How to Pour A Concrete Pad | Deck Stairs Landing

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Check out the entire deck build time-lapse here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZbLgZygmtF2ask Thanks for watching! and don't forget to Subscribe to my channel! bit.ly/SubscribeToTheFixer

[@ldqa2737]

Just fyi, my notifications were turned off but not by me. Turned it back on. Not sure why this happens in KZbin 🤨

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

@@ldqa2737 😞 thanks for letting me know. I hate that this happens. Happy you turned them back on.

[@coppertopjohnson9782]

I like the rough finish better than the smooth. Great job. Can't wait for the railings and the stairs next. Thanks for sharing.

[@beckyhp7776]

I love people who can do just about anything. My husband can do plumbing, auto work and carpentry. Saves a lot of money.

[@ActionEar]

Thanks for sharing. I ended up here because I have a similar deck stair landing to make - my first, about 6’x 4’ - and been doing tons of research, to learn from others what to do/not to do. What I like about your video: - Your reason for nails vs screws I hadn’t thought of. Generally I use screws for everything because not only are they reusable, but you don’t tear up the wood hammering them out. - Tapping the form to help against air pockets and loosen aggregate - Its nice to have the deck done first to know exactly where to place the pad. But I have to build my pad first because I have under deck landscaping to finish first, that butts the pad. My custom stringers will rest on spacers, so I’ll have some vertical wiggle room - Your easy going style. Some DIY vid builder guys are kinda arrogant and pompous, and give bad info - like laying joists directly on the concrete pad. Suggestions to others I’ve learned: - Coat the forms and scree wood with light grade motor oil, the forms will almost fall off and leave a smooth edge - It’s advised to insert a groove “contraction or control joint” in the middle of any concrete pad as large as this. These seams control where the concrete will crack. When the concrete eventually cracks - as it all does - it will tend to split under the groove and not be as noticeable - More modern techniques use spacers to keep the wood from touching the concrete to control rot

[@jackc70]

You have many great videos for a variety of projects. I’m retired so I guess I will use them as a reference. Thanks for your efforts, appreciate the details, they’re extremely important. Peace

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you! I hope my videos help you out.

[@sarducci23]

Love the voice over but also love the other way too:) You have a great way of conveying the process and whoopsies too!!! Keep up the vids and love the content!!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! Thanks so much!

[@aldiminico6513]

As a young man, 34 years ago, I formed and poured a 90 foot walkway, from the front steps to the back steps, all manually. A lot of work by hand! It still looks good with no cracking. If I had to do it all over, I would have had a truck pour the concrete. As we get older, we work smarter, no harder!😉

[@nomad5952]

The way you edited and explained the process was great. Thanks

[@rosemarshall1219]

Always impressed by your work, so clean and precise. This deck is gonna be a really beautiful one !

[@mceltix2009]

Note: You can leave every other end of the welded wire fabric a little long (2-3") and bend down to provide a "built in" way to raise it up to the middle of the pad.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Good tip!

[@AndyTheXTech]

Ya Dude! I like that texture technique. I was wondering how you were going to do that. This video format worked. Keep me interested the whole time. 😁👍

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear! Thanks, Andy!!

[@matrix3904]

most realistic DIY video i have ever seen. Thanks!

[@GreenVegan816]

Loved the way you did this video. Much better for me to have it go slower and have you describe the details. Nice job!

[@robco6997]

For keeping the concrete wet you can lay some hessian sack over top and wet them down. Save's having to spray often

[@fredla7353]

Just leveled my form today for the 47" x 47" landing. Perfect video follow up to double check procedures, thanks!!

[@califuturist]

I plan on doing similar but will make 4” deep x 2” diameter holes below the pad instead of vertical rebar. I also may spray WD40 on the inner form.

[@kodak_jack]

Although it does not address the pad, I like that you poured concrete bases for your deck posts and did NOT bury them into holes in the ground. This is MANDATORY down south where they get a ton of rain and they are NOT allowed to bury their posts - they WILL rot over time. Nice job on the small slab.

