How To Form, Pour, And Finish A Concrete Slab (DIY for 2023)

[@sandiewilson7975]

I did my first concrete job today! Just a 12 x 24 pad. I binged watched your videos in preparation and I think you would be proud of me. I'm proud of me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@edgaralonso8381]

i’m proud of you dog

[@MikeDayConcrete]

That's awesome, glad I could help!

[@kajekage9410]

did you have help?

[@sandiewilson7975]

@kajekage9410 Yes, it was me and my partner. You have to work fast when the concrete comes down the chute so two or more people is a good idea.

[@JoseE013-o2f]

I’m here to do the same thing watching all I can for a 10x25 and asking my buddy who owns a concrete business 6states away for as many tips as I can get

[@johngianoulis6968]

Hi Mike, I also did my first concrete job on my own today. Your tips were invaluable and the pad we poured came out looking so good. You're a great teacher!

[@mikeybobw6581]

I am about to pour a 25 x 35 slab. I am now a diy guy since the Covid fiasco has driven the price of everything out of sight. This has been a great instruction for me. Thanks Mike

[@randybobandy9828]

Man... I feel the same way... I was about to build a shop before the pandemic and now the prices are just out of sight. I feel like the materials now are almost as much as materials + labor 2 years ago.. I have to DIY and pay the same... so shitty.

[@jasongregg2238]

@@randybobandy9828 Same here, it took 4 different folks to finally give me a quote on a 30x40 slab for a shop. When I finally got the quote it was gonna be $10,000! Personally I thought this was insane as I was expecting maybe $5000.00 on the high end. I am probably going to do everything now myself but in sections.

[@randybobandy9828]

@@jasongregg2238 ya 10k is insane. I was looking at 15k for 40×80 a few years ago. I bet it's 25k now.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

Man, I'm on here trying to learn how to properly lay a 2x3 metre (~12x18ft) slab for a my garden shed and I stumble across this? Amazing work guys, true craftsmen.

[@fishon7301]

If you first attach the two ends of those long 2x6's to the other 2x6's in the corners, you can then join the patch 2x6 in the middle to wherever the two 2x6's end up. No measuring to fit. You are the best concrete professional I've seen in 40 yrs. Great instructor too.

[@Car-s7c]

Simple old school. A well learned high school summer job. Grateful for the training.

[@I_am_Fake_Fake]

I also had a Concrete Patio installed!! It was one of the best investments Ive made so far!!!

[@Ty1on3twelve]

Excellent video and your narration commentary made all the difference. I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot. Thank you sir.

[@EzModz]

Thanks Mike I am just going to start my first job doing concrete work this video is very informative keep up the great work!

[@kimmckinney4098]

I feel so much smarter after watching this. Ha. Thanks for the video!

[@bdfarmer1959]

Thanks Mike, very helpful. Will be putting it to use soon.

[@bullhippo9023]

I have always said , concrete is an art . A skill in itself that I will never have. I am always amazed how people use it and make it look so easy.

[@AncientGains]

Good videos. You explain things well for someone like me, a total beginner. I’m gearing up to pour a couple big slabs at my house and I’ve never done concrete before.

[@jmcgin47]

Mike, My students really enjoyed the video! Thank you!

[@Che-lo1]

No I didn’t

[@deciple33]

U guys are great, I'm a Mud hogg from NC Blackwell Concrete love watching your channel.

[@sikskillz2186]

come out great, awesome job.

[@bman6502]

If you’re going to pour and finish with only one guy, I strongly recommend using the Kentucky over under trawl technique… for a one-man show it really speed things up… I was taught that method back in 62 and it has helped me win numerous finishing awards… 10 years ago, I was voted best finisher of the year and would have gone on to nationals if not for my carpal tunnel wrist issue… even today many folks consider me one of the fastest finishers in the west… not bad for 87-year-old man…

[@TanJeep]

Ironic I'm looking to pour a slab in maine and you guys are up there. Maybe I'll see about hiring you guys instead

[@MikeDayConcrete]

We're around the Augusta area.

[@j81851]

heart of a teacher skills of a craftsman wow what a blessing thanks Mike we enjoy every video wish you were in Alabama !

[@skunkedagain]

Another great video. To the point and nicely detailed

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Much appreciated!

