How to Pour a Concrete Slab for Beginners DIY

[@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

[@alizcool1]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes because we poured the front as well

[@goodvibes04281]

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

[@desimanable]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

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

[@R7Romeo]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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."

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@duluthguy8227]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW GL

[@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

[@Mick_4591]

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

[@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.

[@Hunt27]

Thanks!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you HUnt

[@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.

[@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.

[@DanielReyes-gx4gp]

Hey Mr. David. its Daniel one of your helpers when you were starting... I saw you one day in Resource Bldg materials from Stanton. I like seeing you videos and most because I learn from them. now I am a general contractor B . thanks for the videos.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I remember you. Do you still hang with Hector

[@DanielReyes-gx4gp]

Odell Complete Concrete No David, I have lost contact with him and Juan.

[@kurtblackwell6214]

Should state this only applies in warm weather climates. Here in Wisconsin that slab would crack after the first or second winter. Gotta have stone underneath to drain off the water or the freeze cycle will lift that slab right around the old patio. Rebar will keep the pieces together, but it will crack without aggregate underneath. 10 years concrete laborer here in the great white north. :)

[@Checo.88]

Yea the “DIY” should definitely be taken out of the title 😑

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@heaven-is-real]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete "getting it on old school style"

[@theATkid]

ChecoKicks what you don’t have your own construction crew?

[@9jawarrior130]

matt f lmaoooo

[@brucemarmy8500]

Now friends we gotta buck up a bit and give ourselves a chance to shine. This video watched a few times will give you the idea. You'll pick up on much as you go along.

[@drainmonkeys385]

Wow. That’s the fastest concrete pour I’ve ever seen,,under 5 minutes. Woohoo dayum

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@mariamercedesa.863]

This is exactly what I need!! Thanks from Montreal

[@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

[@havocmaverick]

Pawn shops are a very good resource for tools. Also, the habitat for humanity restore is great also.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@lancer525]

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

[@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...

[@joserloera9257]

Mr Odell you are a very hard working person.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@nomore3297]

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

[@karlamberge3316]

Hi

[@JPSBananna]

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

[@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

[@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

[@THISISRISE]

HOW MUCH DID EVERYTHING COST?

[@edfox8389]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@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 !

[@Twoholesofman]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@robertwilliams3887]

DIY begginer project for who?????????????????? This is quality professional work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@hjhhhhjjj2471]

I did this and it looks good

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad to hear it

[@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.

[@mikemike7397]

Dude...easy, very thorough, and great visuals. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@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

[@mikegomez5796]

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

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

Intelligent, skilled, informative, and humble.

[@tdubbs6721]

reinforcing steel will generally not prevent cracking,but it will hold things together after it cracks.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That's true

[@TofuCoCo]

He add fiber in the cement to help prevent crack, strengthening the cement correct?

[@Strange-Viking]

dont know its no guarantee to prevent cracking. Fibers help but With rebar in it the chance of cracking increases. One still puts it in though so when it does crack the pieces stay level and together. Besides its very easy to repair concrete. You can add in plasticers to prevent cracking too. Which also waterproofs it thus resulting in less cracking due to moisture build up. That also prevents rebar from coroding

[@woodybear8298]

All concrete cracks, that's why you need to score it. That's where it will crack, not all the way across your beautiful pour.

[@lalajohnson7194]

Ah, I gotta break y'all hearts here. I have a concrete patio slab in my backyard that was poured in 1970. It still doesn't have any cracks! My neighbor helped pour it in then. He's told me I hope and pray you don't ever have to cut into this concrete because there's a lot of rebar in it.

[@sodaPapa7176]

Idk why but wet concrete is oddly satisfying

[@raulzamora4523]

Cool. Im back on radar. Was busy. Texturing and painting ,back splash and fixing others hiccups. Im here to learn from the maestros. Getting ready for a 30 by 16 patio this summer 2019. Thanks Odells.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@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.

[@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

[@ToadStool942]

Well done, sir. You did an excellent job of putting the cookies on the lower shelf for us newbees to get at. Thank you.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saulg9951]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@josephlaroya4784]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete what is oss?

[@adamsmith2553]

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

[@TOOFERMAC53]

Well I see two guys doing hard work

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Bingo

[@RealLifeFinance]

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

[@ianturner4541]

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

[@David-yh5po]

Thanks for sharing this video with us.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@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!

[@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

[@bj74361]

I like the commentary. nice and chill the whole way through. he did good

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@royhkusp1]

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

[@10InThePit]

How much should I be looking to pay for this exact slab?

[@javierconsuelos5169]

Jack Sim 1.5k labor and material?

[@maryhavens3314]

Nice video. Your style is very comfortable and you make easy to understand.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@MrTsuperfilms]

The ASMR is a 7 out of 10

[@funnyschtuff]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robinkemp1261]

Great demonstration and old school professionalism. Thanks mate !

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@jlovering6347]

“Get it on old school” awesome😂

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@jlovering6347]

😂😈😂

[@Brian-mc4pd]

Can you pour concrete right up against the house or do you need to prep the house in any way? I know you can’t pour it against siding and need to have space between bottom of siding, but what about the concrete pad the house may sit on? Should you tie it in or just pour up to it? And what about pouring at least part way, if not all the way, under a mobile home?

