How to Build a New Floor Over Cement Slab for Water Diversion

Combine the self-leveling concrete mix with water in the wheelbarrow. Use the garden hoe to thoroughly blend the water and concrete until its consistency is slightly thinner than peanut butter.

Dump out the concrete onto the floor on which it will be spread, and then move the wheelbarrow out of the way.

Even out the application of the concrete over the floor with the garden hoe until it is well spread and begins to flow.

Place the masonry float on top of the concrete and use it to smooth out the surface. This will cause the concrete to take on a mildly glossy shine as the water and smaller particles of concrete rise to the top and the larger pebbles within the concrete sink to the bottom. Allow the concrete to cure for approximately 15 minutes before proceeding.

Skim the concrete float over the settling concrete from the center of the room to the edges of the room in a line that runs from the far side of the room to the place into which you want the water to flow. The float will push enough of the top layer of concrete aside to provide a small channel for the water, as well as an angle from the sides of the room to the channel so that water will be diverted to it. You will barely be able to notice the channel or the slope, but they will very effectively move water from one side of the room to the other.