How To Quickly Pour a Concrete Slab By Hand

[@carlwheeler3403]

Just a couple of tips, #1 slice the concrete backs along the bottom of the bag and just lift the bag off, it's much easier to empty the bag. #2 SAFETY TIP: always wear a respirator when dealing with dry concrete mix. The concrete dust does nasty things to the lungs when inhaled. Great video !!

[@westvalley411]

Respirator yes. Avoid lung disease. After watching several videos I have not heard anyone say how long it takes for the initial bag of concrete to set and harden because as you keep adding bags it seems like the 1st bag cures as cures as you pour the last one...

[@arrozconpollo4675]

Yup!!! I was thinking the same

[@jonathanravenhilllloyd2070]

I've been searching for people making footings and mixing by hand. So far you're the ONLY person not using a mixer. I'm not laying foundations for a house and you've made me feel like I may ACTUALLY be able to do it! 😅

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Wife says, “ hey honey , who drank all the milk and why is the mattress and box spring on the floor” 🤣😂😅 Great video

[@GK7GARAGE]

Pork Eating Crusader LOL thanks

[@charredskeleton]

Hahaha, good eye!

[@petersilva6053]

Finally someone gets right to the point. GRACIAS PRIMO!

[@martina3081]

Just one small extra tip: it's actually better to mix from the front of the barrow. Lot easier to get the spade under the mix and turn it using the sloping bottom of the barrow.

[@mol-charles3616]

Something soothing about your voice makes me believe I can also do this. I think your voice can probably sell me any product I didn't think I needed.

[@jilltelford]

I love this. This is exactly what I was looking for. Simple, direct, clear and easy steps to make it possible for anyone to do. You explained it where anyone from 3 to 103 could get it. You rock!! And, it looks awesome!

[@tonesgaming1012]

Pro tip for next time you do another slab. Wet the barrel before mixing or pouring concrete in the barrel. It makes it easier to slide the stuff out.

[@cementmasters7104]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXjbaGl7pM6XeNk

[@isaacdboy2234]

Peeping Tom with water?

[@1sickss120]

MOPARGuy no olive oil

[@timedvrodlehnen8448]

Oil your barrel junior,

[@joemills3018]

What barrel? I see a wheel barrow.

[@LMK1942]

Very helpful!!!! I’ve never seen any of the videos that give newbies a good idea of how much water to add…love this!!!

[@dianelogan5014]

I love this! Using what you have and not making it overly complicated. Thank you! Great video.

[@edubb2491]

So..did he use bed rails for rebar?

[@yogibeer9319]

He ain’t scared. He just did it the way he saw fit and saw it through to the end! Nice job

[@jdvg3770]

It will mix under a minute if you pour half the jug of water first

[@jackbrix9890]

Yup pro tip

[@k.suess-swanstrom112]

Nice video! I like that you have repurposed materials to suit your needs, very cool! 👌 I can tell you may not be a pro, but good on you for sharing your tips and your work! I'm going to be pouring a slab with the same mix you have used. Excellent tip with the gallon water jug. I have no concrete experience myself and I appreciate your share. Keep it up! 👏

[@linh811]

brilliant use of old mattress frames

[@jamesmoore9289]

I’m so glad I came across you using the old bed frames in lieu of rebar. I’ve got a bunch of old bed frames lying around and didn’t want to spend a fortune on rebar. Brilliant.

[@ComprehensiveContext]

Be careful - air can get trapped under the angle if you don't put it in correctly.

[@jody6121]

Rebar is cheap...and rhe concrete grabs the ridges

[@TarmanTheChampion]

If your slab is thick enough or you're pouring footings you can use rocks or old chunks of concrete to fill the void and reduce the amount of concrete needed.

[@jameskeadle5975]

Just what I needed for a small project I want to do. Thanks again

[@playeroflife]

Great video ty. I am trying to start a small shed base but watched too many videos and got over complicated. Your process is exactly what I wanted. Ty. And hello from Ireland

[@arrozconpollo4675]

You can do a dry pour too.

[@daisymae8172]

Just wait this lady needed! Thank you!

