Mix ratios, curing times, and reinforcement guidelines for concrete projects. Covers slabs, footings, and proper finishing techniques.
| Application | Cement | Sand | Gravel | PSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footings & Foundations | 1 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3000 |
| Slabs & Sidewalks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3500 |
| Driveways | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4000 |
| High Strength | 1 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 4500+ |
| Time | Strength | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 24-48 hours | ~20% | Initial set, can walk on |
| 7 days | ~70% | Light loads, continue curing |
| 28 days | ~95-100% | Full strength achieved |
| 90 days | 100%+ | Continued hardening |
Sidewalks: 4 inches minimum
Patios: 4 inches minimum
Driveways (Cars): 4-6 inches
Driveways (Heavy Trucks): 6-8 inches
Garage Floors: 6 inches minimum
Basement Floors: 4 inches over gravel base
Rebar
Wire Mesh
Fiber Mesh
1. Screeding
Level concrete with screed board
2. Bull Floating
Smooth surface, embed aggregate
3. Edging
Round edges to prevent chipping
4. Control Joints
Cut to 1/4 of slab depth, max 10 ft spacing
5. Troweling
Smooth finish after bleed water evaporates
6. Brooming
Add slip resistance for outdoor surfaces
1 Cubic Yard = 27 cubic feet
4" Slab: 1 cubic yard covers 81 sq ft
5" Slab: 1 cubic yard covers 65 sq ft
6" Slab: 1 cubic yard covers 54 sq ft
80 lb Bag: Makes 0.6 cubic feet
60 lb Bag: Makes 0.45 cubic feet
This concrete mixing and pouring cheat sheet provides essential reference information for DIY concrete projects including sidewalks, patios, driveways, footings, and slabs. Understanding concrete mix ratios, slab thickness requirements, reinforcement needs, and proper curing techniques is crucial for durable, long-lasting results.
Concrete work is unforgiving - once poured, you have limited time to finish before it sets, and mistakes are difficult to correct. This guide helps you plan your project properly, from calculating material quantities to understanding strength development timelines. Proper preparation, including correct reinforcement and adequate curing, makes the difference between concrete that lasts decades and concrete that cracks within the first year.
Whether you're pouring a small pad for an AC unit or a full driveway, the fundamentals remain the same: correct mix design, proper thickness, adequate reinforcement, good finishing technique, and thorough curing. This reference provides the specifications you need to get each of these elements right.
Having quick access to concrete specifications helps ensure your project will be strong enough for its intended use and will resist cracking and deterioration over time.