Monolithic Garage Slab 14x24 How to Excavate Form and Finish Concrete

[@dgadver]

The homeowner is lucky to have you working so hard to do a great job!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@wallacehannah5883]

I have been doing full construction 30 years...never had to preload my forms. Install enough stakes and there will be no problems. I am all about perfection from laying out the footings, laying out plastic, pouring concrete, setting up rebar, building walls, running wiring, plumbing, building roofs, installing windows, flashing, tyvek, sealed perfectly, installing siding or brick, etc.....My houses are built like no other, I don't cut corners to save money, I believe in doing everything right. I will never stray from building it right .

[@InquiryTeaching]

Another 14 hour day in the books. Nice job

[@kamac1980]

3x more thought and effort went into this job than 99% of pads poured I’ve seen. Hard to find people so dedicated to doing things well. He did this job like it was his own property.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@mikeembrey9176]

When the day starts off bad the whole day goes bad great recovery have a better weekend 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Fir sure

[@LarrySmith-rr5lk]

Conscientious work with integrity the kind of person you would I have confidence in to get the job done right

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Larry

[@kevingrainger2530]

Dedication to the customer, that's good workmanship. Well done.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@wendelhopkins4684]

Days like that separates the men from the boys and you still did a hell of a job💪

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy I appreciate it

[@iowamatt2519]

That job went just like every job goes, it has issues, we overcome them and get it done. It's why some guys call it Easy Money!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes sir

[@timmymalone5444]

Doing what you do with perfection. Good job Dirt Boss Man.👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Man

[@jasonmckee5030]

Concrete work apprenticeship class! Thanks Boss I really enjoyed watching and learning. 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man

[@henryg683]

Nice to see the truck running you around after the transmission job awesome Mike!!!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Oh yeah

[@frank4532]

Great job Mike even with all the issues. Hate to see bad things happen to good people Thanks for sharing 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Frank stay tuned to next weeks mishaps it just gets better! Haha

[@davidsnyder2000]

God most definitely helped out with your weather issues🙏 You made put in the end. You possibly were due for an unexpected and brutal rain and hail storm that as usual doesn’t show up on radar. You are blessed my friend ❤️🙏

[@davidsnyder2000]

And don’t be afraid to ask Father for help with your jobs, no matter what aspect your working on. It’s free to pray and receive help. I’ve been saved from major problems many of times through prayer. Can already see the negative thumbs down to my comments. These are the ones that hate God and want nothing to do with him or his children. There’s a place made especially for you guys

[@Ropeman302]

You absolutely know your stuff when it comes to concreting I take my hat off to you

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@maxobara1496]

I was waiting for the power trowel to whip you into the trees the way your day was going !! Great video, nice job stepping us through the install 👍🇺🇸

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Lol thanks

[@raylz19]

I love watching you finishing concrete. Great job.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@henryh6727]

We all have days like that but we keep going nice job .

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy You are right

[@keithhill9138]

It's great that you go the second, third, and forth mile!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man

[@6582rg]

Very nice poor Mike. Sorry about the issue. You're very good at what you do.

[@Gooditalian]

Good job, I like the music too,sounded like a old Clint Eastwood western movie . Lol

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man

[@mrandrewdennis1]

Great video hopefully I will be pouring a 48x48 shop floor next spring.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Nice!

[@ProudPapaw88]

Great job Dirt Boss! I hate to see anyone trying to make a honest living have problems. But in my honest opinion, you did a beautiful job. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Bud

[@dylantrinder1571]

Impressive getting that initial level with the skid steer by eye. Nice job.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sometimes you get lucky 😁

[@davidmays5231]

Mike....you are very good at that concrete work. Very good

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dave

[@daverobertson3519]

Some days is like the old he ha song.( If were not bad luck I have none at all.) But you still did a great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

100%

[@taylorteresi5476]

Good job boss man . that is how we do it ..never quit no surrender baby

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Exactly it's not in our blood

[@joeycyr6910]

Laser never lies! Great video!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@fanningconstruction2050]

Hey Mikey I was doing the same thing last week. Excavating and forming so I can have my concrete crew come and finish up. Came out beautiful.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Awesome 💪🏼

[@adkcustomsllc]

Instantly felt for you when seen you ran over your screed . So sorry man. Thank you for video. Looking to do more of my own slabs this year and just confirming and learning. 👍🏽

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

U guys ever use turn buckels to straiten those boards, u said whallers when I think of whallers I think about forming walls the old fassion way w plywood a bunch of holes in it and ties and frog legs and stiff backs

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I don't do enough of them to get into the fancy stuff

[@codynewman2019]

I'll be doing 20x20 pads next week 60 of them just wanting to figure out the formula to properly square them, thank you sir

[@mikeknoll1130]

Way to hang tough..a tough day great job!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@jaytua730]

enjoyed watching and learning.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Man

[@tcb069]

good job bud , i learn something new with every video, thanks

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Awesome thanks

[@mikenixon9164]

Nice job. Good video.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Mike

[@staceymccloud6]

Lol.... he said hes got it scienced down. Im gonna use that.

