need help with laying concrete

[stondroopy]

ok how do i make the ground level err how do i know its level? maybe there is a book? i need to cover an area about 2ft by 15 ft. Im sure i can do this myself i just need to know what to do

[luke]

ok how do i make the ground level err how do i know its level? maybe there is a book? i need to cover an area about 2ft by 15 ft. Im sure i can do this myself i just need to know what to do

Use a screeding board just like you will to level the concrete across the forms...

[fire1811]

ok how do i make the ground level err how do i know its level? maybe there is a book? i need to cover an area about 2ft by 15 ft. Im sure i can do this myself i just need to know what to do

rule #1 about concrete
GET SOME HELP

if its hot out its going to set up rather fast.
you need to have it semi-level at a minimum, needs to be framed up, you need a rake or two for moving the concret around, and you will need a board to level it out(you move it back and forth while sliding it forward over your side framing. Also your going to need some finishing tools also.

you will more then likely have to mix your on concrete since most places will not deliver such a small load.

just get some help

[Muzikman]

The key is to make sure the forms are level. Use gravel to smooth out the ground and fill in any holes. With a 15' section, you will want to install expansion breaks usually every 5 feet or so. This will prevent it from cracking. Make sure that the base under the concrete is solid and not going to shift. Use a hand roller or something similar to pack it down before building the form and pouring the concrete.

[chairman_mao]

Take her to dinner first. The more wine the better

[Muzikman]

Take her to dinner first. The more wine the better

[Jakedubbleya]

take a level, chalk the line it makes, adjust?

(never actually pured concrete, but my dog once bit a construction worker if that helps)

[dj89]

Got to the home depo

[covadsucks]

The key is to make sure the forms are level. Use gravel to smooth out the ground and fill in any holes. With a 15' section, you will want to install expansion breaks usually every 5 feet or so. This will prevent it from cracking. Make sure that the base under the concrete is solid and not going to shift. Use a hand roller or something similar to pack it down before building the form and pouring the concrete.

Put down some sand and then gravel to smooth the ground out as the gravel will shift ever so slightly. Pack it down and tamp it down with a hand roller, then get some "dobies" and put a couple runs of rebar into the mix atop the dobies so the concrete's strength'll last something more than a couple of years.

A couple of #3 bars (twelve inches apart from each other) six inches shorter than the actual expanse of concrete so you have some clearance, use three dobies for each and tie them together using some baling wire -or if you have an ironworker or construction worker friend, some 16 guage annealed wire. You can obtain all of this stuff from any worthwhile home improvement center. Should you have any questions feel free to PM me so I can answer them directly.

[imstoiched!]

You're going to use a line level. Visually find the highest point and drive a stake. Tie a string to that and lay out your perimeter using 3 more stakes. The other stakes being longer than the first cause you'll need that extra height when you use a line level.

Tip: You dont want it to be completely flat. You want a slight slope ( More if it's like a patio) for drainage.

Then using your lines and stakes you'll need a form as someone else mentioned.

I'll add more later cause I got called in to work.

[RevBrown]

Take her to dinner first. The more wine the better

Damnit!!! Beat me to it.