How to Frame and Pour a Small Concrete Slab | DIY
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
- In this video I'm showing you how I built a frame for a small concrete slab. I then poured the concrete within the frame for a future shed build. This was a great learning experience. Be sure to also check out the videos I made on the lean to shed that I built on this slab.
Thanks to Lynda for sponsoring this video. Go to lynda.com/april to get a free 10 day trial!
For a written tutorial check out my blog at wilkerdos.com/?s=pouring+a+con...
Things I used:
Concrete: goo.gl/AyBxmX
Circular Saw: goo.gl/ujntXG
Finishing Trowel: goo.gl/gulhKJ
Hand Edger Trowel: goo.gl/cFaJAF
Speed Square: goo.gl/76lTyH
Drill: goo.gl/pOsqzU
3’ Level: goo.gl/OIdWDP
All Purpose Sand: goo.gl/6qj3cC
Bailing Wire: goo.gl/djVFs9
Rebar High Chair: goo.gl/EhF28Q
Website: www.wilkerdos.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=257047
Instagram: / wilker_dos
Facebook: / wilkerdos
Manufacturing and retail site: hillcountrywoodshed.com/
Check out Triton Tools here! www.tritontools.com/en-US
Videos I watched before I started this build:
• How to Pour and Finish...
• How to Lay a Concrete ...
• Tie wire mesh or rebar...
• Video
Welcome to the official April Wilkerson UA-cam channel! I’m April and I’m the creator of Wilker Do’s. I am an obsessed DIYer and Woodworker. I'm not professional or have any training, so I just pick the project I want to tackle and figure it out step by step. On this channel you will find a variety of content like DIY home improvement, How-To’s, construction, design and more!
#AprilWilkerson #concreteslab #diy - Навчання та стиль
ive been in cement and concrete 35 years, the work she did is fine. it wasn't to dry. So many good tips from everyone. if you get a bucket a masons brush and some water you can still work that finish. a splash of water and a wood float will bring the cream to the top. then a little work with a finish trowel and your good to go. i think you did a great job. i wish my wife would just come out of the house while i'm doing a project
If you decide to pour any slabs in the future I would recommend doing a few things. I noticed that the top of the finished slab began to spall meaning the smooth cementitious outermost layer deteriorated. Using a magnesium float pulls an adequate amount of "the cream" to the top creating a hardshell for the finish. If the top layer is thinner it will easily deteriorate as the aggregate is so close to the surface. Also vibrating or tapping the edges of the forms is important as well so you have a consistent amount of concrete with reference to depth. Corners and edges are more vulnerable to break away as you are pushing the material into them usually and the concrete needs a guiding hand so to speak. Applying a lubricant like vegetable oil or diesel on the forms helps for both saturating the edges and corners as well as making it much easier to strip the forms after the pour. A moisture barrier and a good sealer coat finishes the job off right :)
I read a quote that said: “She wasn’t looking for a knight. She was trying to find her sword.” That fits you and many of us. Keep up the great work!
Yes this was a feminine thing… How cliché for you to have pointed that out… Mind growing up?
@@diehardfan173 I was praising her highly. Try reading more carefully. And growing up.
Some tips: It’s less straining to pull rather than push the concrete. If the concrete feels dry, tap it while floating. Water will rise to the top. Thanks for sharing!
You did fine. I've been in the construction industry all my life, you have to start somewhere. Making mistakes on a small slab like that is great, nothing is lost and it was a great learning experiance. I'm pretty sure you could out work some burly construction men I know, good job. please keep inspiring everyone...your a great teacher.
Love.
Todd Sheffield hh
Todd Sheffield nice to see good folks out there. I know this was 3 years ago, but I hope you still have the same mentality
Todd Sheffield someone once said that a person who hasn’t made any mistakes never built anything.
Man, your grammar sure is that of a construction worker.
I like that you include videos of just what you do to improve your shop and such, and not just constant project videos. That is not to say I have any problem with constant project videos but the ability to showcase and teach how to do other things is great too.
