Looking to do some DIY concreting? Creating a good concrete slab is not that difficult to do. Once you know how, you’ll be able to create great floors for your garden, patio or shed.

But first things first – materials. Get hold of some pre-mixed concrete, steel pegs, reinforced mesh and formwork (the mold into which your concrete will be poured). Talk to us for advice on materials and your project.

You’ll also need measuring tape, a spirit level, shovel, concrete edger and rake, float, levelling screed and stringline.

Once you have everything ready, these are the steps to follow to create a pro-looking concrete floor.

1. Dig out a level to match your formwork. It should be at least 100mm deep. Dig the area that you wish to place the formwork in and add an extra 50mm in thickness for the formwork. Make sure all of your measurements are square and that your ground is even by using a spirit level.
2. Secure your formwork using steel pegs. Make sure they’re firmly hammered into the ground.
3. Lay down some reinforced steel meshing. This stops your concrete from cracking over time. Make sure you have at least 25mm of concrete covering the mesh.
4. Even out your concrete. Use a rake and screed to spread the concrete evenly and flatly. Tap the outside of the boxing with a hammer or use a concrete vibrator inside the boxing to eliminate porous finish once boxing is removed.
5. Smooth the surface. Use a steel trowel and wooden float to create a smooth surface and your concrete edger to add a nice finish.
6. Take away your formwork. Remove the formwork after 3 days to reveal a perfectly constructed concrete slab.

For more information and advice, contact us today.