Best answer
Yes! A strong gravel base is required when building a concrete patio in order to prevent the concrete from shifting or cracking. Adding gravel under the concrete also provides a level surface for your foundation and adds proper drainage when there is pooling water.
Do you need stone under a concrete slab?
Because concrete is a very porous material, it will absorb any moisture that it contacts. This can cause pooling. Without crushed stone, pooling water will settle under it and erode your slab. Adding a layer of crushed stone will add proper drainage, as well as create a barrier between your slab and the ground.
How much concrete do I need for a 12x20 slab?
Concrete Extras With a brief look, a 12x20 area at 6 inches deep, you would need approximately 6.31 tons or 4.44 cubic yards of gravel. Concrete reinforcing is also recommended in high traffic areas and medium to large areas.
What do you mix cement with?
Mixing Concrete: Sand, Cement, Gravel, and Water. When mixing by hand, it is essential to thoroughly mix the concrete to get consistency throughout the mixture. If you need to mix a small amount, for instance half a bucket, place the stone and sand and finally the cement into the bucket.7 Jan 2020
How many coats of plaster do you need?
The number of coats that you will need to apply depends on how deep the hole is. Any hole under half an inch should only require one coat. Deeper holes will need two coats. Just like when you're plastering an entire wall, make sure you scratch the first layer of plaster before you apply another coat on top.
How do you run a pipe under a concrete slab?
In six simple steps you can dig under concrete:Attach drill pipe.Connect garden hose.Dig a small ditch.Start your bore.Add more drill pipe (if necessary).Pull piping through.
How do I get rid of rats under my concrete slab?
Answer: If the patio slab is not connected to the house slab you can use a Giant Destroyer to help eliminate the rat. If there are many tunnels or if it is in an area where you cannot seal up the entrances you may want to consider using rat poison baits instead such as Fastrac or Contrac.
How do you prepare for a concrete slab for a shed?
How to Pour a Concrete Slab for a Shed [Complete Guide]All you need to do is stake out your site, remove the topsoil, build and level your forms, spread and compact 4” to 6” gravel, lay out some rebar, and you're all set to pour your concrete slab.All storage sheds should have a foundation; whether pier, gravel or concrete.More items...
How thick does a concrete slab need to be for a patio?
six (6) inchesIt is essential that you keep your concrete slab at no more than six (6) inches of thickness..
Can you run a gas line under a concrete slab?
Otherwise you could bury a pvc pipe in the concrete to run your gas line thru. Yes, you can bury the gas line. First I would bury a straight pipe larger than your gas line under the patio and then run the gas line in the pipe. If you ever need to replace the gas line it will be easy to remove.
Does a concrete patio need drainage?
Sloping a concrete patio or walkway is critical to provide the drainage it needs. Concrete that is not sloped properly will not drain. This is great news for mosquitos, who will use pooling water as a breeding ground.
Related Question Answers

trojanfoe
ProfessorDo you need rebar in concrete patio?
Not all surfaces need concrete rebar reinforcement, but adding it makes concrete stronger and more resistant to large cracks. ... Without rebar reinforcement, concrete is highly prone to cracks due to tension forces. Rebar helps prevent cracks from growing wider largely by preventing cracked slabs from moving apart.

Rajat
ProfessorHow many yards of concrete do I need for a 16x16 slab?
With a brief look, a 16x16 area at 6 inches deep, you would need approximately 6.73 tons or 4.74 cubic yards of gravel. Concrete reinforcing is also recommended in high traffic areas and medium to large areas.

Ondra Žižka
ProfessorHow much cement do I need for a 20x20 slab?
With a brief look, a 20x20 area at 6 inches deep, you would need approximately 10.52 tons or 7.41 cubic yards of gravel. Concrete reinforcing is also recommended in high traffic areas and medium to large areas.

Alireza
ProfessorCan I pour concrete under water?
The good news is that you can pour the concrete in water. ... The biggest issue with pouring concrete under water is movement. If the water is moving, it can wash away the cement paste that's holding the sand and gravel together. But if the water is calm, then it's not a problem at all.

ntg
ProfessorCan you pour concrete under water?
The good news is that you can pour the concrete in water. ... The biggest issue with pouring concrete under water is movement. If the water is moving, it can wash away the cement paste that's holding the sand and gravel together. But if the water is calm, then it's not a problem at all.

fabrizioM
ProfessionalHow do you install moisture barrier under concrete slab?
Most exterior slabs do not need a vapor barrier. ... In general, place the concrete slab directly on top of the vapor barrier, with the subbase below. ... The vapor barrier can be placed under the subbase, if the building is closed in when the dry subbase material is placed.More items...

Raghav Sood
ProfessionalDo concrete patios need rebar?
Do concrete patios need rebar? Even though it's possible to build a concrete patio without rebar, it's not recommended. All concrete is subject to cracks, but rebar holds all the cracks together and keeps the slab level and even. Without rebar, the cracks would become quite wide and the concrete would become uneven.

Nicolai Parlog
ProfessionalDo I need rebar for a concrete patio?
Do concrete patios need rebar? Even though it's possible to build a concrete patio without rebar, it's not recommended. All concrete is subject to cracks, but rebar holds all the cracks together and keeps the slab level and even. Without rebar, the cracks would become quite wide and the concrete would become uneven.

keikai
ProfessionalDo I need to seal a concrete patio?
When concrete patios are left to their own devices, nature may compromise durability and appearance. Winter freezing/thawing cycles could create cracks and flaking, and UV rays may whitewash the surface. Sealing your patio will help prevent this, deter stains and revive appearance with the color of your choice.

Jeremy Thille
ProfessionalDo you need Thinset under cement board?
Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners.
And you won't have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete..

Simon Wright
UserHow do you install porcelain tile on a concrete patio?
How To Install Tile Over An Existing Concrete PatioMaterials:Step 1: Prep your surface.Step 2: Do a dry-lay.Step 3: Install your tile.Step 4: Grout your tile.Step 5: Seal your grout.Step 6: Enjoy your new patio!Jul 25, 2017

Sukhi
UserHow do you pour a small concrete slab with quikrete?
Project Instructions 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. Evenly spread 3 to 4 inches of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel and then level the gravel. Compact the gravel base using a tamper.

Donal Fellows
UserDo I need a permit to pour concrete in my back yard NYC?
In general, if you are doing any work which is going to modify your floor plan, then, you do need a permit. If you are going to pour concrete for a patio in your backyard, then, yes, you do need a permit.

buran
UserHow do I fix concrete sloping to my house?
ANSWERRemove the concrete when you can afford it. Get some prices. ... Consider cutting the concrete patio lengthwise along the house and installing a perforated pipe to take the water away. ... Remove the concrete and put in a smaller patio. ... Consider replacing the patio with colored concrete.

Martin Konecny
UserDo you put cement board under bathtub?
You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

Srikar Appalaraju
GuestCan I cement my whole backyard?
In general, if you are doing any work which is going to modify your floor plan, then, you do need a permit. If you are going to pour concrete for a patio in your backyard, then, yes, you do need a permit.

aefxx
GuestHow do you deodorize a concrete patio?
spray the patio down with white vinegar and leave it on long enough to kill the odor. Then apply baking soda. Thank you for reporting!

Strom
GuestCan you add cement to a gravel driveway?
Laying a concrete driveway over an existing gravel one is possible, but it is not generally recommended. ... The kind of gravel that is intended to go under cement is typically a smaller grade than what is used for gravel driveways.

Kelly
GuestCan you sprinkle dry cement over gravel?
Mix the dry materials in a ratio of 3 parts gravel toHow to Coat Over a Pea Gravel Patio | DoItYourself,Pour or sprinkle the binding solution over the pea gravel in long, even, and light strokes.

Alyx
GuestDo you need a concrete slab for a hot tub?
A hot tub requires a stable surface — whether it's a concrete slab, reinforced deck, or firmly compacted soil with crushed gravel.
There's also the option to have the hot tub installed in the ground but that still requires a concrete vault..

