How to Pour a Concrete Slab for Beginners DIY

WE HAD A MASSIVE DRIVEWAY POUR IN THE FRONTYARD THIS DAY WHICH IS WHY THERE WAS SO MANY GUYS In this video we show you how to pour your basic 16 x 12 Concrete Slab! We go over all the necessary steps for your concrete slab to come out perfect! We show you how to form the slab, put rebar in at 2ft x 2ft centers, rod it, bull float it, put joints in, edge it, use the fresno/Big Blue and broom it. We hope you find this information Valuable and to help you on your next project! If there are any questions please dont hesitate to comment below and dont forget to like share ans subscribe! It helps motivate us to teach and bring more videos to all of you knowing these videos help! Thank you all for your support!
OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM - / odellconcrete
Website: DavidOdellConcrete.com
David Odell's Store: odellcompleteconcrete.com

[@alizcool1]

For begginers? There was nearly 10 men working on this lol

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes because we poured the front as well

[@johannacruz3609]

Lol for real😂

[@NS66]

So just expect ot to take longer🤷

[@KarinaMartinez-wv8mg]

Us guys have amazing tools... Here in Mexico is hard to do all that stuff

[@williamgoeres138]

@@KarinaMartinez-wv8mg if you have a welder and you live by a train station you can make a lot of tools yourself

[@ActingLikeABoss]

As an industrial electrician, we do all the concrete work for our jobs ourselves. I’ve never seen someone brush different parts of a slab at different times, nor have we ever stripped a form in the same day. Glad to know you can do these things under the right conditions👌🏻

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Great

[@desimanable]

I have no plans doing anything with concrete, I just enjoy watching these types of videos, so calming.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@R7Romeo]

This is exactly what I needed to see, I'm getting ready to pour my 1st 10x30 unsupervised.

[@welsch9]

I like that the guy seems laid back he seems straight forward and just tries to help you out!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@beverlystewart2527]

Exactly you feel like you can totally trust him

[@RyanRSchell]

"so there it is, a perfect beginner slab if anyone wants to get it on old school style."

[@swamislocal1]

I was convinced I could do this myself until I saw the guy @4:04 holding his trowel with his butt cheeks! That's I skill I just don't have.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Good point OSS

[@star_fruitti]

Omg 😂

[@coolj8352]

LMAO

[@fishingtreatment7260]

That's so crazy funny

[@fishingtreatment7260]

I laugh so hard

[@ianturner4541]

Thank you for sharing your experience and expertise. This video really helped me understand the process involved in laying a slab.

[@heykool69]

Regardless how many times i'd watch these people do concrete. It always amazes me how they get it so smooth.

[@bikinggal1]

cuz they are pros..not DYI'ers

[@luisg.2033]

Thanks for posting your videos and sharing your skill. I recently poured about 5 yards at work. It my first time pouring something as large. The pad came out great and the boss was happy, thanks again.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thats awesome to hear!

[@wentaofeng5548]

This is a really good video, simplified but accurate reinforced concrete process. I really wish colleges could teach more about construction process like this to their Civil Eng students. I learned little regarding all these when I was in college

[@wentaofeng5548]

Just adding something, all the process shown in video may be old school but it is still close to how reinforced concrete would be made in the real work site. Procedure and equipment can be more complicated but the idea is still the same

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dwainbennett5203]

Thank you for your very informative videos. I'm 55 and I still love to learn new things. I've been watching your videos as I'm about to pour a small (6x6) pad to support a manual tire changer. I think I'm ready, thanks to your videos!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

GL TY

[@fernandorodriguez876]

Being 17 and doing this with my uncle i gotta say, it's a really neat experience. But not as great during the summer.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I hear that

[@ace-uy5gq]

Same but with my cousin

[@VenturiLife]

It's great that you're providing expert advice, for people who want to learn, Mr. Odell.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@stuartfriend4930]

Great videos

[@LisaSmith-tb8bb]

shades2 Rebar doesn’t stop concrete from cracking it only stops the cracks from separating. You can’t pour a new slab over an old patio. Two or three years this is going to be nothing but spider webs. What a joke. Were still in business since 1980

[@0802turtleman]

Lisa Smith I hope in two to three years when they are no “spider web” cracks Mr. Odell make a sequel video and rubs your face in it, you troll. Where is your KZbin channel?

