How to pour concrete?

[clutch93]

So i'm wanting to add on to the initial 4'X6' back patio slab. My basic idea was to pour 3 more 4'X6' slabs next to the intial one. Thus creating an 8'X12' back patio. Is this a reasonable way to do it? I would hate to demolish the existing slab, it was just poured last year when the house was built, but it's a pretty sorry excuse for a back patio. I think it's just the size that is required by code.

Is this size project something I could tackle with the help of a buddy or two in a weekend? If so how much $$$ am I looking at for the concrete and how do I determine how many yards I will need to buy?

Also, should I pour the new slab right up to the houses foundation or should I make a gap for expansion? Sorry, this isn't really garage related, but I need some advice and I know you guys have more experience in this than I do.

If it helps, I'd like to build a new storage shed (mini-garage??) later on too and I would need to pour a slab for that as well.

 

[scott37300]

They make expansion foam to go between your foundation and new slab and also between your existing slab and new slab. Basically use it anywhere you have different pours off crete because they will expand/contract at different rates. Here is a link to expansion material, http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/EXPO4050-4-x50-Expansion-Joint-p/111640.htm?click=1014

As to figuring out how much you need, here is a neat calculator, http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/howmuch/calculator.htm. Just enter the thickness and width and length.

Yes you and a friend can do it pretty easy with a little homework.

 

[skamp]

So i'm wanting to add on to the initial 4'X6' back patio slab. My basic idea was to pour 3 more 4'X6' slabs next to the intial one. Thus creating an 8'X12' back patio. Is this a reasonable way to do it? I would hate to demolish the existing slab, it was just poured last year when the house was built, but it's a pretty sorry excuse for a back patio. I think it's just the size that is required by code.

Is this size project something I could tackle with the help of a buddy or two in a weekend? If so how much $$$ am I looking at for the concrete and how do I determine how many yards I will need to buy?

Also, should I pour the new slab right up to the houses foundation or should I make a gap for expansion? Sorry, this isn't really garage related, but I need some advice and I know you guys have more experience in this than I do.

If it helps, I'd like to build a new storage shed (mini-garage??) later on too and I would need to pour a slab for that as well.

Demo it and repour. It is nothing to yank out that small of a patio. This way you can frame and pour what you want in one shot. It will also look the same. I would not pour separate slabs. It is a small amount of extra effort to demo and will make for a better outcome. Just my 2 cents.

Steve