How to Do Washer and Dryer Concrete Base in a Garage

Measure the width and depth of your appliances as they sit side by side and determine how large the concrete pad will need to be. As an an example, they might be 36 inches deep and 56 inches long. The steps will use those measurements as guidelines.

Saw wood studs so you have two pieces that are 60 inches long and two that are 36 inches long, if you are locating the base away from a garage wall. If the base is in the middle of a wall, then you need two 36-inch long studs and one 60-inch piece. If the base is in a corner, you need only one of each.

Place the studs forming a 60-inch long and 36-inch deep rectangle frame, with either two, three or four studs making the frame, along with the walls of the garage, if they are used. Measure the level of the studs with the carpenter's level. If necessary, adjust the frame level with shims under the low areas. Nail the corners together.

Mix the concrete by adding the recommended water on the package and stirring with the shovel until it reaches the consistency of thick mud. Pour one-fourth of the mix into the frame starting at one corner and working your way around to all the corners, adding a fourth at each one. Use the shovel to work the concrete around the frame until it fills it equally to the top of the wood frame.

Screed the concrete with a leftover piece of wood stud. Set the flat side of the stud on the right side top of the rectangle and push it down the length of the frame, making the concrete flat and even across the top of the frame. If any low spots are present, fill them in with more concrete, work it into the mix and screed again until the concrete is level with the top of the frame.

Trowel the concrete around the tub by pressing down and forcing it into a smooth surface. If this brings up water after you are finished, wait until the water is reabsorbed before you continue. After the water disappears, continue to smooth the surface until you are satisfied. If you would like a rougher surface on the concrete, gently wipe a straw broom over the tip of it to raise ridges in the surface.

Run the narrow edge of the trowel about 1/4-inch down between the edge of the concrete and the wooden form to clean out any rough edge on the setting concrete.

Cover the concrete with a plastic film, and once a day for five days lift the film and sprinkle water over the top. Remove the film and the wooden frame on the sixth day.