How to Order Cement for a Carport

Calculating the amount of concrete needed for your project is easy following a simple formula. To order concrete from a supplier, the calculation must be converted to cubic yards. You must order concrete with adequate strength. Strength is determined by several factors, one being the "bag mix" content. Bag mix refers to the amount of bags of cement per yard. A bag of cement equals 94 pounds. Driveways and carports require a minimum of a six-bag mix.

Tape measure
Pad and pencil
Calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the place where the carport is to be constructed and make sure the entire area is level. Frame around the area with dimensional lumber and support with metal concrete stakes.
- 2
  Determine how much concrete is to be ordered. Most carports are poured with a four-inch thick base. Use a tape measure to determine the length and the width of the area.
- 3
  First, calculate the amount of concrete needed in cubic feet. To find this number, multiply the length by the width, then by the thickness of the concrete pad. Divide the total by 27, the amount of cubic feet in a square yard. For example, if the area is 20 feet long, 12 feet wide and 4 inches thick, 20 x 12 x .33 equals 79.2 cubic feet, divided by 27 equals 2.93 which would be an order for 3 yards of concrete. You should round the number up to the nearest quarter of a yard.
- 4
  Contact concrete suppliers in your area. Get bids for six-bag mix, which is rated at 4,000 pounds per square inch strength. A minimum of six-bag mix is required for driveways and sidewalks. Concrete and delivery charges vary depending on location.
- 5
  Select concrete supplier and schedule delivery. Many suppliers charge a premium if delivery is scheduled for Saturdays.

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