[@patrickhenigin4805]

I have used gravel instead of dirt to backfill, then work sand over it to keep it from shifting. I haven't had any cracks yet.

[@tylerngo4894]

Man, you made thing seem so easy...and I have learned so much from you!

[@RealSavages]

Thank you sir. I have learned a lot from this video. I have never done anything like this and I would like to try to do it myself. Best to you.

[@michellefitch5942]

Looks great - coming along nicely! Like the new format, but also like your usual format too. :-)

[@denjhill]

Doing the same project at my place. You did a top notch job, it looks great.

[@2ndgenentertainment]

Me too. But I have to do just a set of stairs first, then I’ll eventually build a deck for my house and my shed.

[@taffyroyal4007]

i loved you explaining the hows and whys of what you were during during the video very much great job

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! Thanks so much, Taffy!

[@michaelpfau1150]

well done.. good video.. seems with concrete 2 guys are always better then one..one mixing and one spreading

[@enchantedangel7]

I love how you're always so positive and that you create simpler solutions thinking your way through a project. Great finish work on this; would have never known it wasn't poored. 👍🏾🏠🚚💧

[@ElaineEC]

That looks GREAT! I hope you’ll video putting in the stairs because I’m interested in how you handle where the wood meets the concrete. My deck leads to a bluestone patio and the wood stairs rest directly on the stone. It seems to hold water there as the wood is getting green. No idea what to do about that.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! You will see the stairs in one form or another… spoiler alert, I just sit the stairs and 4x4’s on the concrete. This is what I have always done as pressure treated wood can sit on concrete. I also wrap the stairs with PVC trim so you won’t even see the wood. Maybe this is an option for you? Thanks for checking out the video!

[@panth3r26]

Great video. I have a landing/sidewalk of pavers or large stepping stones to the garage. Either way, the landing continues to sink. I've back filled it with the dirt I had and tamped it as much as I could and it did sink again. Took forever to make it all nice and neat. But I think this next time I'm going to do a concrete landing pad with a good base layer. Never done one before, so I'm watching as many videos as I can. Mine will be level with the grass as well... unless it decides to sink again. It'll only be 3x3 or 4x4. I don't know yet. Just have to figure out how deep the base layer needs to be and what would be best to use. And how deep the whole thing will have to be. It's very high traffic. Also, I will have to figure out how to put a form around the stairs. Great video though.

[@faithford9143]

Hello The Fixer. thanks again for your knowledge. Great video.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Faith!

[@leestebbins5051]

If you are going to have grass around the slab you want to keep the slab about 1” above grade, makes using the line trimmer easier.

[@christopherpavlicas]

For sure! Good point. In addition, just that inch reduces the amount of soil that can run over your pad every time there is a hard rain. The concrete pad will stay a lot cleaner.

[@mrgeorge19971]

The beard is getting strong! Lookin good man. Also great work as always

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

🧔‍♂️ 😁. Thank you sir! I appreciate it!

[@mrgeorge19971]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair before winter it's a way to go!

[@carolyncarlson3825]

I've always wanted to do concrete work don't answer me why. I found this very informative and I think I can do it... Hug

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

I think you can too! The more I work with it the cooler I think it is of a material. There is so much more you can do with it than just pads and piers. Would be fun to experiment. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@carolyncarlson3825]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I watch them all. Your a great teacher....maybe you can tell me algebra....lol

[@LeoInAMillion]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair if you like working with concrete, watch Modustrial Maker, he makes some cool stuff with it 😎

[@mycats7321]

Thank you. This gives me a good idea of how it's done. We had a portable cement mixer when we had to pour concrete pad. Didn't fill in the middle with dirt enough & didn't really pack it down. You can use a square-shaped ground tamper to pack the dirt inside to make it more solid. I also liked that you put down some rocks underneath. Did you say that was pea gravel? How long did it take to dry before you added water on top to keep it wet? You must not have dogs or cats in the area. A contractor in my area once said if there is a dog or cat within 10 miles of fresh poured concrete, they will find their way over to step in it. We ended up with small shallow cat paw prints on the edge of our porch. LOL.