[@Gun_Of_None]

This is something you better have somebody experienced with you to attempt, cause if you screw up it’s a huge deal, you can’t just throw it away it’s a MF’er to demo.

[@johngies4024]

Love your videos. Would you make a video on showing ground prep to get the grade you are looking for on a typical slab like this one? That would be fantastic and appreciated. Thank you

[@RealLifeFinance]

Solid video. I assisted my father in law for years on jobs like this. Great quick video with excellent advice

[@solarenergynow08]

Your videos are the best to learn about concrete work; It's smart to be transparent about your work and promote your company with these videos. Like your comments you make off camera as well. Thank you and keep them coming.

[@nadersherif5712]

University: 7 years KZbin: 7 minutes

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

BIngo

[@williams5714]

Exactly

[@blaze-uz6or]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete just had a guy bid a patio he didnt want to put in rebar said its not needed watched your video cancled the pour.

[@jaysenbrady713]

No one goes to college to do concrete bro

[@anazays66]

I think university is for people networking

[@clawhammr666]

Been watching ~4ish videos in last hour 'n a half maybe, just suddenly decided to go 'eh screw it, i'll check it' even though i don't plan to do anything like that, specially since live in an apartment, you guys make this look so easy, very good looking finish and very professional.

[@royhkusp1]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights. 👍 "old school style" love it!

[@zacksrandomprojects9698]

Hey thanks for the video. Im about to pour a slab on the side of the house in a few months and Im researching how to do it. I subscribed btw!

[@belllarosa]

How did I go from watching how to fishtail braid my hair to watching how to pour concrete??! So bizarre but very interesting!! Truly it was!!! 🙊😁😂😂💯😍

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Good question. I'm glad you liked it. TY

[@nebuchadnezzarii5421]

It is probably helpful if you braid your hair before pouring concrete so the wind doesn't blow it in your face. The videos are definitely related... a little bit..

[@jasonantigua6825]

Bella Umbrellla Hit me up babe,I’ll bring you to the UK!

[@raulrodriguez4006]

I was watching NFL highlights and then this popped out. Idk.

[@Pearlangeldream]

Coz woman need learn some construction work !

[@adamsmith2553]

Quick, easy, and to the point! Appreciate the vid

[@hjhhhhjjj2471]

I did this and it looks good

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad to hear it

[@ironocy496]

Excellent video! Very solid technique. I needed a refresher on how to properly sequence each step, it's been years since I've had to pour a slab, thanks for the knowledge!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alwagers574]

Being a professional construction worker myself Odell I applaud your knowledge and willingness to share the knowledge! Awesome vid and great knowledge given! Good luck & Future fortune!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

You are to kind! TY very much! im glad you enjoy these videos!

[@ironingbored]

Thank you for the upload. I’m a confident DIYer and having seen this, I’m confident I should pay and have this done properly by professionals! Save the heartache of me doing a tatty job 😊 Cheers from the UK.

[@elche102387]

Cool vids man really informative, been thinking of laying down a slab for a small storage shed. 8x15 feet

[@MrNeilcster]

Awesome video mate, really informative. Thank you.

[@freeobo85261]

Thank you for allowing those of us who need this information as sometimes we are not in the position to hire your services at our loss, how ever for someone like me who's father saw to it that I learned as much and do as much physical work growing up as needed i appreciate your teaching as I have already put it to use in my yard.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Great Im glad it worked out for you.

[@TommieTurveyHorses]

If your a beginner get 6 guys to help you 😁

[@johncoppola9569]

Tommie Turvey lol

[@willywombat2087]

You right 2 men get it down 1 guys finish it

[@dianagomez6846]

Tommie Turvey hahahahahah

[@Blackplumber333]

I was thinkin the same thing

[@AU_4591]

And the guy in green jumper was working very "hard" at doing bugga all

[@sandraglz241]

awesome job !!! I power wash and add resin or Epoxy on floors after my boss finishes his part of the process

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I hope its not clear epoxy outdoors

[@CarlosOrtiz-ht6rn]

Thank you for this video! Nice to see how the pros do it.

