How big of a slab could I do by myself?

[EddieWalker]

I've done quite a bit of concrete and from what I see in your pictures, it looks great. Not pro finish, but for the money, it's definitely a job well done!!!!

Next time you'll make some adjustments, and it will turn out a little better. That's what I tell myself. Every time I do a pad, it comes out nicer than the last one.

I still hire pros for big pads, but for one or two yards, I'm going to do that by myself.

For me, the hardest part is just getting all the concrete to where I want to do the pour. I buy it by the pallet and dealing with Lowe's to load it on my trailer is always frustrating. Some of my pads have required three pallets, so that's a lot of Lowe's to deal with!!!!

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Thanks Eddie!

"Next time you'll make some adjustments, and it will turn out a little better."

I find mixing concrete is like making pancakes, it takes a batch or two to get the proportions and timing right. By the time I've got it all figured out the job is over. By the next job I've forgotten the details.

 

[not2old]

Large cardboard boxes split open do wonders for laying on in stones or cold concrete. Seems with our kids moving so often between colleges, apartments, etc, we always have plenty folded flat in the garage rafters. I use them fairly often. If they get oil soaked, I throw them out. Otherwise, fold em up and back in the pile they go.

I save the cardboard from water heaters and other large appliances. When having appliances delivered the guys always seem to be happy to get rid of some large pieces of cardboard.

 

[not2old]

C'mon Eddie! They double dog pinky swore they would lift it as they went! Where's the trust?

That trust disappeared when I watched a crew remove the end form and have the concrete truck drive over the mesh so they didn't have to us their wheelbarrows. Wasn't going to hire that crew.

 

[MossRoad]

I'm pleased but not proud. ....

That could be the title of your 1st album.

You got it done. It's functional.

 

[deezler]

I'd say it turned out great! Breaking it up into manageable sections is key when doing it the way you did.

I had a similar thought but had easy access for full concrete trucks on a recent pour I did. Was pretty terrified of my first attempt at finishing flat work, but it turned out great with some good helper buddies.

Pouring a ~900 sq ft Concrete Pad (basketball court)

Well I figure I took enough pictures along the way that I might as well share this project I am just finishing up. Feel free to correct my techniques and methods however you want, keeping in mind that it's too late now, I think I did a fine job (first time doing flatwork!), and it's done now...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Looks pretty good to me. It will definitely serve it's purpose.

I did a 10 yard pour for my garage slab with some buddies and it was quite an experience. 24'x27' slab with a 3' turn down on one side. The truck got delayed so the only guy that had concrete experience had to get back to work before we got it poured. Also my forms bowed a little bit which cause me to run short on concrete by 4 bags. I had to run to Ace to pick them up to finish the pour. Ended up working it too much and the final product had a dusting issue caused by laitance. I renting a concrete grinder and ground down the top 1/16 of an inch and it has been serving me well ever since. I've also done a sizable footer pour for my addition and a few machine mixed slabs in the 40-60 bag range.

Concrete is not for the weak and it must be respected. Kudos to you for getting the job done!

 

[paulsharvey]

Wife wants to start on several projects at the new home. One of which is a concrete parking area. Not going to do big enough for all the vehicles; but 3 parking spots for now. Most of our vehicles are longer, so we are doing 20 ft length; 9 ft wide. I can't finish a 27x20 pad myself; so im going to do it in multiple pours. Definitely going to order a truck; found a short load truck that is about 35 minutes away, at not over priced per yard; but going to have to call and find out delivery/environmental/fuel surcharge, ect; IE the actual cost. Need theoretical 3.33 yards per parking spot; at 6". Figure 3.5 CY will be a good number, or maybe 4 cy; and have some of the approach formed.

We definitely want the parking Level, but the approach will be at about 6%.

On squarish slabs; I think the reach out has a bigger effect on the ability for 1 person to finish than the total CY or SY. It's easier to pour and finish a 9x60 than a 27x20

 

[EddieWalker]

That's a heck of a lot of work to spread it as it comes out of the truck and then screed it after your done spreading it. And hopefully it's not already setting up when you start to finish it.

 

[paulsharvey]

That's a heck of a lot of work to spread it as it comes out of the truck and then screed it after your done spreading it. And hopefully it's not already setting up when you start to finish it.

Yes, it is, but there really isn't another way. Concrete is not so bad when things go well; its when things go to crap that its bad; rain, setting to fast, form blow outs, ect.