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

#EverythingAboutConcrete #TheConcreteUnderground
This video will show you how to form, pour, and finish a concrete slab for 2021. If you're thinking of doing a diy concrete slab, I'll show you how we set the forms properly, how to pour and screed the concrete, how to bull float concrete, and how to mag float and broom finish the concrete.
All you need to know to install a do it yourself concrete slab.
Then if you need more information or more training to install a concrete slab, you can join my private training membership below.
Inside The Concrete Underground I will have some of my very best concrete training videos to teach you how to work with concrete very much like I do.
I also have a concrete slab course below that teaches you all the steps you need to know to install a diy concrete slab by yourself.
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[@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.

[@ogbean3202]

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

[@highlandermachineworks5795]

Fiber mesh is not good if you're a mechanic. It always seems to get into your arms when you crawl under a vehicle. And sucks after a couple times a day.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

We use micro-fiber, you can't even tell it's in there. The old fibers stick out of the concrete, the micro one's don't

[@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 .

[@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

[@Jake.Gentry]

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

[@MinecraftMgalekgolo]

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.

[@kimmckinney4098]

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

[@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?

[@iowamatt2519]

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

[@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

[@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)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!!

[@skunkedagain]

Another great video. To the point and nicely detailed

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Much appreciated!

[@bdfarmer1959]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@D0ggerel]

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

[@eduardvaniersel7535]

Do you use a fast setting concrete or regular concrete?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@davidhinson5010]

Great job guys. From NC keep it up!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks! Will do!

[@kajekage9410]

why cut the joints instead of putting them in wet?

[@jmcgin47]

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

[@Che-lo1]

No I didn’t

[@darrengillesdarrengilles8336]

Where is the vapor barrier? Also shouldn't you make the perimeter of your slabs tapered ( thicker ) when you don't have a footing.

[@carloloturco1659]

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

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@agomodern]

Why not just show the last steps?

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@skyhighkite3123]

Can 1 guy do a 22x23’ slab?

[@tilliling]

very vintage

[@Car-s7c]

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

[@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.

[@brandonbroussard2605]

We all have lasers too 😑

[@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

[@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…

[@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.

[@verticle2612]

I’m guessing all of you have terrible backs. Nice work!

[@Ty1on3twelve]

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

[@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

[@alexstrings]

A lot of lumbar damage.

[@deciple33]

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

[@williamhills6039]

Why are you edging again after you broomed it. Looks like a rookie did it when you do that. Everything was uniform till you did that

[@hannes9878]

Perfekt guys👍

[@marionunez9516]

Is not petfect! Lokk at my coment.

[@Brandon-no3vc]

You really make ppl pay to teach them?? How many ppl buy into this??????

[@etepone]

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

[@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 😅🥵

[@haroldconover5221]

No footings ??

[@coltoncyoung]

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

[@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?

[@moderngunguy3666]

I don't know a lot about pouring cement but I can guarantee you that slab is already cracked LOL

[@canadacitypreppers]

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

[@jamescole3152]

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

[@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.

[@hippo-potamus]

No footings?

[@frankwhite9097]

Rebah

[@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

[@hagler5475]

How much would a job like this cost normally?

[@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

[@newenglandyankeeliving5052]

Rebah…. Finally someone who talks like me

[@sudd2685]

Great job young man, thank you for your videos

[@julesrockz2960]

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

[@juniormorris3878]

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

[@FarmerBenny]

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

[@victorm7274]

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

[@richardmacdougall6330]

Excellent work again mate . 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@volleydave2012]

Construction screws are the way to go now

[@DeuceGenius]

when should rebar be used instead of wire mesh

[@jimnicholson6902]

I guess duplex nails for forming is an afterthought these days.

[@patv1271]

Why do you need to shoot the middle heights???? If you set the corners and ran a string you would have the EXACT height everywhere. You have great videos and usually do everything perfect, but seeing you do that is baffling. 😕 Also, why put pitch like that on a slab that will be built on and enclosed?? Makes no sense.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

A laser is much more accurate than a string. You have to do it every day to know.

[@patv1271]

@@MikeDayConcrete Everyday for 26 years. Foreman at one of the biggest contractors in the midwest. . If you are trying to be that precise in 20 feet you must get waaaay better lumber in Maine than we get here. One slightly crowned board shoots your whole theory right in the ass. And I do have enough experience to recognize wasted time when I see it. And shooting the middle of a 20 foot board with a laser is a waste of time. Agree to disagree

[@charlescampanella1205]

We use steel forms no bends or bows and a lot less pins

[@adow7382]

Why are you watching a video on pouring a slab if you're already an expert?

[@patv1271]

@@adow7382 why do I owe you an explanation for anything???

[@dwaynemartin8305]

Looks like a great DIY project Mike . Lol

[@I_am_Fake_Fake]

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

[@j81851]

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

[@stevensgordan5998]

Rod using 2 hands always...

[@shawntheo1603]

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

[@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!

[@farmerjoebrown2189]

Amazing all the info here! Wow!

[@crazyhandshands9028]

Excellent form skills you are the Ninja of concrete.

[@dementus420]

Are those guys twins?

[@sikskillz2186]

come out great, awesome job.

[@nathanielcohn8055]

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

[@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.

[@mihaipopa9414]

Very nice, great work. Thanks.

[@jdmtake1]

Are you in California?