Photo: Tim Douglas

Can you add gravel to quikrete?

Evenly spread 3 to 4 inches of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel and then level the gravel. Compact the gravel base using a tamper. TIP: a solid sub-base will help prevent erosion and slab settling. Dampen the gravel base using a garden hose to prevent shrinkage cracking especially in hot temperatures.

quikrete.com - Pouring & Finishing Concrete Slabs | QUIKRETE

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HOW-TO VIDEOS

A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below. Pouring & Finishing Concrete Slabs Concrete is one of the most economical, versatile and durable building materials available. Build a sidewalk, patio, or floor with QUIKRETE concrete mixes no matter your skill level. Project Instructions Shopping List

Project Instructions

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

Step 1

Prior to placing concrete forms:

Construct the form with 2x4 or 2x6 lumber and secure in place by wood stakes and deck screws. Excavate the slab area to a depth of about 7 inches, allowing 3 inches for a gravel base and 4 inches for concrete.

Step 2

Check the forms for level (¼ inch for every 12 feet is sufficient to allow for rain run-off). Patio and sidewalk forms should slope evenly away from structures.

Step 3

Evenly spread 3 to 4 inches of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel and then level the gravel.

Step 4

Compact the gravel base using a tamper.

TIP: a solid sub-base will help prevent erosion and slab settling.

Step 5

Dampen the gravel base using a garden hose to prevent shrinkage cracking especially in hot temperatures.

Step 6

Pour the concrete mix in evenly placed leads; the top of the concrete mounds should be about 2 to 3 inches above the forms before leveling.

Step 7

Consolidate and distribute the concrete evenly using a hoe. The surface of the concrete should be relatively flat and slightly above the form.

Step 8

Screed the concrete using a straight 2x4 by moving the board back and forth across the surface of the concrete in a sawing motion to remove the excess concrete and smooth the surface.

Step 9

Step 10

Once the concrete has lost its sheen, smooth the concrete surface using a wood float in an arching motion. NOTE: use a stiff-bristle broom to create a non-slip broom finish (all broom strokes should be made in the same direction).

Step 11

Cut in control joints using a groover and straight-edge (a 4-inch thick slab will require control joints a minimum of every 10 feet in each direction). NOTE: control joints should be cut a minimum of ¼ the depth of the slab.

Step 12

Use an edging tool to consolidate and shape the edges of the slab. Several passes should be made in each direction for a smooth finish.

Step 13

Freshly placed concrete should be water cured for a minimum of 3 to 5 days with a fine water mist. TIP: water curing can be eliminated by applying QUIKRETE Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal immediately after finishing the concrete. Acrylic Cure & Seal can be applied with a roller, garden sprayer or a brush.

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Can you just lay pavers on grass?

Porcelain pavers can be laid directly over existing grass or lawn as 'stepping stones' or to create a pathway, but for better stability of the pavers, the grass beneath the pavers should first be removed, together with a shallow layer of the topsoil.

archatrak.com - How to Lay Archatrak Porcelain Pavers Over Grass

01 Lay the pavers on the grass to determine the number of steps or ‘stones’ needed for the pathway, making sure the pavers are placed at equal distance from each other. 02 The joint width between the pavers should be chosen depending on the appearance required. For stepping stones or pathways, the pavers would normally be laid with open joints with grass in between. However for areas where outdoor furniture will be used, pavers would normally be laid with closed joints. 03 Mark the perimeter of each paver with a spade and then remove the pavers.

04 Remove the turf up to a depth of 2”-3”.

05 Fill with a layer of fine 3/16”-1/4” gravel and compact the gravel before laying the pavers. If preferred, lay a 1” thick layer of sand to add as a bed for the pavers. 06 Carefully lay the pavers so they protrude above ground level by about ¼”. The pavers must not protrude above the lawn level, to avoid damaging lawnmower blades.