How to Pour a Cement Foundation

Mark the boundaries of where your cement foundation will be located with a chalk line. Chalk lines are available at building supply stores.

Dig the footers for your cement foundation. Dig the outer 18 inches (around the boundaries) of your foundation area to a depth of 12 inches. The inner portion of the foundation should be dug to a depth of 6 inches.

Create a boundary for your cement foundation. That will keep the cement from escaping when you pour it. Place 2-inch-by-10-inch form boards around the edges of the foundation area. The top of the boards should be about 6 inches higher than the top of the finished foundation.

Build a second barrier 6 inches from the 2-inch-by-10-inch form boards using the 2-inch-by-6-inch form boards. You will have two boundaries made of lumber, 6 inches apart.

Divide your foundation area visually into thirds, and place 3-inch dobey bricks on the two middle division lines.

Place ½-inch rebar rods on the dobey bricks. That will keep the rebar from coming into direct contact with the soil.

Spray both sets of form boards with diesel fuel. The fuel prevents concrete from sticking to the wood. Allow the diesel fuel to dry thoroughly.

Fill the whole foundation area with a 3-inch layer of sand. Dampen the sand using a water hose then rake it smooth.

Construct a grid in the foundation area using ½-inch rebar rods, laying them 16 inches apart. Set them in a horizontal manner, and then lay more rods in a vertical fashion to complete a bunch of 16-inch squares.

Tie the rebar rods together using rebar wire. This prevents the rods from moving when cement is poured over them.

Pour the cement into the inner portion of the foundation area. Allow the cement to cure for 24 hours.

Remove the inner form boards.

Pour cement into the outer 18 inches of the foundation area. Allow the cement to set thoroughly for 24 hours.

Remove the outer form boards. Wait three days before using the cement foundation.