[@shanetorres270]

Great video. 20yr mud slinger. 1 question why didn't you grade and pack? Wet screed. THANK YOU mag it out, DO NOT STEEL it, will pop later down the road! Weather (Yep) one eye on the mag, one eye on the weather. Great broom job! Looks GOOD! (FROM MN)

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Great job Mike

[@tonyb83]

Please show how you did the expansion joints.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Sorry, we snapped a chalk line and cut them in the next day using a saw with a diamond blade.

[@tonyb83]

@@MikeDayConcrete Thanks. Where were the expansion joints, how wide were they, did you cut through the rebar and what did you fill the joints with?

[@newenglandyankeeliving5052]

Rebah…. Finally someone who talks like me

[@crazyhandshands9028]

Excellent form skills you are the Ninja of concrete.

[@carloloturco1659]

You Guys Do Great Work Im In The Philippines Hopefully I Can Find Craftsmen

[@John.Paulis]

What do you think of the fiberglass rebar? I’m considering using it since it’s lightweight and easier to cut

[@jamescole3152]

Great information thanks. Slab bolsters under the rebar. Not sure what those are?

[@yb7466]

It’s clearly explained and what a great work you do ..... I wanna do one in the backyard but my concern is I have sprinkler line under the grass and not sure if I can do the concrete on top of that

[@lex_amaru_thesun]

You can Mayne use pvc pipe for the sprinkller line. A little more work but

[@canadacitypreppers]

Great video , great job im about to start mine 40 x 40

[@francoisboutet2302]

Clean job AF ! 💯

[@rashellyohn5128]

Thank you for the vid. If you have an un even area of land but you level the foundation of rock before you pour the concrete, would the rain and runoff water drain under the foundation? I thought you could not build walls on a foundation that wasn’t level? You mentioned the client said it slopped. Thanxs

[@davidhinson5010]

Great job guys. From NC keep it up!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks! Will do!

[@jamalqasam2728]

Work very good

[@jacec5855]

Why do you prefer a control joint cut w saw over a groover. Are you putting any kind of polyurethane caulking in the control joints

[@drakes_homestead]

In one like that, I performed to wet cut the joints so after putting the broom your done. Either way works.

[@mikeemmons1844]

Was just wondering that

[@nathanielcohn8055]

Only just noticed these videos great work massively helpful... Here in the UK and it's nice to see some descriptive videos

[@ldr4278]

Excellent

[@farmerjoebrown2189]

Amazing all the info here! Wow!

[@richardmacdougall6330]

Excellent work again mate . 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@grumpy1962R]

Nice job

[@karldegroot3131]

Hi, Mike. I was wondering what I should have done to improve the edging finish on small, exterior slab panels (6' X 42"). There were 6 of them...all tied together. I had to mix bagged concrete (Quikcrete) onsite. There was no access. I used #4 rebar, also. So, all the control joints developed with each panel placed. It was, essentially, all dowelled. Just didn't seem to be able to picture-frame everything as nice as I would have liked. And, I had to wait a long time to do the final edging of each panel (even though I mixed to about a 3-4 inch slump). I vibrated with a pencil, as we went. I bull-floated and mag-floated (when the top water evaporated) We could only get 3 30kg bags in the mixer at a time...18-22 bags per panel. We bent part of the 12" grid bars to come vertically into a 90 degree knee wall to retain previous landscaping on my good old Hossfeld Bender. We built the custom wall forms from 1 X10 pine boards and made all the ties (kinda like Simpson Strong Ties), ourselves. Anyways, should I have added some Portland to each 3 bag dump to get more cream? Just curious. By the way, I'd like to thank you for all that I have learned from you...up here in Ontario, Canada. I'd love to send you some pictures of this little project.

[@ThatOneScienceGuy]

Would you be able to put a 3ft height cinder block perimeter on this and build a garage on it? In other videos I’ve seen of making a concrete foundation they dig out a perimeter and they use a compactor for the soil. Why didn’t you dig out the perimeter? What is the benefit in doing that?

[@Jerry-rm9vc]

Can this slab be used for a single story house? Is this suitable and safe? I have no codes here to deal with, but just want a proper, easy and cost effective build. Thanks.