Codemaker
GuestHow do you cool down a concrete patio?
Install a Gazebo or Umbrella. One of the easiest ways to keep a concrete patio nice and cool is to install something that offers shade from the sun. ... Paint the Patio. Bare concrete tends to get hotter than painted concrete surfaces. ... Lay Down a Rug. Sign up to get the latest DIY Projects and Advice! ... Use Water.Jan 29, 2010

Peter B
GuestShould I put cement board under tub?
You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

diegueus9
GuestWhat is the best insulation for under a concrete slab?
Applying a bead of polystyrene-compatible caulk or mastic to the top of the insulation board minimizes water infiltration behind it. For under-slab applications, the rigid foam insulation typically should be installed over a gravel base, with a poly vapor diffusion retarder between the gravel and insulation.

Patrick Hofman
GuestHow thick does a concrete patio need to be?
Four inchesFour inches is the minimum thickness for a concrete patio. You'll want to make it six to eight inches thick if the patio will support a structure such as a gazebo or hot tub.

Raman Sailopal
GuestWhat do you put under concrete blocks?
To create the base, spread a 4-inch layer of gravel over the excavated area. Level the gravel, following the initial grade, and cover it with a 1-inch layer of sand. Tamp the gravel and sand down with a plate compacter before laying the blocks.

Ahmad Abdelghany
GuestCan I use sand under concrete slab?
Pour concrete over a solid, well-drained base Because concrete slabs “float” on the soil, soft ground or voids underneath may cause unsupported areas to crack under heavy weight like vehicles. Pack about 4 in. of sand or gravel over clay and other poorly draining soils to provide even support.

Timus
GuestCan you make concrete without gravel?
can you make concrete without gravel? A typical concrete mix cannot be made without gravel. Concrete is made from a mixture of cement, sand, gravel (crushed stone), and water. A mix ratio of 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts gravel, and water, will give you a strong concrete mix.

Kornel
GuestDo I need gravel under concrete footing?
Registered User. permanent wood foundations require gravel, not concrete or soil for the footings - every situation is a little different, but all footings need to bear on the soil/gravel/bedrock/ whatever is supporting the structure equally, or it's going to settle at different rates.

philfreo
GuestWhat kind of paint do you use on a concrete patio?
Concrete porch and patio paints are frequently low-luster acrylic latex paints designed to conceal imperfections and resist fading, scuffing, cracking and UV damage. Epoxy-based paints provide high durability and stain resistance, making them ideal for garage or patio floors.

Marcelo Cantos
GuestDo I need DPM on concrete floor?
Do I need a DPM under laminate flooring? Simply put yes. In order to prevent damp rising through the concrete floor and causing issues, a DPM should be used under all final floor types including wood flooring, laminate, vinyl and floor tiles.

Gange
GuestCan you paint over painted concrete patio?
You only need one coat of bonding primer. It goes on white then dries clear in about 4 hours. After waiting the recommended 4 hours of dry time, you can apply your first coat of Behr Porch and Patio Paint.

CherryDT
GuestHow do you break concrete slab by hand?
InstructionsDig Under the Concrete. Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax. ... Strike the Concrete. Lightly sprinkle the concrete with water to minimize dust. ... Pry Off Stubborn Pieces. ... Move the Concrete Chunks With a Hand Truck.Feb 19, 2020

fl00r
GuestWhat is cheaper concrete or gravel?
Gravel is a whole lot cheaper than a concrete, asphalt, or other paved surface. It can cost less than 1/2 of paved driveways. Even though you will have to maintain the gravel, it is inexpensive to do so.

pepper
GuestDo I need a footer for concrete patio?
You really do not want the patio level with the house threshold, too easy for water to get in to the house. As for the slab, it will not settle if you prepare the subgrade correctly. You need the footers to support the structure, the slab is just there to walk on, and has no structural importance.

Petter Friberg
GuestDo you need a vapor barrier under concrete driveway?
The application of vapor barrier in exterior concrete is unnecessary due to the fact that water penetration does not matter. Any slab on grade that is enclosed and on the interior of a building should have a vapor barrier installed prior to pouring concrete, especially if flooring will be applied.

