Pour and Level Concrete

What happens in this clip

Carefully pour the mixed concrete into the formwork, distributing it evenly over the reinforcement wire and crushed rock base. Use a shovel or rake to spread the concrete as you go, ensuring it fills all corners and voids. Once the form is mostly full, use a straight edge, such as a flat 2x4, to screed the concrete. This involves moving the 2x4 across the top edges of the formwork in a sawing motion to level the concrete and remove any excess, creating a flat surface. Periodically check for low spots and add more concrete as needed, then screed again until the entire surface is level with the top of the formwork.

Goal: Fill the form and create a level surface

What's used

Tools

• Flat 2x4 (Screed Board)
• Aluminum straight edge
• Shovel
• Concrete hoe

Materials

• Mixed Concrete QUIKRETE

About the full video

This project provides a concise guide on how to install a concrete slab. It covers building and securing formwork, excavating the base, mixing and pouring concrete, and applying various finishes like screeding, floating, edging, and a broom finish. The project concludes with removing the formwork, sealing the concrete, and backfilling the surrounding area.

Step 5 of 10: Mix and Pour Concrete

Using a concrete mixer or mixing the concrete in batches with a shovel and wheelbarrow, combine the concrete mix with water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Aim for a workable consistency that is not too wet or too dry. Carefully pour the mixed concrete into the formwork, spreading it evenly with a shovel or rake to fill the entire space.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Pour a Concrete Landing Pad for Deck Stairs

1. Step 1: Excavate Area

   • 13:17–15:33 Prepare Stair Base and Pour Concrete Pad
   • 0:04–0:15 Site Preparation and Trench Digging
   • 4:20–8:36 Prepare & Pour Concrete Pad

2. Step 2: Install Formwork

   • 2:04–2:33 Build and Position Concrete Form
   • 0:33–0:47 Formwork Installation
   • 0:00–0:34 Lay Out and Assemble Initial Form Boards

3. Step 3: Add and Compact Gravel Base

   • 2:21–2:33 Add & Compact Basecourse
   • 3:15–4:05 Lay and Compact Gravel Base
   • 0:20–0:38 Prepare Gravel Base

4. Step 4: Place Rebar or Wire Mesh

   • 2:45–3:06 Add Steel Reinforcement (Rebar)
   • 1:30–1:40 Add Wire Mesh Reinforcement
   • 5:41–6:46 Rebar Placement for Reinforcement

5. Step 5: Mix and Pour Concrete

   • 0:30–0:42 Pour and Level Concrete (this video)
   • 3:10–3:41 Pour and Screed Concrete
   • 1:58–2:31 Mix and Pour Concrete

6. Step 6: Screed the Concrete

   • 0:04–0:13 Screed the Concrete
   • 0:24–1:01 Screed the Concrete Surface
   • 0:17–0:45 Screed the Concrete Surface

7. Step 7: Float the Concrete

   • 0:16–0:25 Float the Concrete Surface
   • 0:44–0:46 Hand Float Concrete Surface
   • 1:15–1:29 Float Concrete

8. Step 8: Finish the Concrete

   • 0:07–0:11 Trowel for Smooth Concrete Finish
   • 10:04–11:22 Final Troweling and Finishing
   • 3:30–4:49 Concrete Floating and Troweling

9. Step 9: Cure the Concrete

   • 2:08–2:39 Cure Concrete
   • 0:57–0:59 Cure Concrete and Remove Forms
   • 5:50–6:12 Cure the Concrete

10. Step 10: Remove Formwork

    • 8:43–10:04 Remove Form and Backfill
    • 4:03–4:08 Remove Formwork
    • 0:52–0:54 Remove Formwork