Use a trowel or float to smooth the concrete surface.
A concrete slab creates the foundation for many building projects and can also be used for patios, driveways and play areas. Pouring a concrete slab is a challenging building project, but it is one that an avid and experienced do-it-yourselfer can complete with proper preparation. The purpose of the slab will determine its size and location.
Instructions
1. Prepare the ground for the concrete slab. Remove all grass and other vegetation from the area and level the ground with a shovel or rake.
2. Lay 1x2 or 2x4 lumber on the ground to form a square or rectangle frame the same size and shape of the concrete slab you want to pour. Nail the the pieces of lumber together to secure the frame, creating a form to hold and shape the wet concrete.
3. Measure the frame from one corner to the diagonal corner. Then measure the opposite corners. If these measurements are not equal, adjust the frame as needed until the measurements are equal.
4. Drive wooden stakes into the ground with a sledge hammer on the outside edge of each side of the frame. Place the stakes every two feet around the frame to provide support for the frame. Nail the stakes partially into the frame to secure them in place. Drive the stakes into the ground until they are flush with the frame or saw the tops of the stakes flush with the frame.
5. Dig a four-inch deep and eight-inch wide trench around the inside edge of the frame for additional stability.
6. Pour wet, prepared concrete into the frame. For smaller concrete slabs, mix the concrete yourself in a wheelbarrow using water and bagged concrete mix following the manufacturer's instructions. For larger slabs, you can order a delivery of prepared concrete from a supplier. The wet concrete is delivered in a mixing truck and is ready for spreading.
7. Spread the concrete with a shovel, working quickly. Lay rebar supports around the perimeter at least two inches from the sides and two inches from the top of the frame. Continue filling the frame with concrete after laying the rebar in place.
8. Slide a straight 2x4 across the concrete to smooth it and make sure the frame is properly filled. Set the 2x4 on the edge of the frame and slide it from one side of the slab to the other. Use a slight back and forth motion, pushing and pulling the board as you move across the slab. This process removes excess concrete from the surface and is the first step in smoothing the slab.
9. Smooth the surface of the concrete with a trowel, moving the trowel in slow, sweeping arcs until the surface is smooth. Allow the concrete to dry for several hours and trowel the surface again if needed until the surface is smooth.
