How to Prep, Form & Pour a Concrete Slab for beginners--Start to Finish

In this video I show from start to finish how to prep , form and pour a 6" thick concrete slab thats reinforced with 1/2" rebar.
Video Shortcuts:
@0:45 Prep work begins
@6:55 Form work begins
@13:18 Rebar Installation
@16:34 Pouring the concrete begins
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Various tools in video were used from Home depot and Menards.
Concrete tools at Menards: www.menards.com/main/tools/ha...
Concrete tools at Home Depot: www.homedepot.com/b/Building-...
Common Tools / Materials for finishing concrete:
This info is provided from wagnermeters.com
Mixers:
Whether you’re mixing in a truck, a portable mixer or a wheelbarrow, you want to be sure your concrete is thoroughly mixed for maximum strength and durability.
Wheelbarrows
Ideal for transporting (or even mixing) small batches of concrete or tools on the job site.
Rubber Boots or Work Boots
Concrete is stiff stuff, and wearing waterproof boots is the best way to get through it and prevent contact with your skin. It’s also easy to rinse your footwear after the concrete is down.
Compactors
If the site of the concrete slab is to be prepped with a sub-base of any type, a compactor helps settle the stone or aggregate into position.
Levels
Both the sub-base and slab surface must be level. A standard long-line level, or a laser level, will let you verify that the slab is completely according to spec before pouring and after.
Tape Measures
Concrete forms and slab depth need the same “measure twice, pour once” verification as any other material on the job site.
Saws
Reciprocating saws, circular saws or grinders can be necessary to cut rebar or forms on the job site. They can also be necessary if a problem develops under the slab and a portion of the concrete has to be removed after it has set and dried.
Shovels
Shovels help distribute concrete around the job site to fill in gaps left during the pouring process or for smaller applications. Square-ended shovels generally work better for concrete; rounded ones spread concrete unevenly.
Rakes and Come-Along Rakes
Using a rake is the quickest way to begin getting the freshly-poured concrete spread more uniformly into place. Garden rakes work but concrete rakes, also called come-along rakes, have a more scooped blade for more easily pre-leveling new concrete. Concrete rakes also have a tine on the back of the blade to help lift rebar or mesh into position before the concrete begins to harden.
Vibrators
Concrete vibrators help release trapped air pockets and excess water from the concrete mix to prevent possibly compromising problems in medium to high slump concrete.
Screeds
Screeds come in a variety of sizes and can be a specific tool (also called straight edges or bump cutters), or can be simple flat pieces of dimensional lumber. The purpose of a screed is to smooth concrete after it has been moved into place by scraping away any excess from the slab surface.
Bull Floats
Bull floats are wide-bladed tools on a long (possibly telescoping handle) that provide the first pass for leveling ridges and filling voids in the concrete after the screed work has been done.
Magnesium Floats
Magnesium floats (or mag floats) are smaller handheld floats typically used to float slab edges or to use for finish work on smaller slabs.
Kneeling Boards
For hand troweling work especially, kneeling boards provide a smooth way to support your weight on the wet concrete while moving easily along the slab surface.
Leveling Concrete Trowels
Trowels also help smooth concrete surfaces for their finish coats before being left to dry. Hand-troweling is common for smaller slabs, or power trowels are often preferred for large slabs. There are varying types of trowels for specific concrete work.
Float Blades and Troweling Blades
A variety of blade types is available for floats and power trowels, each designed to accomplish different finishes. Some care must be taken during the troweling stage not to burnish the surface and prolong drying time.
Groove Cutter/Jointer Tool
For certain job types, grooving the surface also helps prevent cracking or excess damage from shrinkage as the concrete dries or during use.
Edger
An edger is a tool designed to round exposed concrete edges for a smooth finish.
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Artist: www.twinmusicom.org/
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Artist: www.twinmusicom.org/

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Shortcuts: @0:45 Prep work begins @6:55 Form work begins @13:18 Rebar Installation @16:34 Pouring the concrete begins

[@OneSmellyTaco]

Hands down one of the best videos I've seen on pouring a slab. Very detailed, everything to the point. No forced jokes, or any other useless things added. Thank you. Just subscribed.

[@showmehow4076]

fully agreed; get to the point; he did!

[@bdsjr32]

I don't know that I have ever seen anything more detailed then this in my many years of watching DIY or training videos. Simply outstanding!