Good job! I'm a concrete and metal building contractor and although not exactly a pro job but WAY better than any homeowner projects I've rescued.
I work in precast concrete plants and we pour with SCC... I have been contemplating putting an addition onto my front patio. For some reason I never considered I'd have to buy bags and do such small batches! I've gotten spoiled. Great job! Concrete is tough work! :) Trust, there are men who have been doing this for YEARS that forget to come back and finish their pieces :P
Great job, but here's a couple tips. First dig a deeper foundation and fill it with gravel and compact it, then add the sand and compact it. This will give the slab a sturdy foundation that will be less likely to sink over time. Second, if the concrete is sticking to the mixer add more water, your mix did look a little dry. But for a first time concrete pour you did pretty good.
my thoughts as well, concrete mix a little dry. i agree with the gravel and compact it. i would of added in rebar along all 4 sides of the little slab.
technoman53 nice job explaining how to dig out, set forms and rebar. then pour & finish concrete. when you pour concrete next to an existing slab. you can dowel into the existing slab with your rebar. you'll be fine on this slab. springconcrete.com
And it could have raised it up some. It looks a little low, likely to puddle during rain. But great video thank you
seheabol agree . probably would habe been better to match the existing slab height
Dan Volz - What is dowel into existing concrete? like drill into the existing slab and put the bars into the drilled holes? Thanks in advance
So many girls watching makeup videos & I'm over here watching construction & landscaping DIY videos. I like 'em better cuz I learn a lot with every new project & I get to do something I can share with my dad. Wouldn't know how to do makeup foundation but i know how to level a house foundation🤷♀️ Happy to come across another girl that's into it, you definitely got a new subscriber.
Also, you can prepare once the zombies attack and we need wonderful females that know actual important/nessesar skills.
Same!! 😂
Yeah, these are proper skills.
lol I watch both. I feel you.
ivette 💪
Your cement was too dry when you poured but you probably know that by now. You can also mist it to keep it from drying out in between. You're pretty awesome.
Its concrete not cement dude
@@daniboutabag7397 Same difference.
@Daniboutabag it's still way too dry ya dipwad.
Definitely not.
@@manibengood not really. Cement is one ingredient of concrete lol
I am super impressed by anyone who attempts this kind of thing by themselves for the first time. I agree with the other suggestions I've read but I'll add a few...if you can find rebar ties and a tying tool (would cost a couple bucks) it saves so much time with the rebar. And I would recommend using a concrete mag. It will let you work the concrete a lot more to fill in voids, even when it's getting dry. You will be able to work up moisture from beneath the surface and get that all smoothed out nicely. You can then use the same tool to put the finishing pass on the surface once it's dried a little more. Then a soft-bristle broom will give it that final finishing touch.
Thank you! Even when things don’t work out perfectly and you show them on UA-cam we all learn. Keep up the good work
First time I watched one of your videos, and let me tell you, you are AMAZING ! I love the way you did the proyect, maybe wasn't perfect for others, but always give you the satisfaction that is done by yourself. .. way to go girl! 👍😃
I know this is late, but I don't give no ducks about pouring a slab, and I am never going to do this myself, but I love listening to you and watching you work. You are truly awesome. Watched and loved many of your videos that came after this. Keep up the great work.
Well done 👍🏼 I poured my first and only slabs (3 3’x4’), and it nearly killed me. Hardest physical labor EVER. Not sure I would ever do that again. But I might...Thanks for another great video.
Some roughness to the surface is probably what you want so it's not slippery when wet. You could dip the trowel in a bucket of water periodically as you finish the surface. Optionally, use the broom to rough it up at the end. I would slope the surface a little so water runs off the slab, away from the house. Very impressive for doing it the first time.
Guys showed up just as you were done! Perfect timing.
+Anil Pillai haha typical lol
Guys are like blisters!!!! They show up when the work is done!!! Lol
Anil Pillai LMK woodcarving
April,I know this is couple of years old now..But I have subscribed,and I am in awe of your skills and “energy” At the age of 72 my energy and motivation are not what they were.But I try and keep at it.Your Husband is a lucky Man,But I’m sure he knows that.One thing!! I just cannot understand!! Is the downvotes,why? someone is taking their time to show their projects and “exceptional skill” and as a tradesman, I mean that..And then people give it a thumbs down.God I hate that.Great skills April,great jobs.Keep up the good work.