[@stefansk8]

Hello, you mentioned that you don't need to pour it all at once if you can't screed it as fast as you. How long can you actually wait before it starts forming a cold joint before the next pour? I'm asking because I'll be using a smaller portable concrete mixer.

[@johnfahey7215]

I worked for Maine drilling and blasting down here southern ny. guy named “Hodd” was a boss for the company. He came over to 4-5 of us local guys, gave us some rapid fire orders, walked away! I looked at my union brothers, they were all looking at each other and me, the old timer, none of us understood what he said. I called him back, said “Hodd, you just told us what to do in ‘mainese’, you gotta slow it down for us new york boys!” he just laughed

[@MatzeMaulwurf]

Hi, very different from Germany. Here we put a foil (0.2mm) under the rebar on the gravel. This prevents the water in the fresh concrete to drain into the soil. This would change the water/cement value. Next I allways use a vibrator. Really allways. Also if it’s only a very small area. On such a big area for sure. This makes it so much harder. And I would use two part rebar. One 30mm over the ground, than a spacer, than 30mm under the upper side. And use much much more rebar. I would never trust the ground. I always compress it by myself. If it’s not done right (material, thickness, compression) you will get problems. Thanks for showing how it is done in the US.

[@jamescole3152]

What are you building, a fortress? I think this is just a driveway or parking.

[@MatzeMaulwurf]

@@jamescole3152 no. We do it also for small foundations like for a 2x2m BBQ-Slab. This will last for maybe 50 years. I have seen in the US (I was visiting Texas) that you build in lower quality as in Germany. This might be fine for you but I just wanted to show the difference.

[@samueladams4145]

Hello Mike. A lot of concrete finishers keep their garden hose handy. How about a video telling how this wrong step destroys the integrity of the mix, and the many publications stating that no water may be added to the mix once it is adjusted in the truck to proper sloop.

[@jeffharrison7003]

Slump

[@galtigjtokay5318]

Thanks! 👌🏻

[@mihaipopa9414]

Very nice, great work. Thanks.

[@scottsenjo7607]

great job!

[@raymondjoseph7177]

Mike back when i was a kid, in the 80s i would watch my best friends dad pour concrete and use a vibrating stick. Don't see much of that anymore. Is there a reason? I presume the additives have solved that issue?

[@jerryriggins123]

Theres heavy rain right now where i live Its probably going to rain for 2 more weeks and my soil has clay how long should i wait for the ground to dry out before i pour any concrete

[@iowamatt2519]

I always set a rebar pin to top of slab, then u just drive it down when u screed past it.

[@volleydave2012]

This kick screening thing is new to me. .Looks like you’re just dragging it. We shake the stick back-and-forth as We kick or replace with float for a tighter looking screed.

[@etepone]

🇺🇸✊🏼Awesome, come down to Connecticut so you cud do our driveway🙏🏼

[@skyhighkite3123]

Can 1 guy do a 22x23’ slab?

[@GenX617]

I get really confused about the grade, you want to grade for a run off make sure you are square BUT I am prepping a 26x16 patio and I haven’t poured it yet because it’s not like the screen can run from board to board so I’m worried about it not being smooth all the way across. Are you just looking for dips by eye ?

[@FarmerBenny]

Thanks for the videos. What would you do if it started raining mid pour?

[@danielbuckner2167]

Hey Mike, another great video. Any advice for pouring a new floor on top of a previous one inside an addition? Enjoy this spring!

[@doscoronitas]

Hi Mike. Great videos. I want to build a metal 12' x 16' shed on our hillside that fixed to the foundation. I need to pour a slab then build a retaining wall and sides out of block to keep the hill from coming down. Do you have any videos on something like this? I see you have a membership area too. One thing I'm lacking too is how to use a laser level or transit. Thank you

[@D0ggerel]

This is in Maine? Won't this slab be subject to frost heaves w/out foam insulation?

[@rustyicepick8462]

Great video! Thanks. Now a question. You mentioned 'cutting' your expansion joints at around 14:55. Does that require a special, maybe wider, concrete blade? Or a kind of router bit for concrete? How deep do you cut? Anyone? Obviously I'm not a pro but I do have a pour coming up.

