Concrete Monolithic slab for beginners how to diy step by step part 1 of 2 Dirt Boss

[@billbradleymusic]

In Alaska, we were told on a commercial building that we could not pour monolithic. Nice machine.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

BBM yes you are correct! I haven't done any commercial slabs they call for 4' frost walls! Thanks

[@rumtum99]

This is a great in depth vid. Thanks for making this. Pros!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Welcome

[@dalepremo3695]

Well, in a word: Standards. You are just so darned thorough. That rebar wrapped with the mesh will be a strong as anyone would ever want. Watching this is so enjoyable - but, of course, it makes me mad all over again at the half-wit who refused to put rebar OR mesh in mine so I have those huge cracks. Of course it didn't help that he never heard of the word "compact." BTW it's absolutely POURING here now.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Dale no more rain please!! Lol glad you enjoyed the vid.

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

This is a fantastic channel, glad I stumbled upon it. It's only a matter of time before you wind up with half a million subscribers.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks I appreciate it it's definitely a struggle this KZbin game

[@Al-ms6me]

Great informative video man. Straight to the point and no additional bullshit. 🤘

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@brandycarranza693]

Very well explained Nice Video

[@cd1168]

Real nice job. You dot your i’s and cross your t’s confirming strictly to code Love the job

[@acappellahymns]

Best I can tell, y'all don't dig footers but instead just build up the sub base in the middle which sort of naturally creates footers? Thanks for any clarification you can provide!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes you are exactly right I do have other videos on a couple of these slabs check them out You might get more clarification under concrete videos in the playlist thank you please subscribe

[@acappellahymns]

@@DIRT-BOSS I really appreciate your swift reply! We're planning a basement with a monolithic slab soon so we'll probably go this method and then put the drain on the outside of where the forms were. Thanks again!

[@jamescole3152]

OK this is very professional.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man

[@getintothewildwithjeffruma8777]

Very nice, I can see how the crab cage as you call it would add strength.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes indeed Thanks for watching

[@louisianadirt2188]

Good looking job, great video. Stay safe Dwayne

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dwayne..you also!

[@shockingshocking4828]

Great video, I like how detailed you explained the process. I am planning on doing a monolithic slab for a two car garage and this video was very helpful. I’m thinking about getting a level like yours for the job. What brand of level do you use in the video?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Spectra LL400 Thanks for the question!

[@wayneedmonds2936]

Good video. Thx...

[@mrs.dirtboss]

Good job Honey!! Cant wait to See it Monday after the pour 👍😘

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thank you Mrs Dirtboss!

[@markg.2501]

You are so supportive.....Love It!

[@mrs.dirtboss]

Mark G. Thanks!! I try ☺️

[@hawkofthenorth4829]

fasten the outside of the form with Stakes 4-5 foot out in the yard with boards and it wouldn't move at all

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I hear you I've done all the tricks but this works the fastest and easiest.. I don't care how many pins you put in there they still bow in between them

[@literaryebooks]

Excellent Alaskan Slab and their stone truck. Nothing on the below the rebar cage but stone. Great rock/stone out post. Thanks for sharing.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks 👍

[@franklinbittner4683]

What a pro,bravo!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man

[@daveshark2172]

Great job..you do good work!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@seanogrady2629]

0:33 What is the string for, is that the level of the concrete, and is it slanted one way to direct water flow, or is it even across the four corners?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It's even I use a string to put preload on the forms Bow them in to compensate the weight of the concrete

[@laurelherbert2879]

You’ve done a pretty good job. Don’t forget Jesse Muller too he’s done a lot of work with Andrew and he also done a much larger Alaskan slab

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Laurel I'm friends with Jesse we only live 20 minutes apart.. not sure where you're going with that comment but thanks

[@laurelherbert2879]

Just commenting that Jesse had also done an Alaskan slab and that he is also a youtuber as well as yourself and and Andrew and was just giving him a shout out as you had for both Andrew and Chris from letsdig18 nothing untoward against your work you do good work too

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@laurelherbert2879 thank you so much!