[@huntzkush]

Here comes the concrete experts of KZbin! They all watched 5 tutorials on how to pour concrete, now they've got their Masters Degree in concrete. They are a force to be reckoned with.

[@arthurmorgan3972]

And they'd do it themselves because they know how, they just don't have the time...

[@saulg9951]

"get it on, old school style" hahaaa my kind of style

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@josephlaroya4784]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete what is oss?

[@32Aurelio]

Very good! Thanks for the teaching!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@4paulseyes]

I love the way this video was done. Great refresher course ! TY Really good job and nice work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@healing2gether]

Hey man, I love and appreciate your awesome vids! They’ve been very helpful for my crew and I! Thank you for taking the time to make them for us all! Question, You say it’s a 1% slope outward, what does that equate to with the bubble, like a quarter of the bubble past the line?

[@dennismccullough6043]

I believe the video said 1 1/2 % slope which would equate to approx. 2 1/4 inches over the 12 feet. A professional would use a "sight level" to record the elevation against the house vs the end of the patio.

[@nward237]

“If anybody wants to get it in... old school style.” Hahahaha you’re he man

[@MsElijah16]

Nicky Stix Missionary all day

[@beardfootofficial]

my favorite line from the whole video

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

Intelligent, skilled, informative, and humble.

[@leonardorojas1781]

Mr. Odell! Your videos are awesome!!

[@sheric3740]

Thanks for making me realize hiring a pro to do this is well worth the money.

[@JohnDoe-le8fy]

I think that was the point.

[@bugbomb8048]

Nice....I was I the army with a David Odell in the early 80’s

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Could be, who are you?

[@TeamFlawless1]

swear to god

[@sanaprinces7121]

Thanks for sharing. That is nice informative procedure

[@duluthguy8227]

Thank GOD you guys put this up for free....THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU......SAVED ME....

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW GL

[@JPSBananna]

Great vid... easy to watch, and hits all the right points without dragging on about little details. Thanks dude!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@cliffordlheureux5388]

Thanks dave

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@paolabueso]

Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing this.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@MrGriff305]

I honestly didn't realize so much work went into a slab like that. Now I definitely won't do it myself! Finished product looks good here.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yes

[@yachtwork]

Great explanation. Pouring soon. Thanks.

[@garlandtxcuh9497]

I like how u work u people

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@brucemarmy8500]

Clear and straight forward, your trademark in concrete. some scrap plastic could have been thrown into the dirt sides to be a barrier to the soil; get the whole pour to cure more evenly.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yes

[@lancer525]

Mr. Odell, you sir, are the Bob Ross of concrete...

[@christoffer1973]

Love your videos. Always great explained how to. I have learn a lot and got some ideas from your videos.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@tyrese7390]

christoffer1973 ir

[@handymancompany9390]

Hey David, I have to say thank you for posting up all the detailed videos of your jobs and for all your effort here on KZbin! I have done a few smaller concrete jobs but have never been happy with my slab finishing, so after watching your videos I'm looking forward to the next one. I'm living in Canada and have been trying to find info on the proper way to pour a slabs in cold climates but haven't been able to find much content. Can you direct me to a channel or forum where i can find some more info? Keep up the great content! Warren

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Try getting some info from local ready mix supplier

[@jayphillips4058]

