Sand or Gravel

[68superbee]

Goodmorning, getting pre cement prep work done up here in cold northern Wisconsin what's everyones opinion under the cement, 4" to 6" of Sand or gravel? thanks.

 

[Chris705]

Can't go wrong with a well graded (various sizes of gravel that pass different size sieves) mixture of gravel. Preferably well graded crushed gravel because they lock together tightly when compacted (and it should be compacted with a plate compactor). Make sure all the top soil and organic matter is removed from the subgrade before brining in the gravel. And the cement is added to gravel, sand and water to make concrete. You're going to prep for concrete work.

 

[pcmeiners]

"Can't go wrong with a well graded (various sizes of gravel that pass different size sieves) mixture of gravel."
Sounds good, at least 6"...heavy duty vapor barrier, keep cement moist.... excellent time of year for the pour .

 

[8man]

Gravel.

 

[bmes1982]

I'm getting my ground prepped for concrete as well and I have washed stone on the ground and then 3-6" of base course over the top of that. I've been running the walk behind compactor over it and it's pretty solid. Hopefully I can get a little rain on it to settle it and solidify it even more and I'll be set for concrete.

 

[D45]

Gravel

I recently had to replace a large section of my driveway because the sand washed out over time

Gravel Gravel Gravel

 

[68superbee]

Thanks everyone for your input

 

[dbabicky]

I poured concrete up here in Wisconsin professionally for a lot of years. Crushed limestone/limerock used for driveways around here is the best. 4-6 inches solidly compacted. Skidsteer works good to compact if you can't find a compactor.

 

[rburke65]

Yes gravel. And it's concrete.....not cement. Good luck 68.

 

[Slowgsr]

3/4 crusher run is what i use - conpacts nicely

 

[theoldwizard1]

Do NOT use pea gravel/river rock ! Any round stone gravel will not compact well. 3/4 crushed stone or crusher run. Crusher run includes finer stone and dust and compacts well.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Take advantage of the opportunity to put in a drain or two now.

Also if you ever intend to put a lift in, make sure you have thick enough concrete in place, or pour it extra thick in the areas you think you might want it.

 

[JWVan]

If you use limestone, make sure that you wet it down when compacting as well as when you get ready to place the slab. If you use a vapor barrier, the wetting before placement is not necessary. You want your water in the mix to be available for the cement to hydrate.

 

[Diesel Dan]

We used sand in Michigan with no major issues.
You more of a chance for cavitation due to a leaky tile with sand however.