[@vinnypinatelli221]

Great job brother it looks good sorry bout all the problems but you overcame them my friend !!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@vinnypinatelli221]

@@DIRT-BOSS no problem buddy

[@andrew-pulaski]

Awesome video man. This is helping me alot as I’m going for 24x57 this summer!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Good luck

[@raulmedina6960]

You are an inspiration brother, keep it up!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Man

[@gibsonlandscapeconstructio7984]

The Alaskan slab king Great job dirt boss I’m learning a lot from you👍 Tough luck with the rain Same thing here in Ontario 🇨🇦 Rain has been brutal last half of the season

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy my pleasure

[@georgeenriquez612]

This was a great video Dirt Boss. Super educational and I learned a couple new things, thank you. Nice job on the slab and that sucks on your tool. I hope you can bent it back and fix it.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Bud

[@maraudermitchelli]

We use to do concrete work, I’m sorry about your power screed, great job you’re a good teacher 🙂

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@derrickpettit3489]

Awesome work Mike, hey accidents happen on the site, ya know your scrambling to get done, an stuff happens, I was on a big paver job one time an got in the skid steer to do some grading, well I didn't notice the expensive wet saw on a expensive stand behind the skid steer an backed up almost over it, awesome job on the slab Mike, looks great, look forward to seeing your next video 🇺🇸💪

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You got that right Thanks man

[@jjh713]

no vapour barrier? and the garage door, was it sloped or just edged? didn't see the slope. Awesome prep work on it!

[@bhermon265]

Great video 👍🇦🇺

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@edstevens9357]

Earned your money on that one

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sure did Thanks buddy

[@alittlebitofeverything5090]

Good job DB even with all the setbacks.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Whats up man, I was referred by muddy feet! Anyways can't wait for the video

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Awesome Jeff's good guy!

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

@@DIRT-BOSS yes sir

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

I got a monolithic video u should check how we do things in indiana " the title is "Concrete boom pump jk how to pour a monolithic slab" Grubb Mudd we do things alot the same except forming is a little different, nice to see a regular concrete truck!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sounds good

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Another fine job Mike

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Don

[@dalepremo3695]

That sure wasn't your day - a royal pain. Thankfully, you overcame, improvised and got er done. Plus you filmed it! Excellent job, as always.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dale Yes You don't know how many times I say why am I filming! Hahaha

[@blackdogexcavator21]

Dude! I honestly felt sorry for you on this one. I know what it's like to work your butt off and have everything to work against you. You're a trooper. I would say the quote that "hard times make tough men" certainly applies here.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@theobvious1958]

robots can never replace humans in this job

[@SparkysGarage]

Cut that screed off to be a sidewalk width and buy a new one for the large surface areas? Another good vid Boss!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I was thinking the same thing man ! 💪🏼

[@tonycole613]

Good job dirt Boss your week sounds like mine has been I had an $1800 air gun quit then I had a drum jack it blew a seal search cost me about $2300 if we can update and Buying a new big air gun a new drum jack God bless be safe

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Wow yeah that sucks Thanks buddy

[@donaldloos2049]

Everyone been fighting it these last two weeks , winter can’t come soon enough!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes sir

[@1975ShovelHead1]

Looks good

[@noroomforgloom]

Look’s good. I’m getting ready to install a slab like this on a gradual slope of about two feet myself. I’m concerned during the pour of the wire mesh not being lifted during the pour causing it to lay on the bottom of the concrete and not doing any good. I’m not a concrete guy just watching tube’s and attempting to grade and form my own slab for a 30’ X 40’ metal building. What you say? Thanks for the great video and sorry bout your auto screed. JL

[@DirtBrute]

Great job👍. Came out mint 👌 sorry you had a tough time. Some jobs just go that way I guess 😢

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yeah I hear you man You know how it is Good days bad days they all mixed together and just become days 😆

[@njonebale7889]

D-Boss! was this job by any chance on a monday, that looked like monday shananegins, that stinks about your screed, and i see you work like me…solo, at least your boy came by to help with the pour, that darby cam was pretty sweet! great job i wanted to get my skates, it looks like ice!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yep sure was a Monday!

