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After determining the site, mark and measure where you intend to pour concrete. Laying a slab can also be done using string and stakes. Place a stake at every corner. If flags were used to mark sewer lines, wires and gas lines, it can be confusing. Different colored flags are used to indicate various functions. You can measure the diagonals if you want a rectangular shape.
To prepare the site for concrete, most cases require some soil to be removed. If your concrete patio or driveway is to be level with the ground around it, you will need to remove some soil. The subbase can be as deep as 4-8 inches. The concrete slab can be as thick at 4 inches. (Depending on your project, the concrete slab and subbase depths may differ.
You should remove all sticks, twigs and odd-size stones. These obstructions could cause uneven concrete surfaces or air pockets. Next, level the ground with a 48-72 inch-long ruler. You can adjust the grading with a shovel to move the soil around and check the level again.
You can compress the subgrade, which is the earth or soil beneath the gravel subbase layer. This flat-bottomed plate comes with an upright handle of a length of broom. You can use it to put weight on the surface by pressing down or standing on top. Use the hand tamper to evenly work the area. This will create a firm subgrade that will keep the concrete from cracking.