[@jjisella]

Nice work, you convinced me to hire someone to pour my slab LOL :)

[@Psy6o]

Let a pro do it unless your a pro

[@mattandkatchristie2552]

Hahahahaah RIGHT!!!

[@ayo30s]

Haha!!! 👊🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

[@mattandkatchristie2552]

I just did mine it was awful but saved $4000

[@ayo30s]

@@mattandkatchristie2552 $4000??? Omg!!! I guess I have to do mine myself… Did you mix it yourself or have it delivered? 👊🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

[@yadda333]

Jesus Christ, somebody finally made a simple video that gave real instructions on forming (along with video of the materials). It sounds dumb, but all I wanted to see was what type and size wood used, the pin/stakes to hold the forms, the size of screws, etc. Nobody puts that stuff in their videos, but you did. I didn't even realize there was a special kind of rebar pin (or that's even what it's called) that had holes so you could secure the form to it until this video. Kudos, man. You're a stud.

[@barbarasmith6414]

Your wife and son did a fantastic job helping you. What a beautiful patio

[@kathyweigelhi-lophotovideo2984]

That wife is a keeper helping you tackle that job!

[@mistersniffer6838]

Meh, I just want to barrow h'r!!

[@prodigyxl]

This guy a true professional. I’ve seen contractors not being as good as this man! You are an expert! Thanks for sharing your great knowledge!

[@jeffhahn01]

The voice over format is much more effective than talking while you are doing.very nice video.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@cutchopweld5717]

My dad used to make 1 "master" side then measure corner to corner cross ways then measure corner to corner on opposite corners. I you adjust and make these distances equal then your form is square(adjusting bow after). Always worked for us.

[@fernandovelasquez7883]

Excellent job and very nicely detailed information on pouring this slab! Your wife and son make a great very helpful team and I am very impressed with how well your wife performed here and of course your son's help! Keep this great videos coming and thank you for sharing this wonderful information in this video! Have a blessed day and God bless you all always!

[@JackieRice]

I'm super impressed with your wife! My kinda girl! Jump in there and help get it done. Excellent job everyone!

[@MotoAnthony]

I wish all DIY / instructional videos were this easy-to-understand and straightforward.

[@TK-rt6il]

Wow! Your wife is a great help. She seems to know what she is doing.

[@olivercaceres2974]

What a perfect supportive wife !!! AWESOME AND CONGRATS!!!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@tbrenner2374]

Great job! Well explained! Impressive

[@monkeyfinger7949]

Great video and best wife ever. How many women know how to work concrete and would be willing to get outside and actually do the work?

[@Trp510]

More women than you think

[@rachellydy3367]

I made concrete countertops when I was a single woman (with glass pieces mixed in, it was beautiful!). I also poured a concrete porch (rented a mixer for that job!). I think most women think it's "man's work" and lack the confidence. I was lucky I had an older brother growing up and felt comfortable trying things.

[@felixabreu5283]

Excellent work man. Didn’t realized I had watched a 30 minute video good job

[@billywest7065]

This is by far the most useful and informative, thorough video concerning a beginning to end pour. Thank you VERY much!

[@rgarcia5353]

Excellent job! Very thorough narration, easy to follow and listen to. The only thing missing was the dog walking over the fresh concrete slab... 🙂

[@jvogler_art4708]

My adhd lead me here. I was sitting in my living room wondering how they get the floor so level and flat in a home. Then I thought it must be a concrete slab to create a level foundation. Then I wanted to see the entire process of how a concrete slab is poured level and flat… amazing the art form/ rabbit hole of all the artisan/construction trades and how many little details lead to a good finished product.

[@64thinktank]

very well detailed....no skips as to teach each viewer that which he/she may not know.....I appreciate the family cooperation to assist in the demonstration of this video. Stay sharp!!

[@fakenewselon7759]

Odell concretes been real quiet since this came out

[@mesenteria]

You have many well-deserved accolades in the comments so far. I will add my own. Very commendable work on both the job and the video.

