How to Prepare the Ground for a Concrete Slab

Steps

• 1

  Gather your materials to prepare for the start of your project. Advance planning will save you the headache of having to stop your project and make another trip to the hardware store.

• 2

  Measure and mark off the area where you want to make a concrete slab. Add 2 inches on each side to account for your 2-inch frame. This can be done using a measuring tape, a right angle, twine, and four or more sticks, depending on the size of the area. Use a T square to help create perfect right angles in the corners to ensure that your corners are square.

• 3

  Rake the area free of stones and debris.

• 4

  Dig out all grass and sod. Sakrete.com recommends digging a minimum depth of 2 inches--a minimum 4 inches if the slab will be used for a driveway or sidewalk. In an area of poor drainage, the ground should be dug deep enough to be able to add 4 or 5 inches of all-purpose gravel so that the concrete is not sitting in water.

• 5

  Level the ground using a rake and a shovel and by filling in any pockets or soft spots with the all-purpose gravel.

• 6

  Frame the area using 2-by-4-inch lumber, with the narrow edge facing up. Nail the sides of the frame together for stability.