[@michaelardito6375]

I work for superior concrete in California and that is a helpful video and introduction for laying concrete

[@davidnavidadlagunas3433]

Como siempre un excelente trabajo amigo.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Gracias

[@Emerald_King8]

you have to go back, Pablo

[@jackiem.dearroyo8739]

What State are you at?

[@LawlersGarage]

This guy sounds like hes absolutely hammered after editing this video. Decided, hey I should do a voice over after I kill this 12 pack. Regardless, thanks man. Cheers.

[@DuyenLe-gn1fi]

Thank you brother for making the video. 🙏

[@jason-ge5nr]

Don't get me wrong... im a big fan of overlays, but my condolences to the one who has to tear that patio out in 60 years.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY and they have mine too

[@BigBuckGetter]

i won't be alive.

[@amilliontubes123]

Lol...2 thumbs up for 60 yrs 😝

[@PeabodysParadise]

It's okay it'll be a robot.

[@mr.techaky7655]

Eh, long bit masonry drill + 16 quarter sticks of dynamite = no problem. Or you could use a jackhammer.... It's really not that bad.

[@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!

[@sonjatrl6785]

Just wanna say start to finish very good editing you rock

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@MaySpitfire]

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

[@barroenmanosdeelalfarero1677]

Hailey Mew where

[@maizeni7817]

Glad I watched this first. I was ready to just throw concrete all over the place and see what happens...It seemed like the cheapest alternative, but realize now it won't work... 😁

[@ironocy496]

LOL yeaaah at minimum you'll need a concrete rake (which can be made from spare lumber from the forms if necessary), a bull float, a broom (also called a mop because it's primarily used to help disperse the water that rises up and add a texture), a hand trowel, hand float, edger, and groover.

[@arcburn3364]

You have a great voice and grammar for commentary.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@vedarenea]

"I like the way you talk." "I like the way you talk, too!" - Slingblade

[@kieranmp4143]

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

[@MrBombSquad5]

The commentary on this is gold

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@annic7995]

Thank you, helped alot! 😊

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No problem!

[@احمداحمد-و3ب6ظ]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete قاهط

[@NightmareTrigger]

How much would a job like that cost?

[@garymarquett7989]

Not much if u do it yourself

[@powersurge91]

David Odell is the Hank Hill of the concrete industry.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@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

[@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?

[@winspire4846]

Thanks. Very clear step by step and far prefer these time lapse videos.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@garinraquel]

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

[@bjr2940]

Where do I find people who work that fast?

[@jcortes3930]

BJ R Mexico

[@cquiroz420]

outside of home depot

[@jeffhenderson2357]

I just watched this video- been subscribed awhile now- FINALLY figured out what OSS means! Lol And we say it at work all the time

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Old School Style

[@jeffhenderson2357]

Yep yep

[@titosconcrete7798]

Great video mr. Odell .I am a concrete contractor in Austin Texas and we use some of the same techniques. What part of the world do you pour your concrete? Keep up the great work

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Southern california and TY!

[@atxdimesac]

TITOS CONCRETE hey do you really do work in Austin?

[@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

[@rowangratz]

I just did that hand mixing concrete, I poured about 13 wheelbarrows and rodded it off in about 3 hours . Next time I’ll get a truck. Was fun tho and came out great. Thanks

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Right on 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!

[@miqiee]

You pour concrete right over dirt? Aren't you supposed to lay down some rock or gravel first?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No not in Southern CA where the weather is perfect year round.

[@MrLinkiscute]

or plastic sheet

[@williampowers4725]

Haha u are suppose to have a sub base of crushed rock under the slab so water can run under it if not ur shit will crack

[@OnceUponAnotherTime]

I believe you are incorrect, Mr. Powers. Our local Ready Mix owner told me that's a myth perpetuated by monkey-seers, monkey doers. Some ground conditions outperform aggregate as a sub. And in such cases, rock fill might only be added to low places just to bring it to grade to save on concrete. Depends on the soil conditions and prep.

[@JNoMooreNumbers]

Had sand poured over clay before driveway was poured and hubby insisted on rebar. Gets cold here,and didn't crack.

[@Sleepy56chevy]

Great Video Mr. Odell....

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@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

[@yachtwork]

Great explanation. Pouring soon. Thanks.

[@randyr6610]

Good video bring back memories me and my dad did lots of patios back in the days. Now works outside back in the days I have skin cancer starting up on my arms and face you guess put on the sunscreen trust me.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

true I where sun block and my hat everyday, when there's no clouds

[@FrekLZ1]

i like how the dude in blue just watches and texts half the time everyone is breaking their back lol

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That's how he gets it on.

[@mattlewis9725]

Lol you know that the boss man right? He can pull up a chair and text if he wanted to lmao.. I been on too many jobs and thats Mr. Odell without a doubt or a foreman of his.

[@dqverify6797]

I enjoyed watching him smooth the concrete extra-fast when the video sped up. It was like a little old-timey dance.

[@frank5799]

I didnt see a phone

[@peterjones9884]

breaking their backs.????? i could mix that concrete on my own and lay it,ffs.