[@Craig-ib7gk]

Nice job. You can further help the cure by liberally dousing with water (large puddles acceptable), then spreading *thick* plastic sheeting over the surface (*not* black) . The sheeting ramps the humidity underneath, retaining the moisture far longer so it can take part in the cure. The overall cure time will be *considerably* shorter, and as a bonus, it also allows you to only re-wet once or twice per day rather than 5+. It is especially helpful in warmer weather. Of course, if you have the environment to do it, nothing beats a pond-cure if you can build the berm and flood it with 6" or so of water. That's the holy grail for a good, pure cure on a short clock.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thanks for the info

[@FreddyStarman]

Excellent tutorial. you have a natural talent to teach. Thanks.

[@Jamestfarrell]

Great team there! And rounding the edges absolutely protects those corners from potential damage from what would have been vulnerable edges.

[@VeryVocalViking]

THANK YOU! This is by far the most informative video I've ever seen on this topic. Thank you for thoroughly explaining every step and consideration. Fabulous level of detail, but also not too much. Still interesting to watch.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

You're welcome & Thank you

[@denispalacios5485]

Wife helping!!! Applause to both.!!! Regards from Monroe, NY

[@nathanmitchell2827]

This was helpful, thank you. I’ve been in a situation before where not enough care was taken to prep and level the ground…… it was a nightmare. Thanks for making a clear emphasis on that, and giving helpful instructions.

[@sheldonortiz4816]

This is probably one of the best explanations tutorials from start to finish I’ve seen. ESP the grading part. And explanation of how to use the tools

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@jaredsargent7683]

On for real one of best videos I have seen that actually explains steps! Thanks

[@1blkqueen845]

This is by far the Best detailed concrete video that I have come across. Thank You

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@SiothaVest]

Thanks for showing us the basics I felt intimidated by when we left the city to have a homestead.

[@tracyflores5369]

Totally impressed I may even try this at my place here in Central taxes, thank you for the video. 🎉😎🇨🇱

[@stevenlee4867]

Dig that Rebar. Feels Good. Great Helper, Hard work. Beautiful !!

[@robertopistone1179]

Excellent video sir. I learned quite a bit for pouring a slab for my hot tub.

[@steviedickson4736]

Of all the videos on youtube, this video has been the most helpful for me. THANKS!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thanks for watching

[@MikeyB63]

Yes this is a great video I've had help my uncle from time to time in the past and I wanted to touch basic I've look and look for videos not what I've found but this video the way you explain and show me without the fast forwarding and the time perfect I been looking for a video I don't mind watching and time not wasted other videos I guess they thought people would say or think it's to long this is what I've been looking for and I enjoyed the way you walk through showed us and explain thank you Perfect literally thank you 10 stars

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thankyou, much appreciated.

[@chrisalister2297]

Really great video. Very informative. Maybe two things missed I've seen mentioned in other videos...make sure if using a wood scree that it is level across...not crowned. Compare your string to the edge of your wood forms to make sure they don't bow in or out so that they are also straight. Thanks for sharing!

[@dustindircks6647]

Great job. I think I’ll try doing this thanks to your video!

[@Devi1D0g04]

That you for this. I have a serious slop in my backyard and I want to increase my patio from 9x12 to 15x20 and I couldn't find a good video on how to level land for nothing.

[@ellobo761]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. It sure does help out a lot.💪

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Glad it was helpful!

[@madlifts1]

good job man, your wife did an awesome job and didn't quit

[@johngate4715]

The local concrete concrete contractor here is wanting to charge a crazy price. I think we can do it our self. The only issue id run into is prepping the gravel and stuff because the ground is super uneven.

[@thegreatpatsy]

Awesome work, this reminds me of me and my wife right there.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

That's awesome!

[@juanmurguia1322]

Not bad definitely a good beginner video, on a slab that small I’d cut the joints while finishing to save you the trouble of cutting afterwards but the outcome wasn’t bad good job.

[@LizzieRobinson1225]

Why did I think it was cute the concrete guy leaning on the fence to watch you work

[@romanticscents]

Thank you for being so thorough. The only thing I didn't see u do, is the cure on top of slab. I'm doing sum research and wasn't sure if this step is this step really necessary. By the way would love a video on how much everything costs. I'm just starting out myself and want to do this on my own. 😀

[@zaiks0105]

Wow .... way more involved than what I imagined

[@ricktaber327]

Saw enough to know that this old man will be paying someone to do my project..lol..

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

Thank you. I just learned something. I learned that you can stake your first 2x4 then screw the rest together then when the form is one piece, but not secure you can adjust it to square. I had wondered how I would to this.

