From there, distribute the concrete over the project area by means of a hoe, then level out the concrete with a screed board-here, simply a 2×4. Proceed to mix and pour the concrete in evenly placed mounds. STEP 3: Build the formwork necessary to contain the poured concrete. Pour the gravel to a thickness of about five inches, then use a tamper to compress it to four inches. Good luck! Upon completing the excavation, add in a layer of QUIKRETE® All-Purpose Gravel to provide a level, stable foundation. For all but the most forgiving soil, a square-end spade may be your best bet. Your goal is to excavate the project area-and six inches around it-to a depth of six inches below the mason’s strings. Finished? OK: The most laborious part of the process begins now. Whatever you get, that’s how far down to move the strings. Because the standard slope is 1/8 inch per foot, multiply the planned length of the patio’s side (in feet) by 1/8. Follow the two strings running away from the house to the stakes where they’re tied. At this stage, setting the slope means angling the mason’s strings. To keep water from pooling on the patio surface-or worse, flooding your basement-give your patio a slight, rain-shedding slope. Finally, use a line level to ensure that the mason’s strings run at a consistent level. Follow the same approach in each corner of the project area. Is the distance precisely five feet? If not, adjust the position of the strings, resetting the stakes if necessary, until the points are, indeed, five feet apart. From any corner, measure and mark a point three feet out along one string, four feet out along the other. To do so, use what’s known as the 3-4-5 triangle method. Now it’s time to square the staked-out area. Once you have done so, run mason’s strings between the stakes where possible, use two stakes set back about a foot from each corner so that the perpendicularly running strings will intersect at the true corners of the project area. Next, drive in stakes in alignment with, but sitting about a foot outside, each corner of the rough layout. Using either rope or a garden hose, delineate a rough outline for the planned patio.
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