[@movideos390]

Great work.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@davidbalicki3567]

Additional thought - mostly good stuff in this video

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dave I tried to do my best on get as much information for you guys as I can !

[@rickmegandrapeau6950]

Garage Boss what is the going rate cost per sq ft turnkey cradle to grave for a monolithic slab in your area. No hidden surprises on flat ground and maybe a few inches outta level. Got an estimate today and eyes almost fell outta my head.

[@JRS2248]

40 diamerters; lenth of overlap for 1/2" rebar. 40 x .5=20. 20 inches is the overlap.UBC

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@jamescole3152]

Very impressive I learned a lot.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@andyvaldez26]

Nice video, how are those forms made?

[@ghostedwaffle2151]

Do you have something onboard the skid steer that tells you when you hit those 1,2 and 3” marks? Or do you just guess and then check after to see if you need to adjust?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes I do it by eye

[@ianmorado8865]

So I'm guessing that given the 24x24 size is why frostline isn't an issue or code requirement? In Colorado I am building a 28x48 garage, and I'm going through hell with the inspector. We are now being told we have to go 30 inches below normal grade. Not fun. But I image I'll be happy in 20 + years.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

On a conventional footing and frost wall we have to be 48" in the ground around here. The Alaskan slab is designed to float. Thanks for watching

[@drrydog]

Impressive to see he uploaded something so far from code. you could barely get by with 12" deep. but it's 30" in most states. this slab is a joke and a half

[@cd1168]

It’s weird. Here in Texas we don’t slabs using rock/gravel rather sandy clay called select fill. When I mention how about compacted stone; I get laughed at

[@MikeRev-w3h]

In Alaska, no frost wall/footer needed for code?

[@henryg683]

Very educational!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks bud

[@alexanderking9462]

Is it at all possible to put in a slab under a structure that is resting on blocks (without moving the structure)?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sure

[@MrMr-wh6nj]

This must be in a warm climate, Alaska we have to insulate under and out from this type of slab.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

NY We insulate also when necessary this is not living space it is cold storage garage

[@drrydog]

funny enough, It seems this video is from upstate newyork... yea, lol

[@topsite1529]

you said at the beginning you had a 16" grade difference. Did you take the high side down 16" to make a level pad, and then build it all back up with crusher run? Or did you just build up the low side? How thick is the crusher run at the shallowest depth? Thanks!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

This was years ago! But yes I built it up

[@yoofaceee514]

Code is at least 24 inch overlapping on rebar

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Maybe in your parts

[@drrydog]

and 18" on center, and 5/8s bar. unless its just a parking slab for a few trucks... I guess

[@edardon16]

Please make a video about how to operate that machine..

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I have several you'll have to go to the playlist and look under concrete videos

[@yenerm114]

Hey boss you ever try n use the magnet laser on the skid steer bucket? Try setting it on a chunk of 2x10 or something in the grass for the base laser to sit on so it’s low enough, or clamp /weld a piece of L bracket to the bucket , Idno if I’ve ever seen anyone w it on the skid steer bucket 🤔 I know they have the grader attachment with that option , a bucket may be helpful ?? I’m not sure askin to see what u think 🤙🤙 another good video tho !

[@DIRT-BOSS]

ye ive put it on the skid seer and dozer

[@jasonsmith2301]

So, does a monolithic slab not need footers? I can't seem to find a definitive answer to this. It doesn't appear you dug footers but i thought they had to be below the frost/ freeze line depth?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No the slab is ment to float with the Earth

[@jamescole3152]

Impressive grass removal.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@alfredburren5444]

Great video, thanks. Can you tell me the name of that power tool with the angle blades you used to finish?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

That is called a power trowel

[@alfredburren5444]

@@DIRT-BOSS thank you. Whats that model? I got the kraft pizza plate sourced… also, merry Christmas !