[@casycasy5199]

nice job,

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@jakebaxa]

Dig It!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yeah Jake

[@noroomforgloom]

Enjoyed thanks

[@jeradclark]

at the end of the day, you ended up with a great product for the customer. But I've been there where everything is breaking, the parts aren't right, and the timing is off on the schedule. It's tough.... wish I was there to go out for a beer with you though. On to the next one!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I hear you there buddy Thanks

[@henryg683]

Mike there’s only one problem that I can see!!!! And that’s you don’t live by me!!!! HaHa 😂 I could really use you to do a job like this for me!!!!! Awesome job as usual!!! See you in the next video!!!! Max was awesome helping you fix the truck that was really great 👍!!!!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy yeah Max was great on the van

[@waterislife.9204]

Fun stuff.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@yenerm114]

We always left some preload in piers or big footings to 👌👌 seems like when it’s something it’s everything 🤦‍♂️

[@DIRT-BOSS]

💯

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Sorry about the rain bro, I know how that is, hate to see any1 have that happen to them

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes it happens

[@edstevens9357]

Back on site

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Heck yeah

[@jimkennedy1467]

That driver knows their stuff

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes she's come a long way she's a great operator

[@Bobsutubes]

" Hope you guys enjoyed it, I know I didn't" lol. Nice work and video...

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sure did

[@TylerNieves-ty7ns]

You can always use wood on the vibra screed in a pinch I have a 16ft 2x6 wrapped in aluminum siding I use and its almost as good as a legit screed blade

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I hear you I got a 12-ft aluminum one for backup in the truck

[@dc-wp8oc]

What a day! An uphill battle all the way. Were you able to repair the screed or did you have to replace parts?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes I repaired it by bending it back had to put a couple nuts and bolts in it

[@michaellajiness4189]

Nice work! He did not want a floor drain?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No drain

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

I think that sometimes Mother Nature abhors concrete work! My neighbor and I were pouring a driveway… one cloud floated in and parked over us. We hand troweled on our knees for a half hour under a tarp. Got it looking decent. The cloud moved on… blue sky and sunshine… 95degrees and 100% humidity. Then, We pulled the tarp off and got ready to broom it… then, the sky started clouding up again. So, we broomed and retarped…. crawled over to a bench and ate lunch. When the rain came it brought the wind… lost the tarp. Had to fix the finish in a few spots afterward. That was also the job where the idiot driver swung the chute over and filled my boot with concrete… the only thing he said was, “Oops!” My colorful vocabulary filled the void. That was one job I wished I hadn’t volunteered for! Boss, every once in a while you get one of those days where you feel like a second string actor in a B movie… with a script written by a sadist… You handled it well!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Oh yeah been there done that too The old tarpy ruski finish

[@cornpop7805]

I started in the trades in the mid 80s and I can do about anything now. The one thing I've done a little, but avoid like the plague, is concrete. The main reason; even the pros have bad days and struggle to produce a good finish product. A novice is going to kill himself on darn near every try.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're not kidding It is a science for sure

[@MrJeffery9076]

can i ask why no vapor barrier Nice work true pro

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Homeowner did not want it cold storage

[@brettcjensen]

What was the reason for the 12” thickness? I am planning a slab on a 2.5’ drop. Can I use this method and just bring in more rock on the low end?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No it is a footer so the slab will float and have more support. It also depends what you're putting on it if it's a shed then it's fine but if you're framing a building on it you want to thickened edge

[@papierskispropertyservices2532]

Good Job Dirt Boss. Does the building department ever make you pitch the slab or put drain in? One city i did work in made me do one or the other so i put a channel drain in middle. Instead of making a framers nightmare on the perimeter.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No not the building department but each architecture engineer designs structures different

[@91rss]

where did the 27 9 1/2 get calculated?

[@northeasterndirtandpropert7974]

I really wish the "finishers"that just done my 30x50 mono pour took the care to do the job like you do.Also,any issues on that kubota?Regen issues?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Kubota's been good knock on wood!

[@elderws1]

Looks awesome! About to do the exact same thing at my house--how much concrete did you order for the entire pour? Thanks

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Cant remember years ago

[@1975ShovelHead1]

Where is the 6 mill polly?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Over ur house

[@dillon2107]

Add a little "Mechanic-in-a-Bottle" to the gas in any small engine and you won't have any carb problems.Ifyour card needs cleaning just put MIB in it and soak 4hrs and its clean. You have too many other things to deal with without that.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

U got lucky u put that calcium in it, wait what happen to the viberstrike

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I straightened it out

[@sonnyblazer5504]

MAN! You gotta drag that Power Trowel up the ramp? That sucks! OK, SO, maybe not Brain Surgery to put in a floor like that BUT & UNTIL the VARIABLES set in like you got hit with. That my BIG GUY buddy separates YOU from others who can spread the concrete. (WOOD soaking up the water! - WHAT?; HEY, it's raining! - now what - wasn't spose to!) A lot of your pay is for WHAT YOU KNOW!!! Good one "DIRT BOSS"!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Sonny ! 😁

[@michaelperry4398]

How much do you charge for a 24 by 24 , just like you did this one

[@nymeuznymo9507]

Phytagoras formula; a2+b2=c2 square root from c2 = sideline

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Sounds about right

[@jonyemm]

pythagorean theorem? Does it have a different name its known as? We both have the same base word it looks like.

