Concrete Base For Patio

Of all the materials available to build patios concrete is the most traditional yet versatile choice.

Concrete base for patio.

Buying concrete in dry premixed bags makes sense for relatively small patio slabs. A flat base course will also allow the slab to slide easily as it shrinks reducing restraint and the risk of cracks as the concrete contracts after placement drying shrinkage. In this video we show you how to pour your basic 16 x 12 concrete slab. Mark the sleeper locations on the patio before you start drilling remember to note the extra sleepers if you re adding stairs or railings to the deck area.

Depending on the condition of your concrete structure you may need to level the surface before setting up your sleeper system. If the patio is too large in area it might not be an easy diy job. Tips for building a concrete patio. The size of the patio determines the amount of concrete required and whether you will need a mixer.

As a rule of thumb concrete slabs supporting lighter weights such as paths patios and shed bases will need to be 75 100mm thick while driveways and garages need to be at least 100mm thick. More important it eliminates the backbreaking drudgery of breaking up concrete digging up soil hauling it all away and hauling in gravel. We go over all the necessary steps for your concrete slab to come out perfect. Let plastic panels take the place of the gravel base.

For a typical 10 x 12 foot patio that means carting away about 2 1 2 tons of soil and hauling in the same amount of gravel. It s smooth clean can be cast and formed into curvilinear or geometric shapes and with the addition of tints can become anything other than the classic light gray. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6 inch deep layer of compacted gravel. A standard paver patio rests on a thick base of compacted gravel.

But there s an easier way. The entire subbase and base system should be at least 4 inches thick thicker if the engineer feels it is needed for proper support. Pre drill holes for your concrete screws. The location is also important.

They are also a good choice for a walkway pool deck or other outdoor space. You can choose stone travertine brick or concrete pavers for your patio. To get an idea of how many bags you would need a 50 square foot slab at 4 inches thick needs about 28 80 pound bags or 38 60 pound bags. This patio cover up will save you the cost of that gravel.

You can buy bagged concrete a local home center or lumberyard and you can rent a concrete mixer at any large rental outlet. Step 1 determine where you want to construct a concrete patio how large it will be and its exact dimensions. Use this guide to learn how to install patio pavers for a beautiful useful addition to your yard.