How to Dig a Concrete Foundation

Excavate the ground, digging up 4 inches of ground, making it as long and wide as you wish the foundation to be. Use a front-loader tractor or shovels, whichever is most appropriate to your project.

Pound 1-inch by 2-inch stakes into the four corners of the excavated area and several stakes along each side with a rubber mallet.

Wrap string around one of the stakes, then around the others, forming a square or rectangle that is flush with the top of the excavated ground walls. Place line levels on the strings and adjust the strings accordingly to make sure the area is level.

Measure the length and width of the excavated area with a tape measure. Measure and cut 2-inch by 4-inch lumber to fit the area with a circular saw. Fasten several 1-inch by 2-inch stakes to the 2-inch by 4-inch lumber with a hammer and nails.

Set the 2-inch by 4-inch lumber along the inside walls of the excavated area, pounding the attached 1-inch by 2-inch stake into the ground with a rubber mallet. Raise or lower the 2-inch by 4-inch lumber forms, as necessary, to make level with the string.

Unwrap the string and pull the free 1-inch by 2-inch stakes out of the ground once the 2-inch by 4-inch forms are setting level around the excavated space. You are now ready to mix and pour your concrete foundation.