[@uclaalum88]

I’ve always just used a concrete blade in my worm drive Skilsaw. To keep my cut lines straight, I first lay down a straight 2x6 and I tack it down on top of my perimeter form boards. Then I keep the table of my saw on one edge. Lastly, I make sure the depth of my blade isn’t hitting any rebar. You don’t need to go real deep … the idea here is you’re trying to make the concrete crack where you want it to. That’s my .02. But Mike Day would know better than I.

[@hannes9878]

Perfekt guys👍

[@marionunez9516]

Is not petfect! Lokk at my coment.

[@TwentyFourHourz24]

NICE!!!!!!

[@AncientGains]

Have you ever poured slabs that will hold heavy equipment? I’m planning to put a car lift on my slab and trying to figure out how much reinforcement to use. More rebar? Deeper slab in that particular spot?

[@gregoryjowers3629]

Is 5 1/2 to 6 inch strong enough for a truck parking pad thanks for your videos y’all do really good work

[@randybobandy9828]

Way more than enough.

[@Jack.333]

Hi Mike, Was their any reasoning for no squaring of the slab ? Good job ...Great crew

[@MikeDayConcrete]

They wanted as big a slab as they could get in that space. They're not building a garage on it just a pole/building storage space.

[@mikeemmons1844]

Hey Mike, why do you cut in the joints rather than cut them in by hand or tool while the slab is still wet? Is there a difference or is it just easier when it's dry? Thanks for all your videos man!

[@pondlakes]

Its just preference. Some people prefer the look of the hand tools

[@mikeemmons1844]

@@pondlakes thanks man

[@guybartlett9587]

Subbed

[@DeuceGenius]

when should rebar be used instead of wire mesh

[@GEEMONEY973]

Hey man I just did a small 5'×5' 3" deep but I totally forgot to grease the forms. Am I gonna be screwed when I take them off?

[@Adrian-jh5mb]

His technique is interesting. My current problem is that the concrete starts to bleed too fast. not giving me enough time to get past the bull float. maybe it is because it is summer here in Argentina? or is it because the mixture is wrong thanks for your time

[@randybobandy9828]

Bleed as in water float to the top of the concrete?

[@dwaynemartin8305]

Looks like a great DIY project Mike . Lol

[@coltoncyoung]

How many yards do you use say for a 20x20 x4 slab with exterior footings?

[@CybekCusal]

Do you call it super plasticiser in Maine? I love the accent, reminds me of home. I miss Maine a lot.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Are you from Maine? Yes, it's super P, or water reducer.

[@CybekCusal]

@@MikeDayConcrete yeah Augusta

[@aurafilms773]

I'm from Montreal.. I also miss Maine a lot :-(

[@HChandler2010]

Same

[@aarongrabowski3775]

My girlfriend used to ask me “What time are you gonna be done tomorrow”? I used to tell her, “You better call the concrete and ask it what time I will be done”!!!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I'm done when it's done. Hard to understand for most at first.

[@willekp9765]

@@MikeDayConcrete takes years for our wives/girlfriends to understand this, mine has accepted the fact after first year! 3 years together now and getting married with her next summer. She makes me lunch, coffee and dinner everyday if needed.

[@juicyj813]

@@MikeDayConcrete our contractor is not going to use rebar. They're just going to use fiber in the concrete for a 30' x 16' concrete slab for patio. Is that cool?

[@michoacanohh2227]

@@juicyj813 considering its flat. It should be fine I would still do a rebar around the perimeter for strength around the edges though. Just helps it all lock in. Or 4" squared wire mesh. On the whole slab.

[@NewsThatMatterUsa]

@@juicyj813not a big deal on that size using fiber but as some one else stated I would use rebar in the footer around the perimeter at the least .

[@Sleep1ngD0g]

Hi Mike, thank you so much for all your amazing content. I learned so many things from your videos and you have saved me multiple headaches for my project already. How big is the slab in this video? I'm trying to figure out how big of a section my 4-man crew can handle.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

This was about 28' x 20'.

[@kriscarman6428]

Might be a silly question. But, how far should the form stakes be apart from each other? I'm trying to plan ahead

[@MikeDayConcrete]

About every 4 feet.

