Concrete patios enhance outdoor spaces with a sturdy base made of tile or concrete pad. They prevent base shattering and require 6 inches of digging for concrete and 2 inches for brick and mortar. The durability of the patio is impacted by the excavation depth. Know more about seattle retaining walls

Organise and Clear the Patio

Install brickline and battleboards on patio, dig 8 inches of soil, remove turf, spread pebbles and gravel, and place stakes outside lines. Level lines using a line level or water level.

Place stakes along the lines of the new layout
Place pegs at the patio’s corners and every two feet in between by driving them following the layout lines. After firmly embedding the stakes in the ground with a straight up and down motion, cut them to the desired height. The appropriate rate of slope for the patio should be determined by checking the municipal regulations, which should be between 1/8 and ¼ inch per foot. Mark the two end stakes at the patio’s finished height by taking a measurement down from the batterboards. To mark the remaining stakes, hold a chalk like tight over the marks you created and snap it.

Ensure the Initial Form is Correct

Align a 2×4 with stake marks and nail it to the form board using duplex nails. Brace the board with a sledgehammer. Cut stakes flush with or below the forms’ tops to level the surface. Cut 2x4s for each side and attach them to the forms with duplex nails.

Put the mesh

Use 6×6-10/10 wire mesh to reinforce concrete, placing it on wire supports, ensuring space between mesh and forms, and overlaying sections with 4 inches of wire for rust prevention.

Pour the concrete

To pour concrete, create a temporary ramp over forms and dump loads against each other. Use a shovel to spread concrete into corners and expansion joints. Lay a wide board across forms for interior access. Pull wire mesh up with a rake and remove air pockets.

Trim the area

Achieve concrete leveling by pulling a 2×4 screed across forms, tilting it forward, and removing excess concrete. Repeat with the screed tilted opposite direction. Use a bull float for small surfaces, and work until water forms.

Curve the edges

Separate concrete from forms, cut control joints every 8 feet, and place jointers at each mark. Place jointers against a board or use a circular saw after cured concrete.

Lift the surface again

Apply a hand float, broom, and edger to smooth concrete joints, ensuring traction and a finer surface over time.

Let it Heal

Cover the concrete surface with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture buildup, then let it cure for 48 hours before removing the form boards.