How to Level Concrete
To make your concrete durable and attractive, you need to level it.
Steps to Level Concrete
- Set your forms properly on the surface. Spray the surface lightly using a garden hose, and then pour the concrete.
- Once you have filled the forms with concrete, tamp the fresh concrete so that it would become compact around the edges. You can use a tamper or you can put on rubber boots, then walk on the concrete. Try to walk evenly on all parts of the surface.
You can use a 2x4 to compact smaller areas. For larger places, you can rent roller tampers at home improvement stores.
- Create a screed for leveling it. For this purpose, you can use a straight-edged 2x4. Work the 2x4 back and forth in a sawing manner. Start with one point in the concrete then work your way to the other points. Again, make sure that you work the screed on all parts of the concrete.
- To level concrete in places which the 2x4 cannot reach, you can use a magnesium concrete rake that has an extension handle. Use the said tool as you would use the 2x4.
- To verify if the concrete is leveled properly, you can make use of a long straight piece of wood. Place the piece of wood on one side of the concrete surface and see if it lays flat on it. Do the same with the other points in the surface.