[@TarmanTheChampion]

If your slab is thick enough or you're pouring footings you can use rocks or old chunks of concrete to fill the void and reduce the amount of concrete needed. If you're pouring a slab that's going to be indoors be sure to put down 8mil plastic sheeting covering the bare ground before you pour, as a vapor/moisture barrier

[@brendanward8959]

I think that was a great, short and sweet video, absolutely fit for purpose. I learnt even more from the people who gave tips like wet the wheel barrow (barrel?) down first, use a hoe rather than a spade, half the water at a time when mixing. Thanks for sharing

[@redskiclayton]

Excellent idea getting rid of any scrap metal laying around and coincidently, a bed frame! Thanks for sharing

[@jamesp739]

Great video. Straight and to the point. One thing I do a little differently. I put the dry mix in the deep end of the wheel barrow and the water in the other end. Then I pull the dry mix a little at a time into the water. I find it helps to keep the dust down.

[@hansgrubber5753]

Love the old metal bed frame you used in place of wire mesh or rebar. 😀

[@georgecarmona1817]

Very good work,I'm also not a pro,I bought a cement mixer and some special tools to give me a nice finish,one tool I used was called a Fresno and it worked great,great job buddy I love to see non pros doing a great job cause it makes me want to experiment and do more,thank you

[@abbeythomas3022]

Thank you just what I was looking for glad I saw your video il be ordering my concreat mix tomorow... Very helpful best one iv watched 👍👍👍

[@easyj4003]

this video gives me the confidence to build the slab i need for my yard just a regular guy doing home projects. thanks

[@artdude8059]

I've never laid concrete... After watching this I have 100% confident!

[@Jeribeams]

That’s great you recycled the bed frame to use for your tension members 👍 great idea!

[@Adam-ox6zy]

Use a garden hoe to mix the concrete. Much easier than a shovel, trust me.

[@creeplife2802]

Na, post up on the side of the wheelbarrow, grab a round shovel, chop in and scoop the concrete up the"ramp "of the wheelbarrow it'll mix itself i promise.

[@holdendavid9025]

@@creeplife2802 negative. Use a hoe with holes. It’s for mixing concrete. It allows the water to pass through mixing faster and easier

[@fitmcdeezy8778]

Facts. Garden hoe is one of the best mixing tools

[@keithjordan8116]

My wife: “Honey…. Where are all my metal bird feeder stands?!?!?!?” 😂🤣😂💯💯 Awesome video!!

[@NightWolf-vv5me]

Thank you for getting right to the point. Quick simple video for us DIY folks. I think I will use a 2×4 to smooth it like someone in the comments mentioned.

[@shannonp4037]

Make sure the 2x4 is "straight"!

[@weedeater3]

@@shannonp4037 Good luck finding a straight 2x4 nowdays.

[@xixbigdawgxix]

Just a little tip invest in a magnesium trowel and a Fresno finishing trowel. For a professional finish ...

[@backyardthinker5996]

and who will care about that under an ac?

[@jgruen9854]

@@backyardthinker5996 floating the top will make the concrete more resistant to cracking and flaking.

[@damianmlamb]

@@backyardthinker5996 people who care about quality, bc quality is actually skill... Hence my roofing company name, Top Quality Roofing....

[@josiebeanlily]

Who will care? People are here for all types of projects. I personally look at the comments for tips like these…thanks @xixbigdawgxix ;-)

[@allent1034]

FYI, one gallon is exactly 4 quarts. (It is 3.7 liters) Using the whole gallon of water is too much for that bag of concrete but won't hurt it. Also, they make plastic foundation pads for AC units for about $40. An AC unit is pretty light and doesn't need anything near as heavy duty as you built, plus they are movable.

[@ApeHouse]

Good video. Straight to the point and enough for someone who is not a pro.

[@sisterstaceyhelpsthehomeless]

Very good info. Simple instructions. Thank you.

[@joebarth9559]

Great video. Just what I needed to figure out my little concrete job. Thank you!

[@OdeeOz]

Professionally speaking. You want about a 2 to 3 degree slope away from the house foundation, when adding slabs to the existing structure. That keeps water from pooling on the slab, and being blown against the foundation.

[@GK7GARAGE]

Thanks for the info

[@OdeeOz]

@@GK7GARAGE My pleasure, if it helps make for better projects. ;)

[@dr.charlenecrump9651]

I am looking to do a 12x12 patio. You broke it down in layman so terms. Only thing different I want frame with design paver. This way I can do at my pace till done😂. What is your suggestion?