1) If possible, stick to pouring when the overnight temps stay above freezing. If you can't, remember that the first night heat of hydration will help save your slab, but the second and third can be a heartbreaker. Concrete blankets, ground heaters, extra chemicals for set and increased heating and excavation costs really add to the square foot pricing. 2) 4000 psi concrete is a must in cold climates for freeze/thaw. 3) Pour as stiff as you reasonably can for a good finish, keep the water/cement ratio low. 4) Remember than chemical accellerants will affect the finish - it'll get sticky fast even in cold weather. Don't dawdle laying it out, and have good help who know how to hop to the finish. 5) You need about 1000 psi in your slab for it to be relatively free from the danger of freezing. 6) Make sure your sub-grade is free of ice and snow, and obviously don't wet it prior to the pour. 7) Use Type III cement in the mix if possible, but keep in mind it'll go off faster with HE and other chemicals. 8)Test each load with an infared or probe thermometer, it'll give you an idea of how the slab will go off. Also, it you get loads with temp variance, tell the supplier to get his act together and make sure they're relatively close to the same temps. Finishing a slab with (especially an interior) section dragging set time is a bear. 9) As always, oil forms. 10) Remember that ice-cold rebar in a relatively warm concrete mix can pose some quality problems. Cradle it and follow the rule about suspension height. 11) Don't get pressured into pouring when the weather isn't looking good - adverse weather problems multiply in cold weather pours. 12) Always, but always, pour on thawed ground. Pouring on frozen ground and/or subgrade nearly always causes expensive problems, most often resulting in tearout and a re-pour. It may take awhile to occur, but they will. 13) If a supplier in your area uses old-school calcium chloride pellets to accelerate the mix, make sure they dissolve it in water prior to adding it to the load. Just dumping the pellets in will make for a nasty looking finish. Too much makes a slab go crazy - almost impossible to get a finish, and then it will most likely spall and crack. Almost no one uses CaCl anymore - much better stuff around. 14) If you order hot water in the mix, make sure the driver also has it in his head tank. If water has to be added, cold water from a cold head tank can really screw things up. /24 years in the hauling and production end of things, and enjoy helping finish now and then, too. Good luck!

[@tootsiellor759]

Handyman Company i buy u

[@Cappadoccia04]

Thanks for posting this video. It is very helpful. Question around the wooden planks, are they detached after the concrete has fully dried or midway? Pardon my ignorance.

[@carmenheld-tauchar1113]

I liked the detailed description and the sped up video. Perfect to learn what is involved without getting bored :)

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@WD-hd1vw]

I been on KZbin for years, looking at shit... you have the best intro I've seen on here... good shit

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@MisterMitchMM]

Man those guys work fast. Awesome job.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@iabbervocium]

This video is so helpful and straightforward, thank you!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barcacampnou9650]

You do good work, it makes me tired just looking at your crew working

[@mariamercedesa.863]

This is exactly what I need!! Thanks from Montreal

[@sodaPapa7176]

Idk why but wet concrete is oddly satisfying

[@aaf102]

Hi, do you think the Sakrete high strength concrete mix from home depot could be as smooth as the one you poured in this video? or any recommended type of concrete mix for my small landing project? Thanks.

[@772antonio]

Great job!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@MaySpitfire]

Awesome, Im gonna go pour some concrete on something now, thanks!

[@barroenmanosdeelalfarero1677]

Hailey Mew where

[@nomore3297]

Legit! Straight to the point, informative vid for the guy that wants to conquer the dirt in the backyard. Thanks man.

[@karlamberge3316]

Hi

[@FALLON_1111]

This was fantastic! Thank you for the detail I just found this even though its 2 years old I am definitely feeling more confident! I only wish that I had you as a friend to call over just in case something goes wrong...but going to check out your other videos now. Thanks and pls keep doing more of these videos!

[@jesse977]

Great video! Quick question, I'm having a 26x8 foor slab poured. Should it be connected to the houses foundation? I also have 2 concrete stairs by the door.Thanks!

[@mikegomez5796]

Just curious and a real question since u made it larger did u have to compact the dirt?

[@kieranmp4143]

Hmmm. I don’t think I can do this. But thanks for helping me understand that! 😄

[@edfox8389]

shows how much work and experience goes into a little job. Good job guys.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@allpropertyvideosdotcomwit3524]

Excellent basic intro to installing a slab. Explains some of the reasons behind the techniques which is great.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@jonbergemann6150]

Great videos! What's you thoughts on pouring a slab over an existing slab? For example, adding a room extension off an existing room but needing to level the existing floor with the new floor. Thanks!

[@jimward82]

Thanks for sharing this! It is fun to see the teamwork and watch it all come together nicely.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cagonzal13]

Very informative. Nice commentary

[@davidhull1061]

Pretty good instructional video for beginners.

