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Concrete question

cbxjeff

I need to pour a step to my porch. It will be 3'x1'x8". Should I use sand or p-gravel as a base?

Thanks guys,

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Comments

15 comments

Date Votes
  • notnow

    P gravel at least. Maybe a heavier grade on the bottom. Sand would be too easily washed away. Just my thoughts.

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  • diver-rig

    If you can find it, ground concrete makes an awesome base.

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  • select-fire

    nothing... fill it up with concrete

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  • roswellnative

    I would just dig the edges a little deeper than the middle. It will settle better with a bell hole

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  • love2shoot

    What is the porch made of? Wood, block, ?

    3
  • cbxjeff

    love2shoot - concrete.

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  • chiefr

    If you use premixed sacks, you dont need to add anything. If you mix your own, use any gravel. I would never use sand and Portland without aggregate stone.

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  • notnow

    Can you cast it elsewhere then move it into place?

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  • cbxjeff

    chiefr, I should have been more clear. Yes, the job is small so I'll be using premix sacks. I want to know if I should use crushed rock or ? as a base under the concrete.

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  • Butchdog2

    Crushed stone if you are in a freezing area.

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  • chiefr
    cbxjeff: 31035400381595/comments/31035340632731

    chiefr, I should have been more clear. Yes, the job is small so I'll be using premix sacks. I want to know if I should use crushed rock or ? as a base under the concrete.

    I would not use stone under the premix because as it settles, the fine cement and sand will be leeched out into the crashed rock weakening it . Premixed concrete needs no additives.


    I always use thick plastic or tar paper or even asphalt shingles as a base for steps, then the premix. Hope this helps,

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  • asop

    If there is a concern with this slab "heaving" in the winter months then use a crushed stone base. If your are not in a freezing area or don't care if it heaves it's make no difference.

    3
  • love2shoot

    Anchor it to the concrete porch as well?

    3
  • cbxjeff

    It will not be anchored to the porch love2shoot. I think I will go with crushed marble rock. I can get bags at my local Lowe's and will only need a couple. It looks to be around #53 or a little smaller in size.

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  • Mr. Perfect

    Build the forms, put the metal grid in, and call it ready.

    3

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