- 1). Stake out the proposed patio. Place stakes at the corners of the project and tie a carpenter's string between the stakes.
- 2). Excavate the area for the proposed concrete patio slab. Also remove the dirt from about 3 to 6 inches beyond the patio area in all directions. Dig deep enough to remove all grass, roots and organic matter.
- 3). Fill in the staked out areawith gravel to about 3 to 4 inches below the intended top level of the concrete patio slab. Level the gravel and use a vibrating plate compactor to pack the gravel in place. Rent a compactor at an equipment rental store.
- 4). Build the forms. Use 2-by-4-inch lumber to form a frame for the perimeter of the concrete slab. Drive stakes along the outside of the form. Use a carpenter's level to adjust the position of the forms at the intended top level of the slab. Nail the forms to the stakes at that level.
- 5). Pour the cement into the form. Wet the gravel subgrade with a garden hose to prevent the concrete from setting too quickly. Ready-mixed concrete is commonly poured in quickly from the truck and is rough-leveled with a shovel. Use a screed, a straight board pulled across the cement while resting on the top of the forms, to level the concrete.
- 6). Trowel the concrete to the desired finish after the it has been leveled with the screed. Add a decorative touch to the concrete with a broom finish or stamped finish. Either will improve the look of the patio.
- 7). Allow the slab to dry overnight. Apply a water seal to the concrete after it has cured.
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