[@beckiblack859]

Looks so good, Matt!

[@Oivat]

Awesome!!!!! Great video great explanation thanks

[@amicus010585]

Only impressed. I can't wait until new video comes out!👍

[@jennifermartinus4929]

Yes, I enjoyed the video, Mr. Fixer. 👍

[@JamesLeatherman]

Nice format.

[@cherylsims2053]

All your projects come out great!

[@T.E.P.]

fantastic video .. this series has been very informative and enjoyable ... excellent work

[@314-h4w]

Can you make your stairs/stringers land in only the dirt? Or does it must have a cement pad or landing to pass code?

[@Rebeca-hb7ml]

It looks perfect 👍🏼 well done 🙂🙂🙂

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you! And thanks for checking it out!

[@Rebeca-hb7ml]

🙂🙂🙂keep up the good work

[@Eye_can_see_you]

Nice neat solid job, thanks for showing us your process.

[@Famekom]

This is dope I wish I knew how to form steps. All I know how to do is finish concrete

[@BScott-hi2hc]

Great video. Helped me alot. Ty. Have a blessed one.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Glad it helped!

[@ldqa2737]

Love how that porch turned out. Looks great! Thanks for the tips, technique and strategies. 👍

[@BrianChambersUnique319]

By the way, awesome video and thank you for your teachings.

[@mattfriend1977]

Thanks buddy. Appreciate this.

[@AutoFixYT]

Awesome video, and I like the format! I have now learned new things, as always :) Keep it up!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear! Thanks for checking it out and for being a loyal subbie! 😁. Hope all is well with you and the fam!

[@AutoFixYT]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair haha I try to watch as many as I can. Not just for views but also because I'm genuinely interested lol Everyone is good! Baby is growing fast, she'll be a year in 10 days 😬 Hope all is well with you too!

[@-htl-]

Nice. Disadvantage of making it flat and rough with the broom is that in the low sun time of year/winter water stays on there and causes green attack on it. So puting the from in a 2 degree angle is an option. Second wat is really nice is just to stick rocks of pieces or slade on the top in the concrete in color with the deck. Grind smooth with a sponge after 2 hours (slidely hardend top). The natural stone and concrete stone filler will provide the anti-slippery and looks great.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thats interesting! Thanks for the tip!

[@1thank2you3]

you are really good at this!

[@jimbrownlee1984]

Thanks for the video and tips. How many bags of cement did you need? I am going to do the same pad at 3' x 8'.

[@LastDragonElManifesto]

Should of went in with play sand first then ur gravel etc

[@tonyathomas66]

Looking good. I think you did a great job 😀.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome! Thanks, Tonya!

[@janusego1]

great and simple explanation, about to get the same thing done for my steps, thank you

[@silentghostproductions6453]

Good job! It looks great

[@meganm3270]

Real shit I'm jealous of that dirt you have we have clay here in Louisiana

[@stavrosladeas4421]

I enjoy your videos, I’ve seen this one a couple of times. I know you’re in a cold environment, same here, we’re up in Rhode Island - do I need to worry about frost (line) when I build a slab like this? I’m guessing not, since it would be ridiculous to go down 40 inches, but I don’t understand why we need to worry about frost line for piers (under deck) but for slabs it’s a non-issue. Also, would it be recommended to install (screw on) 4x4s into a slab like this, for either side of the steps? Thank you again for a succinct and informative video.

[@KellyJackson-gl1ke]

Do you have to do something so the concrete doesn't stick to the wood or does it just repel it?

[@burts6896]

When are control joints needed? / What about frost heave?

