ll be able to take on this DIY job in no time!
Just remember to start by determining your needs, making sure you have all of the right tools and materials before beginning work on your slab.
Then make sure you get all necessary permits before laying down any foundation material…
Further Reading
Concrete Material Calculator from Team Elmers: A useful tool for calculating the amount of concrete needed for your next project.
How to Figure Concrete Yardage from Wikihow: A comprehensive guide on how to estimate the quantity of concrete you’ll need for your particular project.
Concrete Calculator from Concrete Network: A free calculator that helps you find out how much concrete you need, based on different measurements and shapes.
FAQs
What are the benefits of adding yard drainage?
Adding yard drainage can help avoid erosion, prevent property damage, keep away standing water and moisture, and tend to landscape or garden needs more efficiently.
How can I measure the amount of concrete I need for a project?
Measuring your project’s dimensions and using an online calculator or a formula can help you estimate your required concrete yardage.
What types of yard lighting are available for installation?
Different types of yard lighting include spotlights, floodlights, pathway lights, string lights, lanterns, and more.
How can adding curb appeal to the front yard benefit me?
A well-maintained and visually appeal front yard not only increases property value but also contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for anyone who steps onto the property.
Can I add curb appeal to my front yard on a budget?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly ways of adding curb appeal to your front yard, such as planting flowers, painting your front door, trimming your lawn, cleaning windows, and repairing sidewalks.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