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@alfredburren5444 diamondtool.net/wacker-neuson-ct36-5a-36-gasoline-walk-behind-trowel-with-pro-sh/product/0/wac%205000620535

[@marksnakebit5395]

Whats the best way to measure how much concrete I will need. The frame is square but the Trenches are somewhat un-uniformed.

[@shawnallbritton601]

How long did this prep take you? All one day? Thank you, great video.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I can't remember I imagine it was

[@hotrod9873]

What material are you using?? you say stone all the time but dose that mean clear stone or A- ? A- would be 1" minus and clear stone would be just 1" stone Crusher dust is just that Dust , best video I've seen so far 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks on this slab we used crusher run which is Crushed stone with the dust.. It depends on the site but I've used clean ones and two rock also

[@danlafrance386]

Great video. What’s holding the rebar up and what space between the two rows? Thanks

[@alexmozmtl]

Nice vid. How about a drain in the garage (in case rain gets in, or car is wet when you bring it in)? Or it's not required?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

That's up to the homeowner if that's what they want but yes it can be installed

[@johnt2226]

Does this type of slab hold up in colder climates where there is frost?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes

[@klmbuilders5385]

No freeze line footing depth requirement?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No this is an monolithic slab it's meant to float..

[@drrydog]

Finally the correct comment for this video. thank you. This is like a slab poured by a dentist trying his first time.

[@LuckBoxxPoker]

Dumb question, could you keep the laser in the cab with you to hear it beep when you are level to make it more efficient?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No

[@danlafrance386]

Great video. I bought a 25’x 25’ metal double garage and am wondering if I should make the concrete slab 3”/4” wider then the garage. Thoughts? Thanks.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You can make it wider but then that also gives a shelf for water to seep in

[@danlafrance386]

@@DIRT-BOSS thanks that makes sense.

[@danp129]

Why does mesh sit on top of the gravel, wouldn't it work better if it was 3" higher so it was in the center of a 6" slab?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Dan you are absolutely correct we have chairs in there to hold it up and we also pull it up as we pour. Thanks for your interest! Mike

[@danp129]

@@DIRT-BOSS thanks for answering because I've never done concrete work. I've seen pics of how rebar should be placed depending on where you expect the most load to be coming from, but often see mesh just laying on gravel in videos and was starting to think that was just how it was supposed to be, as if for some reason people expected the load to be a lot of weight in the center of the slab, although I couldn't figure out how the concrete was going to have a great bond with the mesh.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@danp129 I'm glad I could answer your question, in most of my videos I try to give as much detail and pro tips as I can. Thanks for subscribing! Mike..#Dirtboss

[@jjg1501]

no, that is incorrect, for flatwork you want the rebar in the bottom 33% of the slab to be optimal. that is where the tension forces are. hope this is helpful

[@drrydog]

It would, and it should

[@impactodelsurenterprise2440]

What is a monolithic slab and what are the main uses for it?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

The slab is meant to float in bad environment..Google it. Thanks for watching

[@tamerhamdy3308]

wonderful

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks please subscribe!!

[@ronaldjacintho4044]

Nice video! How exactly do you get the whalers off when stripping being that you screw them on from the inside and the concrete is over it? Or are you stripping the whaler and the 2x as one piece and then taking the whalers off from there?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Most of the time you could get the screws out after you strip but if you don't I just snap them off with a hammer

[@stevenpaoli5383]

Does the slab slope toward the door?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No

[@drrydog]

It should.

[@daz31970]

What is your method to bend the wire mesh to make the crab cage?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Brute strength just bend it with your hands

[@daz31970]

@@DIRT-BOSS thank you

[@MrSprintcat]

Thanks for the video I subscribed to your Channel. How big of a slab can you make this way before it starts to crack? I'm thinking of doing a 40 by 60 up north in Vermont I want to put a couple of Automotive lifts inside of the garage. Thanks again for the video

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You would have to talk to your local building inspector on what they allow but we have one that was a 100x36 but the hunch was thick.. here's a video of it but the link also there's a whole series on this project. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIPRm5R9jZtnqM0

[@ktm3850]

Nice job. What climate zone .

