How to Secure Concrete Forms Using 2x6s

Level the ground where the concrete will be poured by digging out the high spots with a shovel and filling in low spots. Remove all roots and grass in the area so the ground is as smooth as possible.

Lay the boards around the perimeter of the excavated area. The boards need to be at least 1 1/2 inches longer on each end than the length of the excavated area. For example, for a 10-foot square concrete patio, the form boards must equal 10 feet and 3 inches in length.

Nail a 2-foot board to the outside of adjoining boards where there are seams that must be filled. For example, for two 5 foot, 2-inch by 6-inch pieces of lumber, there will be a seam between the two boards. This seam must be covered to keep the concrete from escaping through the crack. Do not let the nails go all the way through the wood, or they will stick into the concrete.

Stand the boards up on their edge. Measure the exact length needed for your concrete area, in this case, 10 feet. Mark measurements on the boards at both ends of the boards, with the space in the middle measuring 10 feet. Leave space at the end of each board.

Hold two 2-inch by 6-inch boards together at one corner, with the end of one exactly on the pencil mark on the other one. Using double-headed nails, secure the ends of the boards together at the pencil mark. Hammer the nails in until the first head reaches the board and then stop. This leaves ample room for you to remove the nail when you dismantle the form boards.

Position the form boards so they are perfectly square. Move them so they are as straight as possible, then measure diagonally from one corner to another. If you get the same measurement from both sets of corners, your form boards are straight. If not, shift the framework side to side until the measurements match one another.

Place a wooden stake at each corner of the frame work to mark the exact corners. Tie a piece of string around the first stake, then pull it to each subsequent stake, wrapping the string around each one, until you reach the first stake again.

Install wooden stakes at 4-foot intervals all the way around the frame work of the form boards. For added security, nail each wooden stake to the form board with a double-headed nail. Brush the inside of the boards with concrete release agent using a paint brush and allow it to dry for about 30 minutes.