Overall, a great job. But you actually do not want it to be "level", but rather a slight tilt to keep the water from going back toward the building. Usually a 1/4 to 1/2 bubble on your level, or about 1/8" to 1/4" per foot
Great Tip!
No. She doesn’t need it level, as she is building on top of it.
Jacob w Very smart, thanks!
@@Chaise-a-bascule yeah perverts like you asshole
Wrong on so many levels
You are so inspiring! My father used to tell i couldn't do stuff like that, but im about to buy my first house and i will have to renovate the kitchen and the house by myself. I am loving that you give me to curage to go forth with my project and not care what anyone say. Thank you so much for the biggest gift anyone have ever given me.
That's awesome! Good for you!
Best part of owning a house are the projects:) Everything except electrical...any mistakes with electrical can kill.
Tone Andersen hi
الليث الابيض damn your thirsty
How did it turn out?
I'm from texas my parents from Mexico I was raised in a ranch my whole life I've always worked with my dad making sheds to chicken coops and now I'm helping him make him a house it's a lot of work a lot of concrete but I love doing it. Liked this video although she did need more water to mix it with.
I just want you to know, you are an amazing person and a huge inspiration for me. I do a lot of my own work as well and sometimes I find it hard to stay motivated your videos help me keep at it.
And you are inspiring me now!
I agree!
I always admire a women doing work like this. Great job!
yes, she did very good and it is a great foundation for her shed.
Heck, man or woman, that is a lot of work and she makes a difficult job look easy. kudos to her!
Ray G II
Where can I find men like you because men around here hate it when a woman does any work that doesnt involve cooking, cleaning, or a desk.
Awesome. After hesitating and questioning if I can do it myself, I think this video has finally motivated me that I can actually pour a small landing at the bottom of a deck. I know it's been several years since, but you can always use an angle grinder and a diamond cup wheel to smooth out the rough concrete. It doesn't take as long as it sounds.
I’m a carpenter for over 25 years you did a fantastic job .
Thanks!
Thanks for this post!,getting ready to design a pad for something similar. I really like how you kept it simple and overcame any hurdles by good ol common sense. Great job!!
April you are incredible and inspiring! Always willing to put in the hard work to do it RIGHT! Really appreciate your channel, I've learned so much! Cheers
Wow, that is a lot of work. People who haven't done it have no idea how much work making, pouring, leveling and finishing concrete is. The stuff weighs a zillion tons. Soon every shovel or hoe movement feels like an Olympic weight lifting event. I'm very impressed you got that all done solo.
: ) haha thanks. Yes, it was a ton of work, I was plumb worn out by day two. I just want to go high five all concrete workers for what they do! haha.
Great stuff, and a couple of quick tricks for next time are gravel-compact-sand-compact-water-compact, bend the ends of the steel rods to raise them from the ground, make an angle outwards to avoid water coming in, wet the concrete on the base of the existing one to help the new adhere to the old one and a bit more water in the mixture, that looked lumpy/dry.
Make small stacks of concrete throughout the area corresponding to the final level, once they dry, make a line of concrete at the same level as the existing dry stacks. that makes it way easier to get the levels you want, regardless of how big or small the area is, and what angles you need.
Love you're videos!!
A tip from a swedish carpenter, We use a more loose cement at the end. then u get a nice and baby smooth surface.
Been showing you're videos at work. You're a true inspiration!
Stick with carpentry and leave cement to the pro's
@@pablom3162 Would you shut up !!
All you have to say is bad things, you don’t know how to give a compliment or what ???
I hate concrete work. Kudos to you. You work unbelievably hard. Just a side note, a respirator is good to wear when pouring in the bags into the mixer.
Yeah I tried to stay out of it as much as possible, next time I'll have a mask on hand.
