Concrete slab pouring

Pouring a concrete slab seems simple enough. Surely it’s just a case of backing up a truck and pouring, isn’t it? In reality, pouring a concrete slab can be an extremely delicate and physically demanding process with multiple steps:

1. Application 
Lodge an application for your building works with your local council. Once your plans have been approved, work can commence.

2. Excavation
If the site hasn’t been “prepped”, a bobcat or excavator may be needed to level the site prior to pouring.

3. Formwork
Work out the size of the concrete slab in square metres and make up the formwork – the timber structure that borders the concrete and stops it from spreading. Fix the formwork to the ground.
4. Pouring 
Make sure the cement mixer can access the site, then position the mixer’s chute to pour concrete into one section of the form. Begin pouring and use a shovel to distribute the concrete.

5. Screeding
Use a trowel or an equivalent tool to “screed” or level out the slab.

6. Finish
Once complete you will need to wait several days for the concrete slab to dry before commencing building.
IMPORTANT! 
Make sure you let your concreter know the purpose of the slab. If the concrete slab is for a patio, outdoor entertaining or shed area it might have different requirements to a slab for an extension or new building.