[@nymeuznymo9507]

​@@jonyemm english is my 5 languange, whoever finds spelling mistakes can keep them :P

[@jonyemm]

@@nymeuznymo9507I wasn't implying you spelt it wrong. Was wondering if it was known as something other than what i know of it as. Which, I actually looked into. Pythagoreans theorem is also known as Pythagoras theorem/formula. The 2 names can be used interchangeably.

[@jonyemm]

I'm sure i missed it but how thick did you pour that? Looks like only 4".

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes 4 in center 12-in haunch

[@jonyemm]

@@DIRT-BOSS do you use a mix with fiber? And do you have issues with customers complaining about cracking? If they insist they only want 4" i make it clear that I won't be responsible for any cracking. I don't see a problem with parking a small car 4" but since I have no control over what they park on the crete I usually plan/estimate for 6".

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@jonyemm I only put fiber in if it calls for it on the specs All concrete cracks from 4-in to 12-in

[@jonyemm]

@@DIRT-BOSS are you trying to imply you/the customer paid for engineering for a garage slab? But yes, concrete will crack. I wasnt referring to shrinkage cracking though. That is easily controlled by saw cuts/dummy cuts and maybe expansion joints. I was referring to cracks due to a combination of loading and factors outside of the contractors control. 4" to me, because of what's been drilled into my head since day 1, is to thin for vehicle traffic. For anything supporting passenger vehicles 6" is minimum. 4" is good for sidewalks. I've done jobs where they required 6" for sidewalk.(must be some heavy people in the area of the old steel plant in Bethlehem, PA). I'm just wondering if you have had issues going with 4" for surfaces subject to vehicle traffic/loads. Most people just do what the customer wants, but usually they don't have a clue.

[@jonowebster]

Interesting that no retaining wall was needed. Presumably it's been engineered, but still looks like it could dip/shift over time.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Na

[@pjs5191]

So since it took more stone that you estimated originally, how do you deal with that, Does the customer pay for the extra or do you eat it? I only ask because I’m dealing with exactly that situation now on a project and wondering how guys with more years of experience have dealt with that and do deal with it.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

On this one I ate it because it was such a small amount but yes usually if the elevations are drastic definitely change order and charge extra

[@jonyemm]

Stone is relatively cheap. Usually there's enough profit in the job that I've never worried about a bit of stone. I Also look at it as it was likely an error on my end estimating the stone. There's a limit to that way of thinking though.

[@codynewman2019]

How did you come up with your 27 9 1/2?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Not sure what part of the video you're talking about that was years ago

[@jjh713]

24 x1.414 gives you your diagonal on a right angle, which is square.

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

Boy that hurts when you damage the screed like that. Slab looks great and should be a nice garage for the owner. I hope you can get the screed back straight. Worst thing you get is a smaller screed for small slabs.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes I could cut it down but I think I could straighten it cuz it's magnesium it's pretty soft

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

I got a viber strike but I don't like em, I mean the are cool for stuff like this, but not for outside pours "for me" nice angle w the camera on the bullfloat

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yeah there's a pool for every job I agree

[@tbirdage]

Hate you had a shitty day bub. You still THE MAN!! How did you get that 27’9 figure for your right angle squaring up?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It's just a mathematical equation that I don't even remember how to do anymore I just use an app 😁

[@tbirdage]

@@DIRT-BOSS I’ve used the 3,4,5 method since high school but I’d like to learn yours. That’s cool. You da man!

[@ohiofarmer5918]

@@tbirdage Length times itself . Width times itself. Add the results together. Then hit the square root key on your calculator for the diagonal to the corners . Measure both diagonals to confirm. No calculator no problem. Set up both long sides parallel. Set up the third side dimension length where you want the corners to be and set two nails or pins. Now take two tape measures to the approximate center of the other side. Where the two tape measures cross each other is the exact center of the opposite wall. Now measure half that wall length to establish the other two corners. No math needed

[@linatupou2878]

How many hours did this take?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Couple days

[@davidmays5231]

Things happen... but nothing you can do but file it in the experience file🙂

[@DIRT-BOSS]

💯

[@cyumadbrosummit3534]

"I invented preloading concrete forms." 🤣

[@DIRT-BOSS]

😎

[@SteveSmallwood21]

👍🏻

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@danlarkin460]

Preload has been around in the 2000

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yeah from me.. haha