[@MTB_Bay_Area]

Hi I watched many of your videos and I found it very helpful, thank you. I have a question for you: Why you never use a concrete vibrator on a driveway?

[@icespeckledhens]

A vibrator is only for deeper levels of concrete like foundations.

[@scottbutler9005]

thought most vibrators were plastic...not much good for concrete

[@MrTsuperfilms]

The ASMR is a 7 out of 10

[@ss.oleila]

I need this video and this is good for my mom!

[@edwardhaughney9665]

A very good and informative video. Nice brief commentary

[@allanhernandez4282]

Hi David, Love your videos, learning a lot. I’ve decided to venture into my first project of extending my patio on both sides. From watching numerous of your videos I feel I got the just of it. My question is that I live in FL and have plenty of soft sugar sand. Will that play a difference in anyway to my site prep? Should I be laying out some gravel before my pour? Or will I be fine with the sugar sand as a base? Again, thank you for all these videos! You have no idea what an asset they are!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I don't know the soils there, but I would check with the local building department. They may know the answer to that.

[@thomascollier4913]

Thank Bro, I see now that I need to hire someone to pour my slab, that's a lot of work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Sure would help things go easier.

[@baddriver3580]

Good job 👍 ! I miss my old job 😏 loved pouring concrete!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Get it on

[@user-su4uc8vr9k]

Great video! It is very helpful for a beginner like me.. and need to cover a lot of dirt in my house.. maybe you can give me a quote.. I live in el Paso, Texas..

[@surebrah]

I would like to see a "behind the scenes" video. Show the bid as it's written, ordering the concrete, calling in the finishing guys, clean up, everything.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That may happen at some point.

[@surebrah]

Thanks!

[@focused313]

Excellent idea

[@outdoorsnevada4138]

Buy cement mixer and do it yourself if you plan on doing multiple projects. you will save a lot of money in the long run. we do all ours our self instead of having other people come and do it.

[@nateg5915]

@@outdoorsnevada4138 i do alot of things myself around the house....framing, drywalling, kitchen, bath remodel, basement finishing but i find concrete work too labor intensive so i'd rather hire someone else to do it

[@decoconcretesc]

Great content and work as always! Have a question: do you need to apply to a city permit to have an additional patio each time that you pour new concrete projects? Thank you for your time.

[@michaeldose2041]

Nope

[@triplemotor]

Thank you Mr Odell

[@robinkemp1261]

Great demonstration and old school professionalism. Thanks mate !

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@Twoholesofman]

"So there it is, a perfect beginner slab, if anybody wants to get it on." I love it.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@garinraquel]

That is a gorgeous leveling job. Very well done, Mr. Odell & Crew!

[@robertgoings6995]

thank you sir for taking the time to share this valuable information and your experience with us.

[@dededuong6452]

Thanks for a cool video. I'll go to The Home Depot to buy concrete and start my slab foundation 5ft x10ft this evening. Helping me to build my confidence:-)

[@archosg9999]

Did you also hire Jose or Juan while you at Home Depot? LOL

[@THISISRISE]

HOW MUCH DID EVERYTHING COST?

[@tomkelsh7150]

Old school 2 guys to do that job. 25 years still do it me and labor.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Get it on

[@waynesatter1590]

Tom Kelsh I bet your work sucks

[@kbanghart]

@@waynesatter1590 why would you say that?

[@Godisgood7478]

Great job! Thank you for sharing!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@Aif-cw1ek]

awesome vid. thanks for the info

[@MrDdcnorris]

Is snow and freezing an issue for pouring a slab directly on soil or dirt? Should there be a base of some kind in northern states?

[@johndavidson4128]

Probably more important to get air entrainment in the concrete

[@petej3800]

You dont concrete in sub zero weather it will freeze and just crumble

[@annic7995]

Thank you, helped alot! 😊

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No problem!

[@user-no1qr1uo2d]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete قاهط

[@franciscoalfonsin950]

Nice job bro. congratulations...

[@pa-pad3781]

Great Vid 👍👍 I've finished many yards over the years. Good job 👌

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY