One Man Concrete Slab Pour (How To Pour A Concrete Slab By Yourself)

#EverythingAboutConcrete #MikeDayConcrete
How to pour a concrete slab by yourself. One man concrete slab pour.
I'm going to show all you beginners and diy'rs how to pour a 16' x 12' concrete slab all by yourself.
This could be for a small garage slab, a shed slab, a patio slab or a small slab for a driveway.
If you set the top of your forms to your finished slab height, that makes screeding the concrete much easier.
Just pour out your concrete and spread & level it like I'm doing, then mag float your edges. (this makes screeding a little easier)
Screed the concrete level with the top of your forms.
Then bull float the concrete smooth.
If you want to learn how to smooth finish or broom finish the concrete like I do, then check out my training in The Concrete Underground below.
LEARN FROM ME - PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP AREA:
www.theconcreteunderground.co...
MY STAMPED CONCRETE COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/...
MY CONCRETE SLAB COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/pl/79570
FOUNDATION CRACK REPAIR COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/...
GARAGE EPOXY FLOOR COATING COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/...
VISIT MY WEBSITE:
www.everything-about-concrete...
USE THE SAME TOOLS I DO:
36" MBW POWER TROWEL:
imp.i284638.net/oeRMmn
ScreeDemon Gas Powered Vibratory Screed:
imp.i284638.net/4ZKEL
Screedemon Battery Powered Vibratory Screed:
imp.i284638.net/LzdBo
14' Screed Board for ScreeDemon:
imp.i284638.net/QOPDZM
MARSHALLTOWN SHOCKWAVE VIBRA-SCREED:
amzn.to/2tZ79ti
TOPCON LASER LEVEL:
amzn.to/2VrJ3zV
DEWALT PENCIL VIBRATOR TOOL:
amzn.to/2Km5Zis
INVERTER GENERATOR LIKE WE USE:
amzn.to/2XfWfwe
BULLFLOAT:
amzn.to/2U1Kx2F
HAND FINISHING KNEE BOARDS:
amzn.to/2TZmTUj
MAG FLOAT & STEEL TROWEL SET:
amzn.to/2IgmDOq
2" MARGIN TROWEL:
amzn.to/2G33KNn
CONCRETE PLACER OR KUMALONG:
amzn.to/2I00gxp
CONCRETE FINISHING BROOM:
amzn.to/2UytU2B
CONCRETE SCREED:
amzn.to/2WZxtwm
CONCRETE EDGER:
amzn.to/2GbGkEp
CONCRETE GROOVER:
amzn.to/2PaL414
BOSCH HAMMER DRILL:
amzn.to/31AHnaN
MY RECOMMENDED TOOLS PAGE:
www.everything-about-concrete...
SUBSCRIBE to my email list and get my FREE video guide on how to get the perfect broom finish on a concrete patio:
forms.aweber.com/form/44/2003...
Follow me on Twitter:
/ creteexpert
Follow me on Instagram:
everything_...
Follow my Facebook Page:
/ everythingaboutconcrete

[@jonsam360]

I just wanted to say that I own my own sealcoat company in Washington state and I get a lot of calls for concrete work as well I've been watching your videos a lot the last few years and I just wanted to let you know that by watching you step by step that I was confident enough too pour a patio slab and it turned out wonderful, so thank you for giving me the confidence to learn another trade!

[@stevehansen6792]

@@carlosespinoza4375 I live in WA. Get a business card with you local business lic and walk around passing it out. In a week you’ll be booked for weeks.

[@michaelprosperity3420]

He should flop down in the middle and do a snow angel. 😇

[@ericab936]

Each one teach one.

[@baseballevan8]

Don’t pour if you don’t know what you are doing. If you fuck the slab up the next guys are going to have to demo that shit and re pour. I’ve done it to many times.

[@erikrobles5727]

@@baseballevan8 stop being a bitch at one point we all have to be taught don’t be afraid of competition make your company/ work just a little better then the last guy and you won’t have anything to worry about

[@chucklaneChuckylane]

I've been a finisher in Reno for 43 years & never saw that little trick with the chute turning it around like you did until now, pretty damn great idea when you don't have room to pull the truck ahead! Just goes to show that you can learn something new even if you are old as dirt! Thanks

[@jovlia55]

I concur.

[@523FILMS]

You’re only still a rookie if you don’t know that trick

[@snoopdogie187]

I have to agree with 523FILMS, I saw this all the time growing up as a kid, living in a city, so I'm surprised someone in the trade didn't know it going into the trade. Still glad you are learning though.

[@Stahodad]

4:17 ..shute...

[@grahmgovernor4037]

Been a finisher for ten years now the chute flip trick was awesome

[@amadojasso3709]

38+ concrete finishing X contractor now retired. I really enjoy watching you lay down that mud. It brings back many great memories of my lifetime working hard to make a living.

[@cristianjguerra2921]

just poured my first slab ever. 6x9 all by myself (put in some good work) and thanks to all your knowledge and teachings . i also bought your course. thanks mike

[@stevena3333]

That’s fantastic! Good job!

[@n531044]

I tried this myself on Friday May 21 2021 it took about an hour and a half. It was about 72-75 and sunny my concrete setup faster than i expected. I have a rougher finish than i wanted but i did it myself.

[@kingssing]

I like to pour it a bit on the wet side it rods and bull floats so much nicer and the bull float closes it up much easier and leave a lot nicer job

[@jasonjohnson6216]

I poured 10 yards a day to make a 40x195 slab. It was for a mini storage building. Every day I completed about 18'-19' X 40'. I was finished after 11 days of pouring. I did it myself. I bought a 24' 4" square tube of aluminum, added 2 2x6 connected to it with 30" bars to act as a counter weight. I put 2 winches on each side of the aluminum tube. I poured a 6 slump with fiber. It was a good system and saved a lot of money. I thought it was kind of fun. The finish wasn't as good as yours but no customer has complained so far. I love your videos. Thanks for all your information

[@dd-ow6pe]

did you form the Rain lip like 1 1/2 inch also? .. or just flat slab?

[@jacobbonilla1247]

Dude.... that chute switch. Mind blown. Genius.

[@ancientpersianempire]

can't beat it when he just films himself, so peaceful. i could watch this all day. like watching nature in alaska

[@Space.Ghost.]

As if Mike was a majestic grizzly bear and the concrete was salmon type of Alaskan nature?

[@JoseOrtiz-zx8sf]

I'm guessing that you have never been to Alaska :).

[@lencho2436]

I can do this as well. But my jaw dropped when you flipped the shute. Give this man a round of applause.

[@rozgon412]

I'll be doing that too. I had to rewind it. Very smart.

[@TravisTheDriver]

We did that when I drove mixer to poured caissons. That way we got everything to go strait down the hole.

[@stephenbraden6239]

That just made it easier on the driver in this case. He didn't have to pull up and jump in and out of the truck unless the driver didn't have room to pull up.

[@kellyinfanger9192]

That's the lesson I learned. I may never be in a position to need that trick - but it's always nice have one more technique.

[@robertoruiz6143]

My Dad was Union finisher, me and my 5 brothers were his crew on weekends. I appreciate what you do by showing this knowledge on these videos. This type of makes a person appreciate good labor. My Dad used to say the Sun don't wait for nobody! Take care...

[@markt6960]

Been doing it for 35 years short hand and by myself, you gotta do what you gotta do, Getter Done 😎😂

[@CharleswoodSpudzyofficial]

Finally a video true to the title. I must add watching you work was great. I noticed how efficient you and and you seem to jmdo get more done even though you moved very slowly. This is what experience looks like folks

[@TheHalusis]

I can boast to have done a 10x10 alone in 100 degree temp BUT had to wheel barrel 20 loads 160ft round trip with heart palps. respect to all you hard workers

[@alllivesmatter627]

Nice to see somebody doing it and not watering the concrete down to a soupy mess. The more water you add to it the less strength it has so this should be a good strong pad with the less likelihood of cracking

[@jamienangle9669]

Great Video Mike. I love watching your videos over here in Ireland and picking up your little hints and tricks. Very much appreciated it. Keep up the great work guys 👍

[@geraldbresett6292]

I am impressed with Mike. Has everything is order for the pour. Nice work !

[@DylanDyck]

This is exactly what I am planning on doing in a few weeks thanks!

[@robbyreeves3666]

I've been on jobs before where two or three guys couldn't have did that job. That young man knows what he's doing

[@mcj928]

About a 4-4.5" slump and a good mix in sweater weather, perfect! One thing i love here in Indiana, no matter where u go we have forward discharge trucks, no need for handling the chute. A seasoned driver lays it down solid enough where you dont even have to come along, just screed it down and get on a float

[@jim2mckenna220]

Flip the chute.... Brillant!!

[@rigoleyva3889]

Never thought of that! SKILLS

[@jim2mckenna220]

@Ezaarkash We all come to knowledge at different times. That's why we're all here.

[@siilkyjohnson5779]

200 iq move. Never seen or thought to do that

[@erniewhite1365]

That's a mud man trick you learn from the weathered and ragged men of this trade. But still as hard as the concrete we pour.

[@jim2mckenna220]

@@erniewhite1365 that’s why we’re here. You guy are made of stiff stuff!!! 😂

[@MJADoingStuff]

The pro's make it look easy! You can always tell if a finisher is not confident in their ability. Mike is a pro nice and calm.

[@karldegroot3131]

A lot of work...the hardest kind of work...the dirtiest. He was tired and then...someone had to finish it. Maybe the monster twins. Theses guys are great. Love watch'in all of you from up here in Canada while you create art in - i think -Maine? I've learned so much from all of you. Thank-you.

[@davidjaggli6511]

I'm a Pumper, I pump in and finish 10 yard driveways by myself with no standby, this pour is easy Tea Partys , PS, he's good and don't forget one guy gets all the pay at the end of the day

[@philipgardiner2003]

I worked with a guy in Fairfield County CT back in the mid '90s who was a master craftsman and concrete worker- no forms, just floors. After a job, he said go home and get a good night's sleep, we have big job tomorrow...little did I know. At the end of the next day, the two of us poured and finished the entire basement of a 12k ft home in Greenwich- 40 yards. Never worked that hard since.

[@dazzadazza5255]

Mike you are the main man good effort to do it all alone not to many could pull it off to the standard that you did.

[@divineknowledge4607]

One man can do anything with determination. I built a 2 car garage by myself 20 years ago. The only help I had was the delivery of the materials. But help would be best because doing the work of 3 is putting the physical stress of 6 on your body and you will suffer down the road.

[@agustinflores5511]

I’m retired! i did this all the time you just have to know how and not to panic.

[@rickmcphee4206]

And don't forget, work your ass off.

[@SugeRealest]

?

[@SugeRealest]

I'm going to attempt this at some point, would you say the formwork has to be really strong with metal stakes all around

[@ShermanT.Potter]

@@SugeRealest I've only poured a few slabs so I'm still a greenhorn, but yes, your forms have to be strong. The last thing you want if you're by yourself is your forms giving and you have to brace them better as the concrete is setting.

[@mooseknuckle07]

@@SugeRealest yes definitely, you don’t want your form to bend or split in half because of the pressure. Also make sure that your rebars inside the slab don’t make contact with your form. Cut them an inch shorter or so…… and finally spray some oil on the inside of the form so when the slab is dry the form comes off easily. Good luck

[@drofxodigebricam1123]

this man seems very patient and meticulous in doing his work.

[@robertlibby3557]

Nice little job by your self I have a big one today to pour by my self one and a half yards in biddeford just right by my self but the best thing is it just a bull float finish nice job mike

[@davidhinson5010]

I think big Mike made the driver say Dang! He’s good. Keep smiling from NC!

[@anthonydias8403]

I’ve done a few almost this size in backyards . Pushing a wheelbarrow and finishing. Tough as shit. Mike your awesome to watch relaxing on a Sunday afternoon.

[@user-ff1hn7ve9e]

I can't believe how the concrete truck hung around for so long. 🤣

[@drrydog]

righhtt? like damn

[@sarunasliutkevicius5261]

I'm looking for people like you. All the best 👍

[@spencernoggle1748]

I almost attempted this by myself once, 14’x40’. Never done it before so needless to say I’m glad I called it off and built a deck instead.

[@Survivor-ng4te]

That’s talent! Great work!

[@barryrohrmeier2399]

Just another day at the office. Great Job !!!!!!

[@chozen1956]

Fabulous control. Great work.

[@codeconcrete364]

Looking good, well done!

[@ktrump5882]

I'll be buying your Course Mike for sure. Thanks. 🇺🇸🤙🏽

[@1Velez]

Hopefully people like him will earn good money what they deserve. Great job

[@tebame]

i used to pour along all the time. There were a few times i even brought the mixer. I could go on with stories. I have to say I loved pouring concrete, but now i'm 58, I have advanced arthritis, Need new knees, and bone spurs on my spine. No more finishing, but when a mixer shows up, i can still rake and bullfloat with the best of them.

[@cecilhunter8820]

Looking good as always. I used to be able to pour like that in my 20s and early to mid 30s. Now I developed CHF, I can't even make it to the end of my driveway. I wish I could be out there still. Keep doing what you are doing brother.

[@kenparr9666]

Same here brother just found out I have CHF also done concrete work for 30 + years

[@jamesgate4906]

Hard honest work never hurt anyone

[@concreteninja]

Awesome work Mike

[@keithgeorge2541]

Question: How many guys does it take to pour a 16’x12’ slab? Answer: One, and 111,000 subscribers to watch! Thanks, Mike!

[@juanandrade6695]

2

[@shyennebryant2159]

2 . One to pour and one to lay. But could have did both easily by himself

[@stevetriantafillos6401]

The man is good at what he does he looks like a hard worker not talking anything away from him,this little slab is a breeze, I poured three times bigger many times and more, and I'm talking in the heat in the tropical north in Australia .not trying to big note myself but this little slab is to easily done

[@gjunior2471]

Reminds me of my dad.He loves to work alone.Not sure if it was the money to feed his seven kids or just being alone and zoned in on the work.He's gonna be eighty this year.He would build three hundred foot walls all by him self.Would take a little over a week.Dig,tie.pour,lay,grout and cap.I on the other hand don't like to work alone.I'm impressed.

[@mellamodiego8458]

most people who like to work alone are often forced to....other people are unreliable you cant count on them.....plus you control the quality of work and arent dependent on other people

[@gregoryeastwood9068]

I’m almost positive I it was to save the money......I did concrete and carpentry for decades. Trust me, it is back breaking and heart thumping work.

[@JRUNd]

You have an amazing father who can spend amount of time building and have the ability to complete the task by himself. He must be gifted of strong minded man to believe he is capable of doing things alone. Sometimes being alone, you can focus more on the job than being with a bunch nonsense people. Plus the quality of work will definitely reflect the way you think.

[@samuelmason8370]

The fuck did he live? China?

[@salustianosuay8381]

@@mellamodiego8458 it is depends how big the work for small ok.but like pre mix conc.the truck mixer will stay for longer hours for the small qty.which is not good anymore.the owner will get annoyed otherwise you have to pay extra amount....

[@stevewilliams6354]

He works smart didn’t even break a sweat Nice job

[@zarachyah9965]

Thank you Mike Day!

[@loganconnally4361]

Like that chute flip technique, definitely trying that out when I get the chance

[@ajsmith4717]

One man can do anything

[@stevenhart9004]

That was so relaxing to watch. Concrete therapy!

[@williamwarren5269]

He has it down to a science, I really doubt anyone in the comments could do it with such peace. He never struggled once. Walking in concrete can get tiring.

[@tnolan3176]

I did alot of pouring by myself on saturdays when the help would fail to show up !! It was hard but live and learn !!!

[@smackflack5771]

U were the help u bum

[@juliomartinez8729]

Good job buddy,is amazing how you doing by yourself 💯💯💯👍👍

[@michaelfascia2985]

a true master at work

[@brookesedgedesigns9441]

I did a 12’x 16’ slab with 60# bags and a HF mixer by myself. A man does what he needs to do to get the job done.

[@maddierosemusic]

150 bags or so? Man, lotta work!

[@mikegomez5796]

This guy got down with it. My respects

[@reggiesmith5909]

Very inspiring for me. I plan on doing this for my retirement home

[@Div303]

This man is a beast lots of knowledge! I’m so happy that I found this channel .

[@fikihere]

do you even know how to spell concrete

[@Div303]

@@fikihere what is your problem ???

[@GB-tz4jc]

I am a 30 + year finisher and I can totally relate. I’ve been using a12’ and a 16’ rod board alone for years. It is a preferred way of rodding after a few years of labors not being dependable. The backwards chute was my trick 25 years ago but alway seems to impress. Good job 👍

[@davidjaggli6511]

I totally get what you're saying bro

[@davidjaggli6511]

Best of all at the end of the day one guy gets all the pay

[@philzolth4710]

I did this by myself today too it was hard work and i only had a piece of timber and an aluminium trowel so it isn’t perfectly smooth but not bad considering its the first time I’ve ever done it and did it all by myself now I’ve got a sore back

[@nonyabuisness]

My max by myself was 11 yards of stamp with 2 steps and 16inch Boarders with color hardner on the Boarders. Back in 09 during the ression.

[@bongdallion3435]

Props for not pouring it super wet, I would be tempted to if doing it alone

[@speezguy]

Amazing 👏!

[@fireflame6577]

first i see some one using concrete blocks :) good job (y)

[@Jonsboro58]

You make it look easy Mike!

[@smackflack5771]

It is easy

[@josephanthony1655]

This is awesome. I want my own 16 × 12.

[@nickdottavio7374]

Hello Mike,just watched your u tube video on tv.You are a hard working guy that really knows his business.Your concrete stamp job was beautiful.You make it look easy.My first job at 15 was a masons helper.I know from experience that concrete work is not easy.My best to you and your crew.

