How to Pour & Finish Concrete (Hi Resolution)

Moments in this video

1. 0:20–0:38 Prepare Gravel Base From How to Pour a Concrete Landing Pad for Deck Stairs, Step 3: Add and Compact Gravel Base

   Place a 3 to 4-inch layer of Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel into the leveled forms. Spread the gravel evenly across the entire area. Once spread, use a tamper to thoroughly compact the gravel base. A solid sub-base is crucial for preventing erosion and slab settling. After compaction, lightly dampen the gravel with a fine mist from a garden hose. This dampening helps prevent shrinkage cracks in the concrete, especially in hot weather.

2. 1:15–1:29 Float Concrete From How to Pour a Concrete Landing Pad for Deck Stairs, Step 7: Float the Concrete

   Once the concrete has lost its watery sheen and appears dull, it's time to float the surface. Use a wood float in an arcing or sweeping motion across the entire slab. This process further smooths the concrete, pushes down any larger aggregate particles, and brings a layer of cement paste (known as 'cream') to the surface, which is essential for a durable finish.

3. 2:08–2:39 Cure Concrete From How to Pour a Concrete Landing Pad for Deck Stairs, Step 9: Cure the Concrete

   Proper curing is essential for the strength and durability of concrete. There are two main methods. Option 1: Water Curing. For a minimum of 3 to 5 days, keep the freshly placed concrete moist by applying a fine water mist with a garden hose or sprayer. This helps slow down the drying process and allows the concrete to achieve maximum strength. Option 2: Chemical Curing/Sealing. Alternatively, immediately after finishing, apply Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal. This product can be applied with a roller, garden sprayer, or a brush. It eliminates the need for water curing, provides a semi-gloss sheen, and helps repel water, oil, grease, gasoline, and food stains, protecting the concrete surface.

The guide that use this video

• How to Pour a Concrete Landing Pad for Deck Stairs