[@kirkhere2711]

I'm planning on pouring a slab, and I'm wondering how much time you had before the concrete started to set up. Also, what was the outside temperature? Also, you mentioned you did not use the quick set concrete.

[@cheesyoatcake]

If you're planning on doing this again, I'd highly recommend you purchase a cheap, lightweight shovel and trim 2 inches from all sides. Mixing in a barrow will then become much, much easier.

[@germanbaez9223]

I love the energy at the time of mixing!!!

[@tylergenke7252]

Omg I am scared to get a little dirty!!!!! Dude mix that shit like a man.

[@Ofmyownvolition]

For slabs under 8 feet in length/width, a 2x4 works great for leveling off the top of your forms. Make sure your form edges are at the finished heights you wants your concrete at after drying.

[@NY51663]

Now I know what to do with the old bed frame the next time I get drunk and bring big Nancy home again. Got any uses for old recliners?

[@GK7GARAGE]

LoL

[@seansmith1479]

Chair frame for forms Springs for rebar Press upholstery into wet concrete then peel off to leave a texture

[@rebecca3304]

I have 2 sets of bed rails to throw out for junk..great idea!! going to use them for my she shed concrete slab, Thank You!

[@charlyrodzz]

Lol

[@davidfagerberg9283]

The gravel in the bottom is for drainage. It is also important to pack it before pouring in the concrete mix.

[@snipderdon]

Would you mind elaborating on the drainage part?

[@illestofdemall13]

@Luis Castaneda No, drainage from rain. Concrete is porous so the rainwater will penetrate it no matter what. If you have gravel below the concrete pad it will give the water somewhere to go.

[@roberts5118]

@@illestofdemall13 close but not quite right. Yeah concrete is porous but you're putting the gravel to drain away surface water so the concrete slab doesn't tilt and twist and turn and crack in mud if the gravel wasn't there to drain and stabilize it. It's not like the concrete is a big sponge that let's rain water through it.

[@richardking8879]

Hi guys, I am laying a pathway just in front garden. It's all mud atm so needs to be concreted. Length is 3m and the width is 1m. Once I have done the shuttering can you please tell me how deep my concrete needs to be? I have a tonne bag of ballast just need to get some cement bags. Also what do I put on the bottom above the mud, shall I out gravel down and then compress it/flatten it etc. Thank you Amy advice be appreciated

[@mikeellebrecht5952]

It doesn't matter too much, but 1 gallon = exactly 4 quarts. 1 gallon = about 3.78 liters. Either way, 3.5 quarts is almost a full gallon.

[@cementmasters7104]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXjbaGl7pM6XeNk

[@hey.you.in.the.bushes]

@C I no he does not.

[@henridam]

Yeah, he is confusing liters and quarts. As soon as I noticed that, I became skeptical of the rest of the video. He's using 1 gallon of water, which, by definition, is 4 quarts, instead of the 3.5 quarts that are asked for, so half a quart too much water. As you point out, in this case it probably won't matter, but if you're a beginner and want to get a better understanding of how to make concrete, this doesn't help.

[@billj5645]

even faster- get a 5 gallon bucket and use 60 pound bags of mix. Pour the water in the bucket, dump in the mix and mix it with a paddle mixer in a drill. 15 seconds of mixing and it is ready to dump. the shovel work in the wheelbarrow is the hard part and takes the longest time.

[@julieoliver2859]

You’re my hero!

[@robl496]

I don’t know what you wrote but I think you know your shit so thumb up to your comment

[@guitarguyjoefry]

No need for me to comment you took the words right out of my head. Never tried on this heavy mix but have on the little premix bags of pea gravel crap. But you do need a bigger drill like a 1/2 horse because a regular drill will burn up. Most people don't have a big drill.

[@scjewell1961]

It doesn’t matter how big your drill is. It won’t work. If you don’t want to use a shovel then hire a cement mixer.

[@julieoliver2859]

It worked great, thank you so much!

[@rodalm1694]

You don't want the metal sitting on the bottom. It will always be exposed to moisture and rust can bleed through or even weaken the concrete. I have seen it done in two ways; You could, after pouring, reach in and shimmy the metal up a bit so it is enveloped by concrete or before pouring place rock spacers under the metal.

