Concrete slabs and footings

The size and thickness, what it will hold, and your frost depth.

• Attach your Sheet so people see your sizes and the math.
• Your town is enough. Never your address; check photos for house numbers and plates.
• Is it safe? A safety question here goes to pros verified in masonry, unless you pick another trade. Only they can call it safe or unsafe.

10′ × 10′ slab, 4″ thick: 1.23 cu yd of concrete; order 1.5 cu yd, plus the gravel base, mesh and forms.

What people get wrong:

• Adding water to make it pour easier. Extra water makes weak, dusty concrete that cracks and scales.
• Finishing over bleed water. Troweling the water back into the surface makes it flake off after the first winter.
• Joints too far apart, or too shallow. Concrete shrinks and cracks: cut joints ¼ of the depth and about 8′ apart at most, so you decide where.

The worked example, every line's math and the code notes · Your own sizes in the app

• Decks: Building and fixing decks: footings, framing, boards and ledgers
• Fences: Wood, vinyl and metal fences and gates
• Patios and pavers: Paver patios, walkways and the base under them
• Retaining and garden walls: Block, stone and timber walls that hold back soil
• Sheds: Building sheds and small outbuildings
• Raised beds and gardens: Raised beds, planters and garden builds
• Yard drainage and grading: Standing water, grading and drains around the house
• Landscaping: Lawns, beds, edging and planting
• Pergolas and patio covers: Pergolas, awnings and covered porches
• Driveways and walkways: Asphalt, concrete and gravel driveways
• Brick, block and stone: Brick walls, pointing, veneer and stone
• Pools and hot tubs: Pads, decks, fences and wiring for pools and spas
• Outdoor lighting: Low-voltage, path and security lights
• Every group

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