[@jackc70]

Nice 1 man job, 👍. Where are the stairs? Did you produce another video? Thanks

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you! Yes, more videos on the way!

[@dayron6637]

When you do your broom finish early, especially with high water content like you have here, your finish is prone to becoming brittle.

[@Canadianbatgirl62]

Fantastic job as always 😊👏👏👏👍

[@christinepetersen2513]

Made my night 👌✨

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

So happy to hear that! 😁😁

[@christinepetersen2513]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair 😂😂👍

[@mikey87]

What was the dimension of your slab and how many bags did you need? It looks just like the one I need to put in

[@trolleyproblem7195]

I don't know if the concrete will sink, but there's another possibility: over time (meaning quite a few years) the earth around it may rise. No, really. Roots grow under, and grass grows/dies/rots/becomes new topsoil. I guess that's something to worry about much later though.

[@stinkyelk986]

You're absolutely correct. I live on sandy soil and I can put a wrench on the ground and in a week it will be covered. I've done it.

[@annwilliams9214]

Great video! You should have slightly delayed the project. Would make an excellent grave for Halloween decor. 🎃 😉

[@marceloperini4190]

Is there a code requirement for how much of the stringer must rest on the concrete pad?

[@jacquiepenner3032]

How many bags of concrete did you use? I am planning to do a 7x4 pad and it's a little confusing sometimes on how many bags is needed.

[@milliewilson9614]

Looks amazing

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Millie!

[@kathy7613]

Nice.thank you for sharing your videos and Talent.much appreciated

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank YOU for watching! Hope my videos help you in some way!

[@kathy7613]

Thay help a lot.thank you

[@jimwhite5964]

Thanks... great video!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank YOU for watching! 😁😁

[@ShopTherapy623]

Do you live in a cold climate? No piers going down below frost line?

[@Dandoun6191]

Great job man!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!

[@alisonsloan9335]

Looks so good!!

[@VDiaz-gn7nl]

I did enjoy the video. How many bags of concrete did you use?

[@stuffluster]

Looks great. We're you worried about anchoring below the frost line? Would this heave?

[@BrianChambersUnique319]

Can you make these pads bigger? I have a deck I am almost finished with 16 feet by 8 feet wide x 16 feet by 4 feet wide L shaped and I need stairs that come down to approximately 4 feet. I live in the mountains.

[@dwoodbury]

Looks great!

[@Mocredible]

Great work! You explained the process really well. You said your not a professional, but it looks pretty professional to me and you have all the perfect tools to get the job done. Question: How effective do you think using mixing paddles on a drill are? I know that’s the cheaper route for someone who doesn’t do this professionally.

[@danieldunn3141]

did you use a normal shop broom or buy a special one for concrete?

[@Rengoleban]

How many bags of cement did yo used?

[@teddyboy252]

Good job

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Teddy!

[@lowmonte1978]

Very nice video

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Daniel!!

[@frankpapa-georgio3154]

How many bags of concrete did you use?

[@torq1116]

You placed those leaves at the end on purpose, didn't you! :) Pad looks great, been 2 years, how's it holding up?

[@TheMoomba19]

Excellent vident. - Thanks.

[@JamieHolmes-l1c]

Why is the spots I filled getting dark after rain do I have to redo?

[@Kevinmohr4665]

How many bags did you use?

[@andreeward5879]

How many bags of concrete for what size pad?

[@dennismacwilliams196]

Thanks

[@andreatranchino]

👍👍👍 hugs from Chile 😘🇨🇱❤️

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😁😁

[@networkninja2971]

Pro job. thanks for the vid

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!

[@bill2724]

Great job

[@drew7257]

How many bags of concrete did it take to build it?

[@jodirauth8847]

Love this video.

[@schretien8714]

How many bags for this pad?

[@MikeAllen-hh9xu]

Thanks

[@snag1956]

Nice!

[@b.t.6345]

Hey Matt, have you been in the Army or Marines or any other branch?

[@bizzfo]

No edging?