Photo: Kelly

Can you pour concrete right on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

razorbackconcrete.com - Can You Pour Concrete Over Dirt?

Which is better insulation or spray foam?

When it comes to which is best in the spray foam insulation vs. fiberglass debate, spray foam wins, hands down. If you're a DIY-er, you may be used...

Last updated Sep 6, 2022

How do I stop mould in my garden shed?

Open the doors of your shed often to allow air to circulate. Stop moisture buildup by making sure your shed is well ventilated. Even opening the...

Last updated Feb 3, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can You Pour Concrete Over Dirt?

Anyone who has done concrete projects themselves before will tell you that the most difficult part is almost always the preparation. The actual pouring of the concrete is a fairly straightforward process if you have taken the time to properly prepare the project area. Unsurprisingly, we get the most questions pertaining to that preparation phase. Today, we’re going to address one of the most common: can you pour concrete over dirt?

A good base is everything when it comes to successful concrete projects. If the base you are pouring the concrete onto is flawed in any way, it is going to directly impact the quality of the final product. That’s why dirt isn’t always advisable. If the weight of the concrete deforms the dirt base in any way, the entire concrete structure will be flawed. All of that is not to say that it is impossible to pour concrete over dirt. You can absolutely do it successfully, but you need to follow a specific process. Let’s take a closer look at the steps to that process. There are two many things you need to worry about when building a solid base for concrete construction. The first is the thickness of the base, and the second is how compacted that base is.

Frame

Take some wood planks and create a frame around the area that is going to make up the base of your project. This will help keep all of the dirt and soil stacked in the correct area and stop it from spreading when you begin compacting it down.

Base

The thickness needed for a base varies by the type of project you are working on. If you’re building something like a driveway, you’re going to want a 10-12 inch deep base. If you’re building a sidewalk, you can get away with 6-8 inches. It’s also worth mentioning that the soil conditions and climate in which you are working will also have an effect on the way you need to pack the base. For instance, a colder climate will necessitate a thicker base. Be sure to do your research, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional concrete contractor for more information.

Water

Super dry dirt does not compact as well as moist dirt. That’s why it’s important to spray down your base every few layers before you begin compacting. You don’t want to add so much water that you’re dealing with mud, but you want the entire surface of your base to be damp.

Compact

Once you have all the dirt and soil you need poured into your project area, you need to compact it. The best way to do this is to use a plate compactor. This lawn-mower-like tool uses a heavy metal plate to compact all that soil together to create a strong compact base that concrete won’t seep into. You’ll likely need to take four or five passes with the plate compactor to achieve the desired stability for a dirt base. Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt. However, you need to follow the process outlined in this article for the best results. If this all seems a bit overwhelming, we suggest reaching out to a professional concrete contractor. Razorback Concrete is always willing to work with you. Visit www.razorbackconcrete.com to learn more.

What is the best material to make a shed out of?

The principal sheet goods for use in a shed are plywood and OSB. Other materials such as chipboard, MDF and gypsum may also be used but are...

Last updated Nov 27, 2019

What is the highest paying trade job?

The Highest-Paid Trade Jobs Radiation Therapists. ... Nuclear Medicine Technologists. ... Dental Hygienists. ... Electrical and Electronics...

Last updated Feb 24, 2021

Promotion

Should you clean your house before an appraiser comes?

You'll also want to make sure that you give your home a deep cleaning a few days before your appraisal to reduce clutter. Make sure that everything is neat, put away and in its place before your appraiser arrives.

rocketmortgage.com - Refinance Appraisal Checklist - Rocket Mortgage

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. A home appraisal is an important part of most mortgage refinances. Appraisals assure mortgage lenders that they aren’t loaning you more money than your home is worth. This means that you want your appraisal to come back as high as possible. Thankfully, there are a few steps that you can take to improve your chances of a successful refinance appraisal.

Let’s cover a few simple ways to prepare for a home appraisal.

How do I figure out how much to charge for crafts?

In her Tips for Pricing your Handmade Goods blog on Craftsy, artesian entrepreneur Ashley Martineau suggests this formula: Cost of supplies + $10...

Last updated Oct 12, 2019

Can I add sand to paint to make it non slip?

Pour about half a gallon of paint into a clean container, then slowly add sand and mix. Aim for a ratio of four parts paint for every one part...

Last updated Aug 1, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is OSB stronger than CDX?

OSB is made using small wood chips or wood flakes that are then glued together. On the other hand, CDX is a type of plywood that uses very long and...

Last updated Nov 14, 2021

Promotion

Should you drywall a shed?

Drywall is made to withstand fire better than a wood product and it's thick enough to provide stability for hanging pictures and shelves. With...

Last updated Nov 4, 2018