[@DIRT-BOSS]

NY

[@ktm3850]

@DIRT-BOSS Pennsylvania here. My plan is same. Slab on grade with 2 foot knee wall. Hoping my CAD drawing and proposal gets approved by the town.

[@JBMOTORSMORE]

Hey just finishing up my fourm boards thanks for all your help really appricate it do you stake the 2x4 that is attached to the fourms if so how deep or just use the walers and the kicker board thanks!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Whalers and kicker boards.. I do pin the below the whalers though every 4' and back fill it up a little bit if you if you have material. They like to push with all that weight.

[@JBMOTORSMORE]

Awsome thanks so helpful I'm on shale rock so I'm going to hammer drill down against the outside of fourm board and use rebar to stake it then small back fill like you said thanks again Happy Building! 👊👍

[@JBMOTORSMORE]

Got my pad inspected last friday poured and finished today looks great thanks for all the help and the great videos. Cheers!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Awesome I'm glad I could help!

[@codybabb147]

Is the finish elevation gonna match the house or no?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No

[@codybabb147]

I always wondered does that matter? How would you figure that out or would it just be so it's above grade? Thanks Boss

[@user-CrowderA]

I'm getting ready to do this project exactly. At the end before adding the stone for drainage and to brace the 2 x 12 during the pour, would this be a good time to add a French drain along the side??

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes

[@yoofaceee514]

We call it floating slab with thicken edge

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sure sounds right to me

[@timb2294]

When should you put plastic under the slab?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@timb2294 if it's recommended by code or heated living space this was cold storage homeowner did not want it

[@ccomfort10]

What size boards are you using for forms? I’d like to get my outside about 1’ thick of concrete. Thanks

[@DIRT-BOSS]

2x12

[@ccomfort10]

Sounds good, thanks for the reply. How much stone underneath? In middle and outside

[@drrydog]

You mean the footings? yea you need to get 18" deep below frost line. so Do not follow this video at all. unless you want the ground freeze, to lift your slab, and crack it in less than 5 years.

[@daz31970]

Do you use an app to record videos so you can pause and then continue recording

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No use a GoPro and then editing software A lot of work

[@cmoreloon]

What are you using for the side tilt on the skid steer and where did you get it?? Awesome video, thanks in advance

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Dan Thanks for your question! Here's the link its was around 3k...Tilt Attachment - Cleveland Equipment LLC cleveland-equipment.com/product-catalog/bucket-attachments/attachments/tilt-attachment/ Thanks

[@drrydog]

This thing called getting below frost line... It's a thing. unless you want the ground freeze, to lift your slab, and crack it in less than 5 years.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

That is why it's called a monolithic slab it floats with the frost! "Come on back"

[@drrydog]

@@DIRT-BOSS You literally are dead wrong. and it has to be below frost line to pass an inspection. I call bs

[@DBrisky37]

​@@drrydogfake news. It is totally permissible. Take certified and stamped plans to your local building inspector and they will give you the green light

[@garysmith789]

Why aren’t the footing below frost line

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Google monolithic slab

[@hawgdawg556]

Is there an inexpensive laser level a guy can buy for the same purpose ? Any recommendations? All due respect, but your employee is not working smart. He should have his work station set up off of the ground so he can minimize the amount of time he spends bent over and/or on his knees. Why no vapor barrier ?

[@bunnylewis6557]

How is this footing below frost line in Alaska?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It's not it's meant to float with the frost That's the whole meaning

[@ralphalf5897]

As a layman asking a pro, any reason you didn't use a vapor barrier? When to use or not use?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Most engineers spec out vapor barrier only if building is going to be heated and living space

[@ralphalf5897]

@@DIRT-BOSS thanks

[@Stahodad]

I like having the vapor barrier to limit moisture coming up through the slab...I may not heat the building but the next guy might...

