How to Compact Dirt

When pouring concrete, it is important that the dirt underneath the concrete be packed down and level. If concrete is poured, or if you create any permanent construction, on top of dirt that is not compacted, the finished project may shift as the soil settles. If your project is very large, or you are creating a structure that must bear a great deal of weight, you need to use a large tamping machine. A small hand tamper is adequate for small projects, however, and can be rented at most hardware stores. Hand tampers are similar in appearance to a shovel or hoe – except that the base metal piece is a flat square.

Watering can
Hand tamper

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a watering can with water. Sprinkle the water over the soil evenly. The amount of water you must pour varies according to the type of soil. It should be moist to the touch, but not saturated to the point that water runs off the soil. Though you can hand tamp without water, less dust will rise from moistened soil.
- 2
  Hold the hand tamper at the top of the stick, placing one hand about an inch from the end of the stick and the other hand directly beneath it.
- 3
  Stand with your feet shoulder-length apart. Press the flat end of the tamper down into the dirt firmly, allowing your body weight to do the work of compressing. Lean slightly onto the tamper as you push down.
- 4
  Repeat Steps 2 and 3 on each part of the soil until all of the soil is compressed.

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