How To Lay a Concrete Base

Last week I was called in to lay a concrete base for a shed
Eventhough technically, laying a concrete base does not lie within the domain of your average bricklayer nevertheless I have had the pleasure of doing one on many occasions and the procedures are as follows.

1. Dig out the area where the proposed base is to be, to a depth of at least 100mm.
2. Make formwork (to encase the concrete) with some 100x50mm to the size of the proposed base.
3. Ensure the depth of the concrete is 100mm.
4. Lay some hardcore (broken bricks etc.) and compact thoroughly with a compacter plate or similar ensuring there are no soft spots.
5. Drive some pegs into the ground to secure the formwork to and leave a little fall on it so that the rainwater can run off when the finished slab
   
6. Using an electric mixer mix up a ratio of 5 parts balllast to 1 part cement ensuring it is thoroughly mixed to the correct consistency
7. Barrow the concrete into the proposed base area and with a seesawing action level off the concrete (with a long straight length of timber) in line with the top of the formwork.
8. If a smooth finish is required use a plastering trowel when the concrete has dried a little
9. Be aware that a smooth finish can be dangerous in the winter and when combined with ice can prove positively fatal to the elderly and infirm. A brush finish can be a good safe alternative.This is where a brush is very lightly dragged over the concrete to produce a slightly rippled effect.
   

Time to quench the old thirst with several pints of the Amber Nectar!
There you have it. The blueprint of how to lay a concrete base. Simple huh!!