Andrew Reid
GuestDo you need concrete under pavers?
Installing pavers is very similar to concrete installation. You must start with a solid base and foundation. Most frequently, this involves digging down into the ground and removing the existing dirt and replacing it with gravel and sand.

Whole Brain
GuestDo you need gravel under concrete footing?
Registered User. permanent wood foundations require gravel, not concrete or soil for the footings - every situation is a little different, but all footings need to bear on the soil/gravel/bedrock/ whatever is supporting the structure equally, or it's going to settle at different rates.

I Support The Boycott
GuestDo I need wire mesh for concrete patio?
For a concrete patio slab the best method of providing reinforcement is to use either wire mesh or steel bars (rebar) placed in a grid pattern. The use of rebar requires that each of the intersections of rebar be tied together with rebar tie wire. ... This must be done as soon as the concrete is poured.

Muhammed Moussa
GuestDo you need sand under concrete slab?
One reason it is used as a backfill or sub-grade material. As with all material, it has to be placed correctly and compacted properly. Sand needs to remain damp as well as other material before placement of the concrete. If you want to build a road, use gravel, but this does not mean you will not have issues.

Fragsworth
GuestHow many inches of gravel do you need for a concrete slab?
Excavate the slab area to a depth of about 7 inches, allowing 3 inches for a gravel base and 4 inches for concrete.

Austin Greco
GuestHow many bags of sand and cement do I need for a patio?
2 Answers from MyBuilder Landscape Gardeners You need approximately 0.75 cubic metres of gear. A ton bag of sharp sand is around 0.5 cubic metres so 2 bags will be plenty and 10 cement.

Fabrizio Valencia
GuestDo I need gravel under my concrete slab?
Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting.
Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn't drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains..

M.Hassan Nasir
GuestDo you need to use thinset under cement board?
Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won't have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete.

pepper
GuestHow do you break concrete by hand?
InstructionsDig Under the Concrete. Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax. ... Strike the Concrete. Lightly sprinkle the concrete with water to minimize dust. ... Pry Off Stubborn Pieces. ... Move the Concrete Chunks With a Hand Truck.

Frank Krueger
GuestHow do you sand a concrete porch?
Wash the concrete patio with a degreasing cleaner and a scrub brush. ... Sand the concrete patio using large-grit sandpaper anywhere that the surface is rough or uneven. ... Make any necessary repairs to the concrete patio. ... Use a paint roller with a telescoping handle to apply a coat of masonry primer.More items...

Mayank Pandeyz
GuestHow much cement sand and gravel do I need?
An average 1:2:3 mix contains one part cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel. To make 1 cubic yard of concrete, you'd need seven 94-pound bags of cement, about 1/2 cubic yard of sand and just over 3/4 cubic yard of gravel. The amount of water you use depends on how wet the sand is.

Stefan Steinegger
GuestHow thick does the concrete need to be for a patio?
4 inchesThe minimum thickness of any concrete slab is 4 inches. However, if the concrete patio will have heavy features added to it, you may want to thicken it to 6 or 8 inches. The concrete is typically laid on a 2-3 inch base of gravel, sand, limestone, or other aggregates.

Cormac O'Brien
GuestHow thick should a concrete porch be?
4 inchesWe generally try to maintain a minimum thickness of any slab at 4 inches, if the patio will have heavy features added on it, you may want to thicken it to 6 or even 8 inches, at least under the area where the feature will be added..

Linda Paiste
GuestWhy is my concrete patio sinking?
One cause of a sinking patio is weight. The soil under your home is strong, but concrete is heavy. Over time, this weight will cause the concrete patio to naturally sink a bit. ... In this case, even if the patio is replaced, the problem will continue until you've addressed the drainage issue.

Hanfei Sun
GuestCan I pour cement over gravel?
Laying a concrete driveway over an existing gravel one is possible, but it is not generally recommended. ... The kind of gravel that is intended to go under cement is typically a smaller grade than what is used for gravel driveways.