What's the best way to make a concrete slab?
We need to create a 4" concrete slab outdoors to help level and support a decorative 5' flat-back water fountain. It will back up almost to the brick chimney. The slab needs to be 40" wide x 22" deep. I have purchased 2x6's to create the frame and wood stakes to secure it. I also have five 80# bags of cement ordered for pick-up. I have a square and a level. Tomorrow I will dig the trench for the frame so that I will have a 4" above ground wood surround. I still need to purchase a trowel and a 2x4 to screed (?) it with. Do I need some sort of tool to bevel the upper edge of the perimeter of the slab? Can anyone provide the order and the steps necessary to do this correctly? Thanks in advance! Donnie
Lyle w
Expert
I normally recommend that you have a contractor that is experienced in pouring a slab complete this type of project. Since this is a small slab, you should be able to complete the project yourself. You seem to have a general grasp of the procedure for pouring your slab. I recommend that you use some steel mesh to reinforce the concrete even though your slab is relatively small. The images below show some general information regarding building the forms and reinforcing the concrete. You will need an edger to bevel the top edge when the concrete thickens. I also included some information in the second image below on finishing the concrete.
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