[@JustAnAcre]

Excellent. Fun to watch.

[@dannyshannon9103]

Mike Day. Badass concrete dude!!

[@Jakeaac]

😮good job brother keep doing it

[@beastlybombers]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@ToolsWithAdrius]

There's something so satisfying about watching that mag float pretty up the entire slab toward the end. Unreal.

[@petechabot8948]

Nice to watch an expert in action

[@newalpersaud8147]

I am impressed !

[@ericojeda4458]

It’s all in how you lay down your concrete good job bud

[@Elev8minh]

THIS IS WHAT LEGENDS ARE MADE OF 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@SergioMartinez-sv8ki]

No surrender no retreat, Mike.....👍

[@andredsouza2320]

Good job Mike

[@jesscantrell4573]

Great job bud!

[@hughbunyea9906]

Nice to see a skilled person doing it rather than low wagers. Remember you get what you pay for.

[@philleach6271]

Hey Mike . Great to see a correctly placed reo mat

[@mrjimmbo]

How can you tell?

[@truthsyrup5764]

@@mrjimmbo reo mat?

[@power1961able]

Good work mike , god bless .

[@keithybrinson7804]

Awesome 👍🏾

[@davesmith2150]

Did a 22'X22' back when I was 30 I poured it later in the day and finished it at night just barely finishing before it went off.

[@morriswahba173]

Thanks mike you great teacher

[@Wilbarrow]

I have to say - Fantastic job Sir. This guy made it look easy. It's not. Driver was patient. Awesome.

[@maddierosemusic]

You are paying for the driver to be on site - 1/2 hour or one hour. No rush, he's getting paid either way.

[@richardmiller4021]

I have done it many times various sizes of slabs by myself I have even drove the truck and also poured them with no help now I am 52 lots of nagging injuries but I still like to work by myself if I can

[@2ndrunraidshadowlegends631]

I do this on a daily. And I must say looks good but you should ideally tamp before screening to release air pockets and fetch the fat up for a better finish

[@robertmarino2158]

Time delivery from truck , do you pay extra for going over ?wow ! What talent , you make it look so easy ! Bob

[@lovettataillor5650]

Is it weird that this turns me on a bit? Ha I did CM for 8 years. Wish I've hired you on my crew. Keep up the good work!

[@nieldcreek2098]

Been there, done that. No where near as easy as it looks. Hard on the old back. Will have to say though, that any driver worth his pay would have jumped on the other side of that screed.

[@stuartandrews4344]

Done it many times over the 40 years, fitted a pair of long handles to my tamping bar,so easy on the old back.

[@nieldcreek2098]

@Charles Bovard oh, I didn’t catch that in the video. But, I guess in all fairness as well, if he wanted to film a solo pour than yeah I guess he would decline the help. The point a made still stands; a decent guy would offer to help, especially when you can see a one or two guy crew busting their butts to get it down. I poured a lot of concrete in the past with one or two guys and about 1/3 of the drivers would offer a hand. Not that it was always needed or expected, but offering to help is just what a decent person does.

[@joshuagibbs2415]

Definitely a one man pour, I'd send my laborer to do it himself and he knows to vibrate concrete as well:) maybe get some proper screeds not just a heavy strate edge if you have back problems, make a hard job easy not a hard job harrder

[@ktrump5882]

@@joshuagibbs2415 Yeah I was wondering why he didn't have a vibrator to go over it before he began screeding it. I always thought that you had to do that to get out the air gaps. I'm not a concrete guy though.

[@stevehansen6792]

I agree, when I worked alone I would request a driver I knew and trusted to pour the mud, and I always tipped the driver.

[@markb.1259]

WoW... is that a parking pad for an Abrams Tank? haha Looked like a really thick pour. Great video Mike... Thanks!!!

[@humblebeginning7394]

Love the thickness, will last 200 years+

[@tpep1693]

I'll tell you how to, a lot of hard work and determination.

[@JAYSVENTURES]

Wtf. Never seen one guy doing concrete by himself. Then again you got them bigg balls hanging under you spreading mudd behind you. Huge props!

[@konotreal7126]

I find that it easier and better to not to step in the cement once it poured, otherwise foot step will create air bubble and it might crack latter.

[@sbguastella2771]

What a great job mike your the real deal ! I admire your work. Just wondering ? What are you parking on that slab trap rock 1/2 rods 6ich of Concrete. Thank you for sharing your a true Professional.

[@danielramsey1959]

Well....I am a mixer driver in rural Alaska, I just take my mixer out to my house by myself! But I usually go 6 sack, fibermesh and maybe some glenium before I pour, self settles.