+Heavyboxes I second the respirator - or at the very least, a good dust mask. Ya only get one set o' lungs.
+Scott Baker A third on the respirator and skin protection, gloves at a very minimum, when working with cement!
Ron Williams I forgot to include the gloves. Otherwise, you end up needing lotion on your hands for days.
+Heavyboxes agreed for the respirator if you do it on a regular basis, if not, sissy comments, especially for the gloves and skin protection
Hi April
I think you are great, I know it is probably a bit sexist but I never ever see women doing construction work.
You are an inspiration to us all, if the world was full of people who got up off the sofa and did good things
, the world would be a better place. Well done, you are an inspiration.
Women MAKE EVERY EXCUSE not to even try.. No woman is worth keeping if she dont help you!
Screw the overly sensitve , who care
Girl power!! Nice job, for first project. Some people have never even tried to do this. You rock!!
Good job 👏🏻 I’m impressed. Such a hard worker
This was helpful, I have done concrete pads but it has been awhile. Thanks for your time and effort in posting this...!
Hey just for future concrete projects, if you wait too long and the top drys too much to trowel you can always wet it a bit with like a water bottle with a couple nail holes in the top and then it will smooth out for you. and if you desire rough surfaces, a broom does the trick
April Wilkerson, thank you for making this video. I am about to pour a concrete pad and I learned from you. Hey sometimes we learn more from our mistakes. Working with concrete is definitely challenging. Thanks again.
Thank you. Unlike other concrete slab videos you describe your process to the Tee! I really appreciate your video. I'm going to school for landscaping and environmental biology. This is a great starter video. Thank you again.
I LOVE your videos! I watch woodworking videos all the time and have been watching them for 20 years. Yours are at the top of my watch list. You are informative, detailed, talented and practical (although I WISH I had your tools! I have many, but clearly you have great sponsors and they supply you well.) But I just wanted to give you the positive feedback you deserve.
Well said 👏
I can't get my wife to wash her own car and yet here you are building a shed.
paulntraci99 my wife will wash her own car but I wish she didn't because I end up putting the hose away.. But my wife would not attempt anything like this.
haha
paulntraci99
paulntraci99 it llkl
ll
U married the wrong kind of woman! Lol
Thank you April. Nice to see guys checking up on you as well for your safety of course.
Greatly appreciate your channel April. As usual great job. Your videos show that women need men as well in this world. I know you for one would appreciate how difficult jobs like construction (let alone other back breaking jobs like mining, deep sea fishing, soldiering, garbage collection, etc.). I know that women can do anything they set their minds to, but when you have men around why not get them to do it if they are so inclined. There is a video of four female feminists bringing in a refrigerator and they are thrilled they did it without the help of a man. On the other hand in most cases a single man would be able to do the job. Its just that today's feminists just don't want to believe that there are inherent differences between men and woman. Thank you for your showing reality in your videos.
A fine job April! Noting like chewing that concrete dust...I was the mixer as a lad. I like how you got your buddy to dig, it reminds me of family gatherings, we always get into a project at somebody's house. Great video
I love this video! Because April Wilkerson is a wonderful lady who teach me about how she pour the concrete so easily!
@@discoverdayo910 she showed you how not to do it
Concrete doesn’t “dry”.
In fact the opposite is true.
The chemical reaction involved in the curing of concrete is a “hydration” reaction. The reaction is essentially between cement and water and is exothermic (ie heat is released).
This is why it’s critical to get the water-cement ratio correct and ensure that there is at least an excess of water present.
Yes and to go further you can sometimes see burlap and sprinklers put in fresh cement to keep it wet enough to cure properly. Also a crushed rock will compact to a harder more stable foundation for the concrete.
Sweetie - you are a rock star! I"ve done this - once - with the help pf my 13 year old son - while my hubby was AWOL. This is NOT an easy project. You nailed it.
I've seen contractors lay pavers on dirt...so be proud of your quality work. You did it pretty much by the book.
concrete??? You never cease to amaze me with your projects April.
: ) Thanks Dave. I just learn what I need to learn to build what I want to build.
