How to Do it With Marshalltown Tools

Concrete Tips and Techniques
Forming

Build a form of 2 x 6's and secure it to stakes driven in the ground (about 4 feet apart) around the outside of the form. For ease of working the concrete, all stakes should be driven slightly below the top of the forms. If the slab adjoins a building, insert an expansion joint and provide a slight pitch away from the structure to allow for drainage. Otherwise, the form should be level when finished. Curved borders can be fashioned by using strips of 1/4" plywood or hardboard. However, to prevent bulging, place stakes at 2-3 foot intervals around the curve to secure the form. Next, to achieve a uniform grade, you will need a base of sand, 1" to 1 1/2" deep.

If the slab you intend to pour is large, you will need to divide it into smaller sections for easier handling. Stringers or header boards are used to make the division. Just be certain the sections are equal in size; then nail the boards in place.

For driveways and garage floors, you will need to reinforce your concrete with steel rods or wire mesh. Driveways and garage floors should be poured to a thickness of 4" to 6". All other work should be at least 3" or 4" thick.