How to Brace a Concrete Porch

While concrete is strong on its own, in order for it to last for decades it needs to be properly braced on the ground. A concrete porch is no different. The ground shifting beneath the concrete can cause it to crack and split, making your porch an unsightly mess. A properly braced concrete porch can withstand shifting soil because it has embedded reinforcement.

Shovel
Rake
Boards
Nails
Hammer
Rebar
Mallet
Plastic ties
Concrete trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Dig out a flat piece of ground for your concrete porch and use the rake to make the ground level. If possible, dig down past any topsoil to the subsoil beneath.
- 2
  Build a frame around the area you want to lay a cement porch. Nail boards together at the same width, height and length of the porch you want to lay. Build the frame against your house to ensure the frame is solid and steady.
- 3
  Drive rebar into the ground inside the frame to brace the cement after you pour it. The rebar should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart vertically. Pound the rebar into the ground with the mallet until the top of the rebar is about 1 inch below the top of the frame.
- 4
  Place a horizontal piece of rebar on top of each line of vertical rebar pieces and tie them in place with the plastic ties.
- 5
  Pour the concrete into the frame until it reaches the top.
- 6
  Smooth the concrete with the trowel to keep the surface smooth and level.

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