I like the fact you kept it simple and straightforward, thank you!
Thank you, for a great and informative video, gives me some ideas for the one I have to build for my oil tank
Thanks again
Sam
I watched this last year and really liked it. I just watched it again and liked it even more. Great job!
I love UA-cam videos that start with" I've never done this before." That's UA-cam
She hadn't. This was her 1st go at it. She researches though before attempting anything.
@@talladegadude4852 she did say that
@@pablom3162 Yes, she did say that, because it WAS her first time doing this type of project.
amq
Especially when these videos are titled "how to" but you have no experience at all. No offence, everybody needs to start at some point. But why name it "how to" if you have no experience how to really do it properly?
you did a great job , I pour concrete slabs every day and I think of it as an art!
Not sure if you waited too long as opposed to not having the concrete wet enough. As you were smoothing it it was taking you two a lot more effort and the concrete wasn’t moving very quickly. But, you got your slab! That’s what matters the most so, good job!
Thank You for posting this video. I had never thought about using sand to level the bottom. I have never done this before so I was stumped.
Another great project! I always love when you start off with... "I've never done this before BUT". You are a true inspiration to men and women alike. I think so many people are intimidated by projects so they don't ever try. I hope more people see projects like this and see that they CAN do it. Keep up the good work!!!
: ) Thanks Mike, I appreciate that and I hope so.
The water usually rises up, this is the time when you need to flatten it up...Good video!
Great job - you’re doing good- keep up your enthusiasm for all of us. Thank you.
I do concrete for a living and you kicked ass for a lone first timer! Most people don’t even have the balls or work ethic to even try this
Nice. Job well done April!
I give you kudos for doing your own work, nice. However with that said I've been pouring concrete for over 20 years and it's not something you learn from a video or by watching someone else do it, it's hands on and hard work. This small job is perfect for the do-it-yourself'er but anything larger, call a professional.
Neil Lamonds completely agree, I give her kudos aswell, but even slabs this small are a bit much for the average handyman. just look at the finish on her slab, for example..
thank you so much ,i was struggling with understanding the rafters for my shed but tnx to you lady,im good to go .👍👍
Just going down memory lane.
This video here is where I started following you.
Aw thanks! And thanks for still being along for the ride. :)
April, you're amazing! Super job on that concrete pour - especially as your first time. Super inspiring to take this on some day!
You do great work. Love all your videos
Excellent video - clear, precise and great visuals! Thank you!
Hello, I'm Mexican,🇲🇽my name is César, first of all, congratulations for your work, you have inspired me in a project in my backyard, thank you very much
Great inspirational video,
Thank you mam, bless much appreciated.
Damn, you've got to be one of the hardest working women I know of! And wow, your shop is looking awesome with all the Triton gear in there! You never cease to inspire and impress.
Aw thanks Steve, I appreciate that.
Wow....you are something else!!! Have enjoyed your videos. You do great work!
When somebody wants to do some concrete work --I run for the hills! Lol The stuff is so necessary for some projects but such a PIA. Congrats on your first try -it'll do!
when I saw those stakes sticking way up, I knew you were going to half to address them during the screeding process :). The stakes should be 2" thick and 2 feet long,hammer below the top of the boards, and screwed into the framing boards for stability and keeping it level.
Also, as others mentioned, wear eye protection and a respirator. Breathing in concrete products such as the lime can cause serious health issues.
I believe you could launch another Apollo mission from that thick, reinforced concrete slab!
Mac truck worthy!
Mr Frog qudip😈😧
You did a fantastic job looks great regardless. Thanks for the tips
hooray! after watching this, I feel like I can pour concrete too. I am going to repave my patio with about 10-15 little squares like this.... one at a time. thanks for posting!
As an old concrete finisher, I put rebar in all concrete jobs unless I use fiber reinforced concrete. Though rebar does not ensure there will never be cracks, it certainly reduces the chance of cracks greatly. Also back in the day' we used a water cure to provide increased P.S.I. strenght.