[@DIRT-BOSS]

We do what the customer asks for and pays for always

[@markackerman9788]

No plastic vapor barrier?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Does not call for it on the print cold storage

[@drrydog]

cold storage what?? so this is just a building for your deep freezers? lol

[@FourthWayRanch]

What about plumbing and conduit?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

They can be installed by design

[@FourthWayRanch]

@DIRT-BOSS they have to go in before the stone no?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@FourthWayRanch yes if you want them inside

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

Why no footing?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Monolithic slab

[@jamesdyson63]

HI dirt boss, this is a fantastic video, I’m attempting my first garage with a monolithic slab this summer and I’ve watched all your videos. How much crusher run did you put down before you set forms on it?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It all depends on the elevation you want.. typically put 6in down put your outside forms on and then another 6in inside

[@jamesdyson63]

I’m doing 12” x 12” haunch with a 4” floor. So I’ll have 6” under the haunch and 14” under the slab. Thanks for replying to my comment!

[@oscarsandoval4670]

Why don’t you just drive steel or wood stakes into the ground with kickers instead of using the whalers?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Because everywhere you put a steak is a point of bow.. but I do them both ways I know what you're saying

[@oscarsandoval4670]

Dirt Boss Masonry & Excavating I hear what your saying, I just feel like prep for the style you do just seems for me that it takes too long. It comes out with the same result but since you already have a laser I feel like forming using steaks would be quickest! Great job on the videos and your finishing always looks amazing!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@oscarsandoval4670 Thanks buddy

[@drrydog]

Because first time try, and decided to video blog it and call it a "how to"

[@shanegrisham179]

​@drrydog what is your problem with this guy? Why the trolling?

[@chriszbodula1894]

Doesn’t the added drainage stone hold back the form from pushing out to be even with your string line? Also, was the rebar from the crab cage the rebar you previously showed being bent and laid down or did you use additional rebar. FYI - it’s really frustrating when these steps are left out to only guess how it was done.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Hahaha Good luck! You already got enough free advice

[@richb7414]

FYI - It's really frustrating when people are unappreciative for what they are given!

[@joshparker9128]

Would this work for a 36x48 garage slab? Im from upstate ny also

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Josh you would have to ask your code enforcer.. different building codes for each town on slabs. Thanks

[@joshparker9128]

Ok thanks! Also my plan was trying to get the slab done before winter then start framing in the spring. Some people tell me they think the slab will crack without being covered. Is that anything you have experienced?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@joshparker9128 the slab should be fine as long as it is saw-cut... That's the purpose of an Alaskan slab... It floats.

[@Hutchy45445]

Where’s part 2?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It's there somewhere

[@buckboss8864]

You sound like my American cousin from Pennsylvania

[@drrydog]

This wouldn't pass code, anywhere. At least you both are hard workers, and that's important too.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

LOL Jeez I wonder what the inspector was looking at then when he passed it

[@drrydog]

@@DIRT-BOSS not that slab, obviously

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@drrydog okie dokie pokie whatever you say

[@neustif]

You are like my old boss, cheap.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

🤑

[@dudleydorite7678]

Lmfao good thing you mentioned not to put your finger in the hole. Especially with this generation 😉

[@DIRT-BOSS]

😂🎯

[@davidbalicki3567]

This is a "step by step" for DIY'ers - and you start out by saying "shot with a laser" - and this is something a DIY'er will understand?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sorry about that ! If you have any questions let me know

[@Cantspeakable]

If you don’t know what shot with a laser means then you don’t have the tools to do a slab. There is other ways but especially diy laser is the best

[@grandenauto3214]

I’m a diy’er and I understand

[@yoofaceee514]

Too much work we kicker it with wood steaks and call it good

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It all depends on what kind of ground you're working with and elevations

[@drrydog]

LMFAO this guy is so so sensitive, responds to comments in like 15 seconds. I haven't laughed this hard in years

[@summitexplorer1235]

@@drrydog Whats yr credentials? You seem to know it all.....