[@LunaDaSavage]

Bada** video and great to see your wife helping you that's really awesome!! You got a new sub 😊

[@MohsinExperiments]

27:56 most important 2 points. Thank you so much!

[@luckysakonta3724]

Lovely stuff 👌🏽 👏🏽, I really enjoyed this video. Thank you

[@georgemaze7926]

Good job, thanks for making this video.

[@SteveHippensteel]

I thought you talk about brooming. Maybe I misunderstood. If you did this, you didn't show it. It is the best video I've seen so far.

[@solarflare4259]

Great detailed video! It helps me a lot with prepping and pouring a concrete slab that will serve as a base for my 30'x19' carport , also on a slopped ground. Thank you for posting! Liked and subscribed.

[@Jason-pq5vg]

Wow, I am super impressed with how well you video is!!! Nice job!!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@17573240]

Wow is that a lot of work. Nicely done!

[@Larrydudeman]

Wow great detailed video!! Thanks!!

[@craigkimble8036]

Excellent instructions w/o the waste of time. TY

[@theo81st]

Great detail and explanations!

[@adalbertomunoz7700]

Thanks for this video ! Very good knowledge

[@C.GW.H]

annnnd I'll be back for more videos. Thank you.

[@dadsalwaysdoingsomething6087]

Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@betterworldok3802]

Excellent thorough information. Thank you for the video. Excellent work.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@MarcusT86]

Amazing vid. Thanks for the tips!

[@lilH2]

Lol great video but the bug walking by in the screen definitely tricked me into thinking I had a bug on my phone

[@sedassedas4993]

Great details, nice work.

[@tarek200jo]

BEST WORK AND EXPLAIN VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN. REALLY THANKS

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@alex-l7747]

Amazing video !!! Thank you !

[@timp3035]

Great explanation! Nice work! Subscribed!

[@sneakysasquatchtipsfori6070]

thanks i needed this to help my dad

[@nuwanhettiarachchi3023]

Thanks, a well covered documentary.

[@bman6502]

I save my oil from car oil changes.. works great on form boards.. also, get yourself a landscape rake, makes leveling much easier than a 16” iron rake…

[@gustavocervantes5435]

Great video!! 👍👍 be proud of your wife !!

[@tamsonebarley3520]

This was the most thorough video I've seen so far, as a beginner I very much appreciate the level of detail used here. Just wondering what type of wood was used for the forms and what type of concrete (I hear there are 26 types).

[@herbedwards8156]

thank you I found this very helpful

[@4Rhouse]

A friend poured a similar size slab and didn't notice that the screed board was warping from moisture during the screed process until he discovered a low area in the concrete after it had set up! In other words, make sure it stays straight as you work! Great video.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thanks

[@xntricity6446]

Was the screed board very thin?

[@stanhargrove4753]

Never heard of a screed warping while it’s in use and I’m a commercial finisher we use wood 2x4 screeds all the time what did he use Masonite or something lol?

[@bzakie2]

Great job mate.

[@kyleulmer726]

Nicely done ✅

[@AMERICANA-BOOMSTICK]

Outstanding

[@miraclelawnservice2]

You guys did an awesome Job!! Very detailed explanation and straightforward. I will be pouring my own slab soon thanks guys!!

[@johnsanchez2558]

Really great video thank you!

[@wingrider1004]

Excellent tutorial

[@billypurta7900]

Amazing tutorial! Awesome detail, thank you

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Glad you like it!

[@johnmeye]

Very nice! Very helpful!

[@mpe777]

Superb job with the video detailing and slab creation. Bravo!!

[@yovinada]

Well explained , beautiful job!!!…❤️😊👍

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@ceasergert2780]

Great job thanks for the great content

[@JustinBilyj]

Great stuff! Would love to see this done for a cabin.

[@gfysyoutube]

Well done, sir!

[@kennethmccubbin608]

Great how to. Thanks

[@arvinheleraentertainment4601]

wonderful, you do it great! fantastic DIY!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@jorgefigheroa77]

Excellent job…thank you for your help I’m definitely doing this myself.

[@10p6]

Nice. But note that on most floats you can change the holding angle, and change the float angle by twisting it left or right for forward and backwards.

[@mohammedegyptian2527]

very good work

[@elvinstarr62]

Beautiful

[@LloydTaylor]

Subscribed, great video!