Use 2x4s in order to obtain 4 inch thick concrete. Use 2x6s in order to obtain 6 inch thick concrete. To make a curved shape pad, you must use a more flexible kind of wood.

It is best to put a stake at each end of the board, then fill in the middle with stakes at roughly 4 feet apart. To make sure your board is strait, run a string from one end of the board to the other end.

To make the surface of the concrete even with the ground, you must dig down 4 inches. To make the concrete pad above ground, just nail it into the stakes.

To check depth, run a string across from the top of each form and measure down making sure it is 4 inches. This is also referred to as “Grade”. Now would also be the time to add steel mesh or re-steel, if you have it (for strengthening purposes).

One yard of concrete is the equivalent to 81 square feet per 4 inch thick concrete. The equivalent for 6 inch thick concrete is 54 square feet. To figure out the square footage of a rectangle or square the equation is length times width.

The concrete must be poured quickly so you have time to move it into place while it is still wet.

It is best to have one person on each side of the screed board and pull back the concrete simultaneously. If your pad is too large or not in a position to be screeded from the outside, one person or both people must stand inside the pad and do your best to run the board along the 2x4s. If you cannot perform these two methods for screeding, it is suggested you seek help from a more advanced concrete finisher.

If some holes will not close up, you can sprinkle some water to aid in the process.

This may take some time depending on weather, if the sun is out it it will dry up quicker. There is a video tagged in these instructions that will help you learn how to properly finish concrete.

Try to disperse it evenly amongst the surface. Making one spot wetter than another will cause that spot to give away faster and potentially cause holes in the washing away process.

Make sure your plastic is big enough to cover the whole pad with some wiggle room so you can weigh it down along the edge. Gently lay the plastic down on the surface of the concrete so you do not create any smudges.

It is best to let it sit over night and check it in the morning unless you poured it very early, in which case you can check it later that day.

Be careful to not focus in one area for too long, doing so can create rivets. Pea stone should be exposed evenly throughout the surface.

Forms can be reused for future jobs.

Make the saw cuts symmetrical. Square pads are cut into squares for symmetry, do not let the saw cut lines extend for more than 10’ by 10'.

Make sure the surface is clean and free of any stains before hand. Disperse the spray evenly amongst the surface for best results.