[@kriscarman6428]

@@MikeDayConcrete thanks, much appreciated :)

[@GenX617]

This was an awesome question it is the EXACT REASON I was looking this topic up today!!

[@dustindownen216]

dumb question but how long is the learning curve assuming you can purchase the right tools?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Dustin, that's not a dumb question. It really depends who is teaching you and how much you do it. Hand finishing can be learnt in a few weeks with a good teacher.

[@DeuceGenius]

problem ive had is that every time i screed the concrete its because there isnt anyone else there that knows what they are doing lol. i need a copy of myself to rake for me ha is a pain to screed it without anyone to rake properly. this spring ill get some more practice in on the two man stick

[@eduardvaniersel7535]

Do you use a fast setting concrete or regular concrete?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Depends what the outside temps are. We start using accelerators in October.

[@kajekage9410]

why cut the joints instead of putting them in wet?

[@julesrockz2960]

Good job.. what was the cost charged to the customer.?

[@shawntheo1603]

hey mike for a 10x10 pad for a hot tub can you pour directly on tamped sand?

[@nycupperes]

Do you need to wet the concrete during the curing period?

[@michoacanohh2227]

If you live in a rainy area no need. If it rarely rains where you live its always a good idea to wet the new concrete down in the morning and in the after noon for the 1st 3-5 days it will help reduce the cracking factor.

[@LarryTait1]

Excellent video as usual. I found the edging tough if you wait a little to long after the pour. A bit of up and down against the form was required to get the cream to come out . How long do you wait for the 4000 psi concrete to harden a bit, or what do you look at to say it is ready to edge?

[@devrodriguez2844]

You can start edging after you screed it and bull float just to get the shape and help the stones go down don’t over do it leave it and let the concrete set up . You have to mag before you use your edger once it starts setting up so the stones left over go down you know it’s ready to finish when you can push your finger a half inch down and feel it getting solid but the top is still soft

[@uncle_buck37]

Hey mike why didn’t you use your power demon I think you named it on a slab like this with no plumbing to get in the way? Perth. Western Australia. Today’s temperature 94 😅🥵

[@rosewell1983]

My guess is...Mike...he is from Boston? sometimes i think i hear a "boston accent". I love it. Might be in the wrong here since im not a US citizen

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I'm from Maine.

[@dustinwhitmore7249]

207

[@jimwilliamson7598]

Where are the anchor bolts?

[@hippo-potamus]

No footings?

[@hagler5475]

How much would a job like this cost normally?

[@MegaMarclar]

I called my local batch plant to get a quote for an expansion to my garage. asked them about the water reducer, they had no idea what that was, and said they just add water until it's runny enough... doesn't that weaken the mix? also, question I can not find an answer to,.. what happens if you over estimate how much you need, and there is more in the truck than the project needs? do they just take it back? i'm sure you still pay for it.

[@randybobandy9828]

You pay for it and they just dump it out on the side. Some guys build small concrete form for things like parking blocks to fill up with concrete if they accidentally order too much so they don't waste it.

[@jdmtake1]

Are you in California?

[@1276scooter]

Awesome videos lately Mike. I’ve noticed you haven’t been using a vibrating screed lately. Do you still use them?

[@vpord3396]

Hi Mike...I am fairly new to your channel and have to say that I have learned so much from you. I am a handyman here in SoCal and have started to incorporate small concrete work in my arsenal such as slabs and walkways. I have tried looking through all of your videos to see if you have covered my question, but after several, I thought I would just ask. Can you please tell me, basically, do you always finish trowel AFTER magging? Or can you just finish with the mag and then broom? On some of the videos I see just the mag before brooming but then just saw one where you're finishing with a hand trowel. I can provide my email if that would be better for you to respond. Thanks Mike and many Blessings to you! Frank

[@matthewwiser1457]

Some guys will say never trowel something that’s going to be broomed…. I personally always trowel before bromine, but it’s semi-important to get timing right. Don’t trowel the bleed water in

[@juniormorris3878]

Hard not to step on the rebar. Doesn’t look like they’re worried about it

[@victorm7274]

No gravel or vapor barrier ? I’m I missing something ?

[@volleydave2012]

Construction screws are the way to go now

[@ignacioperez9174]

How much was this ?