Decide where you want the pad and its shape. Mark the area with string between stakes or use marking paint. Inside the pad, dig out loose soil evenly, several inches deep to remove organic matter. For a 4" pad, use 2x4 or bender board (for curves)to make a frame to pour in. Align the inside of the frame with your proposed pad area. Secure the frame to stakes screwing through the stakes on the outside into the frame. This leaves a smoothe inside edge. Use about 3" of drain gravel inside the pad area and compact well. Be sure your forms are 3-1/2 to 4" above the gravel and level. You will use the forms to scree the concrete to level, so cut any stakes extending above the forms. Put down a mesh of reinforcing wire and pour 4 inches of concrete on top. Its easiest to order the concrete delivered. You will need a float, finish and edging tools standing by to work the concrete smooth and finish edges and expansion joints.
This is simplified, but you get the idea. Consider contracting the pour, and do the preparation yourself and you will still save considerable money.
If you want 10 x 10 x 4" you should figure on 1.25 yards (33 cubic feet) of concrete. You can buy it premixed and haul it in a trailer (do not do this with a light vehicle) or your will need to mix a lot of bags.
Post Reply
Watch this Post