[@riversmart]

Thank you very much for sharing. it was very helpful especially where you mentioned the amount water to use.

[@chefbambu9382]

Very good explaination which is all I was looking for for my small project. Ya done good mon. Salads.

[@sonerozen9511]

Thank you.. Very helpful video..

[@frankc3157]

Maybe a stupid question but why can't you mix the concrete directly in the form? Looking to make some concrete steps soon.

[@AtomicQuotient]

Nice video. Thanks for the tip about measuring water. You really doing everything my hand and not a cement trowel

[@bruteforce6570]

All this time all I had to use was just a gallon of water😣😣instead of spending time mixing this crap😳😳thanks for making this video cause I still go many more pads to go👏👏👏😀😀

[@GK7GARAGE]

Awesome

[@alanmccooker7829]

Thanks for the video and advice. I'm getting ready to pour a patio extension and AC pad.

[@MrBobbybrus]

You did a nice job. I am doing a pad for a whole house generator and this was helpful. I think I will bring the concrete up to the top of the form, and use a flat board to screed from one side and the other to get it roughly leveled. I want it smoother so I think I will try to use a float to smooth it out. Did you vibrate the pour with anything to get any air bubbles out?

[@RBZ06LT6]

Here up north, you cant get away with so little reinforcement. It would quickly crack and fall apart. But nice video anyway. Doing it yourself and being proud of yourself while saving tons of cash is always welcome in my book.

[@penneycoosenberry5657]

Beautiful Job ! So Well Instructed ! This is " One Happy Self- Sufficient Woman " on a Budget. You were Capable of Making Us All Get EXCITED and Getting Our Projects Started ! I've Been Completely Tore Up Able How I Would Make A Walkway from driveway to center of my side yard, To A Flower Garden, I Have Began this year " In Memory of My Sister " ,I had lost in Nov. & wanted it to look Beautiful, but yet Budget friendly. I can see Beautiful wildflowers along the Walkway You Were Able To Provide Video that will Fulfill My Dream, God Bless You & Your ! Thanks Again, Penney C.

[@MildarValsik]

Well im about to doing a larger project. This gives me a few thoughts and ideas i will be doing for a 8 foot by 32 foot slab. Maybe a 12f by 32f. Should free up the garage some.

[@williamtam8222]

looks a little bit to watery did you do a test to see if runs off your trowel or shovel?

[@chrisryan5060]

That was a big help for me. Thanks for posting.

[@msdweldingfabrication7051]

The hand and wood tapping technique was a little bit funny

[@hawkmankt]

I like repurposing the bed frame. Good man.

[@TRAINBUILDER]

Very helpful! I’m pouring for a miniature ride on railroad I’m building on my channel and this helped a lot 😃

[@paulmedina6000]

Thank you for the video I will be doin the kinda the same small project. Very helpful

[@Samcalve]

Thank you learnt a lot.

[@f.l.y.l.a.6025]

Super easy!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@j.d.mcginn6946]

Great tips for DIY guy wants to save money and time. Great job!

[@thehappyneverprayyesoobtie785]

I have some metal bed frames laying around and some bags of rocks. This will be perfect for a small slab in my walk way.

[@parajeeper]

You can use a paint roller to smooth the finish

[@JuJuBee223]

This is perfect. I'm about to try and tackle a small concrete slab to build an outdoor fireplace on. I even have an old bed frame like yours I could use instead of rebar.

[@kbanghart]

Did you do it yet? For a small thing like this, usually don't need rebar, imo. Unless it gets really cold where you live. But you said fireplace, so maybe the fireplace is pretty heavy then that could also be a consideration I guess

[@74stevedc]

The bed frame doesn't do anything to strengthen this slab rebar is a threaded rod grade 40 or 60 and is solid steel. The idea behind the treaded rod is that it bonds and holds concrete together. If slab or wall cracks the treaded rod is holding the two pieces together. Had a Contractor years ago wanting me to put rusty pipes in a slab, said scrap it, it will weaken and compromise the slab.

[@edubb2491]

@@74stevedc so a 7×7 slab..wont need rebar?

