How to Prepare for Pouring Concrete in a Driveway

Spray-paint the general path of the edges of the driveway, using construction marker paint. This will help as you dig out the dirt.

Dig out the any grass or topsoil along the location of the driveway. Remove 4 inches of dirt where the concrete will be poured. Use the level to ensure the ground is level and remove high spots or fill in low spots. Use the ground compactor to compact the surface to make it as hard as possible for the concrete.

Lay out the 2-by-4 studs and measure and cut them to create the form boards for the edges of the concrete. Secure them in place by driving a wood stake into the ground at each end of the studs and then nailing the studs to the stakes. Repeat this step until all form boards are in place to shape the driveway. Check the depth of the ground again to the edges of the form boards and ensure it is 4 inches deep. Remove any high spots and fill in any low spots with dirt, and re-compact the surface as needed.

Roll out the steel wire mesh into the area where the concrete will be poured. Cut the wire mesh with the cutters to fit, until the surface is covered with the mesh. The wire mesh will help add strength to the concrete as it cures.

Dampen the top of the soil with water. This will help prevent the ground from absorbing the moisture in the concrete before it has time to cure evenly.

Pour the concrete in place, beginning at one end of the driveway. As the concrete is poured, use the 12-foot wood beam to stretch across the forms and work it back and forth over the concrete in a see-saw motion. The board will act as a bulldozer to level and smooth out the concrete to the top of the form boards.

Drag the float and trowel gently across the surface of the concrete to apply a smooth finishing touch. Allow the concrete to dry and cure for several days before driving any vehicles on it.