I thought rebar increases cracking (only an aesthetic thing, control joints are used to manage it)
Love your videos.
For others doing this:
make your forms slope away from the building. So your highest part of your form is next to the building. Then skreet side to side starting near the building working away.
Most excellent job. I might be helping my friend do one of these for a generator install. Only advice I’d say is wear a mask when you’re pouring the concrete into the mixer. Cement dust is definitely not something you want to be breathing. And I’m the first to have done exactly what you’ve done so I understand but definitely get yourself a mask!! Great job
So inspiring! Looking to build my own home one day and your videos are superb. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all!
Please don't build your own home if these are the videos you are watching, get a contractor!
got to love this woman for the work she does
You amaze me by what you are willing to attack on your own !
i must admit when your husband stepped in i stopped learning!!! and you were doing a very good job too! HAHAHAHAHA i just thought it was so sweet how helpful he was. he just came home and jumped in
Great job. you busted ass doing that even though it didnt come out the way you wanted, you at least tried. Most people are intimidated by concrete work. But here's the secret to any project , you make mistakes and you do it better the next time. Its how you become a success at anything in life. Good Job.
Thanks for the informational video!
Re. the rebarb, you also want to ensure you've got some spacing between the rebarb and the sides. You want to prevent the steel rods start rusting, which'll weaken the concrete.
As others have said as well, you may want to make the concrete a bit softer (using more water) in a future slab pour, as it'll fill any gaps much better (eliminating air bubbles as much as possible). This may have also impacted the ability to smoothen the surface.
Pouring concrete is not as easy job at all. I'd say great job, ya got-r-done. Very impressive for you first time.
April LOVE your videos, you are AMAZING
Hey April …you are such a trend setter …rough finished slabs are now the rage
Kudos for trying something new! Turned out great.
You could apply some epoxy on top of that concrete now and it'll be glass smooth.
What you did might not have been perfect, but that was a very physically demanding job from clearing the dirt to lugging the heavy bags of sand and cement. Your a much better role model than the public figures pushing looks and money. You can never be a failure with a strong work ethic.
Girl Power!
This is how you have to pour a slab in cases where a cement truck (even with a shoot) can't get to the spot. Plus, most won't even deliver for small projects, they have a minimum of yards.
crushed limestone used for driveways makes a much more stable base than sand. Sand settles when it dries, crushed limestone will compact and never settle. Especially important in the rust belt where frost can create problems. Just wish more contractors did it right.
+Dean Meyer Absolutely Correct! Excellent point!
+Dean Meyer negletion of compaction is the only thing she needed to do. limestone is rediculous overkill.
Dean Meyer or gravel
You are an AMAZING woman. If I ever came home from work to find my wife building a shed...I would marry her all over again!
Hats off to you. You handled those 80lb bags of concrete like a champ. I’m 6ft 215lbs and those bags kick my butt every time. Im 50 yrs old also btw so that’s my excuse 😂
Your channel is so badass! Keep building cool stuff and projects!
Nicely done, especially for a "first" concrete job.
Agreed, it looks very professional!
Chris Hachet calling this professional looking insults professional concrete finishers everywhere
@@ericdeyoung8416 oh relax
Well done. IMO that last batch looked to be the right consistency. The early loads looked a little dry. Its real easy to wait too long to float the surface. You have to keep testing it. Getting the dust collection system will be awesome and probably good for your lungs.
Great work, thanks for taking the time and sharing!
You are amazing! I want to do a sidewalk, but first I am doing a metal lath skirting around my 1947 house that we moved to our farm. You have inspired me!
Not gonna lie, that concrete mix looks a tad dry when you were pouring it
I just learner so much off her and these comments. Thank you.
A dry mix is preferable - less chance of cracking in future.
@@lameduck3630 she has rebar in it and she just has to keep it wet while the concrete cures to avoid shrinkage. I highly doubt it will crack naturally. Plus, its such a small space that cracking won't be an issue.
@@lameduck3630 too dry and it’s brittle though.
@@jake_god_of_sleep6564 too wet isn't good either. Her's isn't a huge issue though.