[@74stevedc]

@@edubb2491 Something that small, it doesn't need rebar, but steel wire and rebar is better than nothing. I done lots of basements, garages pads for sheds, ac units, hot tubs etc 1/2 or more didn't have rebar. The 7x7 concrete pad will live longer than that wooden shed. Just make sure it's sitting on good subgrade.

[@edubb2491]

@@74stevedc thank you!

[@gardenwaster]

love the special tool good job

[@MISTERCOPABULL]

Not sure if it was asked but how many bags did it take.

[@christianperez9782]

Does someone know how many bags he used? I must have miss it. Thanks

[@karens7620]

Hi why did you put the mtaal bars before putting in the concrete? I think it looks great! Thanks for sharing

[@bubba9482]

All I can say is “WOW”

[@420somewhere4]

Right? Lol for the short bus people.

[@joontoob1428]

Thanks for the video. Gonna give it a go for a space approximately 9X9 feet for patio furniture. I might try mixing with two small garden shovels in the wheelbarrow instead. I imagine it should be easier to mix.

[@dennismoreland5175]

Using a garden hoe to mix the concrete works quite well also.

[@sylviajoiner9196]

Great great video. You did a wonderful job baby. Thanks for sharing.

[@shingj4007]

Does the concrete residue left in the wheel barrel be rinsed off completely? does the rinsed water hurt the lawn? Thanks.

[@brianbaker359]

The mattress rails should have been raised off the stone bedding by 1.5” to 2” so concrete fully encases rails. Rails should be placed parallel to each other and at least 2” away from the edge forms. Shorter rails place crossways and use wire or coat hanger to tie everything together rather than individual pieces.

[@february152]

I think he raised them after to ensure they were encased.

[@sabreenamohr330]

You did great. Thanks. How is it holding up?

[@GK7GARAGE]

It’s been over a year and still great no cracks or any issues

[@sabreenamohr330]

@@GK7GARAGE ... good deal. I am doing this Monday. Fingers crossed. Thank again.

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

How many bags did you use?

[@GK7GARAGE]

7

[@illestofdemall13]

A gallon is exactly 4 quarts just FYI.

[@EduardoGonzalezBoxingAuthority]

Very HELPFUL!!! Thank you.

[@bentrequetoi6602]

Thank you. The concrete look like a cake. It's very cool.

[@jafo1297]

Mixing in the wheelbarrow..was that in slow motion? Big Island Stone Wall.

[@tonysepulveda6751]

Not sure if its been answered yet but would have been great to provide the slab dimensions and how many bags used & how much/where bought them. Other than that, great video. Was about to rent a ready mixer but will save on that and buy the bags and use wheelbarrow I already have.

[@MyFungal]

Why you putting metal underneighth? Cuz your placing and a.c. unit on it?

[@tigercry5177]

Just what I needed to know to repair our driveway.

[@catherineshadduck3444]

How many 80 lb bags of cement mix did you use for this slab, please? How much does a bag cost?!

[@bebekguitar2007]

I love how you just used stuff lying around (rocks, steel) to put as the base! Heck ya man

[@plumbsquareandlevelish4475]

Old guns, swords, helmets - stuff around the house

[@rusticbychoice982]

Awesome, simple, and straight to the point.

[@AnnCaldwellSC]

GREAT IDEA!

[@nzed316]

What size of timber edging did you use?

[@surjerrylee]

Could you lay hollow metal pipes in the concrete for rigidity? I have some extra lying around that will be hard for me to throw away.

[@damianmlamb]

Those or a body.... 😂😂😂Kidding

[@buckyswider1]

@@damianmlamb Yeah, a body would decompose and cause the concrete to eventually crack!

[@rooferonhigh7124]

Thank you!

[@stevenespinoza7735]

will the 1 gallon to bag also work with quikrete mix

[@pat220601]

Hi, may I know how big of your concrete slab and how many bags concrete mix you used? Thank you.

[@GK7GARAGE]

It’s 65 sq ft and it took 7 bags at about 4” deep

[@FaithHopeLove-gu5bs]

GK7 DIY Hi, I want to do Concrete ,my small grage and it is 3005mm square, How many bag i need ???

[@paulaalex9495]

really love this tyvm, but what happens to the frame?

[@angelinawilliamson6841]

Great job