How To Make A Cement Patio Pad

How to Make a Cement Patio Pad

Creating a cement patio pad is a great way to add usable space to your backyard or patio. It's a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few days with the right materials and tools. Here are the essential aspects of how to make a cement patio pad:

Materials:

Concrete mix
Sand
Gravel
Rebar
Forms
Trowel
Edger

Tools:

Shovel
Tamper
Level
Concrete mixer (optional)

Steps:

Excavate the area: Mark out the area where you want your patio pad to be and excavate to a depth of 6 inches. The excavated area should be level and have a slight slope for drainage.
Install the forms: Secure the forms around the perimeter of the excavated area. The forms will serve as a mold for the concrete.
Lay down the subbase: Fill the excavated area with 6 inches of gravel and compact it. Then, add a layer of sand on top of the gravel and compact it as well.
Place the rebar: Cut the rebar into pieces that are 2 feet long and place them in the excavated area, spacing them evenly apart.
Mix and pour the concrete: Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the concrete into the excavated area and fill it to the top of the forms.
Level the concrete: Use a trowel to level the concrete and smooth out the surface.
Edge the concrete: Use an edger to create a smooth edge around the perimeter of the patio pad.
Cure the concrete: Cover the patio pad with a tarp or plastic sheeting and keep it moist for at least 7 days. This will allow the concrete to cure properly.