How do I cover an area of my yard with concrete?

Karolyn Slader
by Karolyn Slader

I am older and don’t want to dig

  5 answers
  • If it doesn't have a proper base, the concrete will crack. You may need to hire a contractor.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jun 10, 2019

    This is a job where you’re going to need experienced help.

    You can build form work on top of the ground, but you’ll need to make sure the ground is compacted extremely well and your final slope is 2-4% away from the house. No more, no less.


    This formwork needs 2x6’s ripped down to 5”, nailed at the corners & then staked into the ground, permanently.

    The slab will need to be 5”, as a traditional 4” slab is on a 1” compacted bed of gravel/sand with Visqueen on top.

    You won’t have that gravel/sand substrate, as it will wash away, sitting on top of the ground. Then the slab cracks & it’s falling apart. Make sense?

    I would put welded wire mesh in the form work as well as pour it at 5”.


    If you’re not wanting/able to dig, then how are you going to mix concrete? Mixing in a 5 gallon bucket won’t work for this job.

    Are you going to have a redi-mix truck show up? Are you going to rent a site-sized concrete mixer? Do you know how to calculate Cubic Yards of concrete, for when you hire someone to do this?

    Who will do your flatwork? Using a 12’ wide screed is a 2 person job.


  • Danielle Danielle on Jun 10, 2019

    I totally understand not wanting to dig, but if you don't prep properly your concrete will crack and leave you in a mess in short order. Depending on where you live your prep will be different for concrete, especially if your ground freezes deep. It would help to know approximately where you are.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Jun 10, 2019

    Adding concrete involves digging. Even a small cement slab involves a lot of work and moving heavy aggregate stones to provide the foundation for the concrete. Check out my post where we DIY'd it:


    https://karupp-did.net/pour-a-cement-pad-diy/

    -how to order concrete

    -how much concrete we would need based on math calculations that I give you.

    -what materials we needed

    -the process of pouring the cement


    You will want to hire someone it sounds like.


    • See 1 previous
    • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Sep 14, 2019

      Hi Cheryl, I'm so glad it might be able to help you! Good luck on your project:)

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jun 16, 2019

    Too much work if you are not capable of doing concrete work. Hire a pro. They have experience and proper tools.