Posted by: Shelton on June 04, 2003 at 11:18:18

In Reply to: Cement Patio Posted by: Diana Morales on May 20, 2003 at 19:16:30

My husband and I are trying to lay a 33 X 20 ft. patio of cement. We need to know how to!! Do we dig? The area is all sandy and how do we frame it out? Also what is the best cement to use? Help!!!

Answer:
You mean to say "concrete"; cement is one of the ingredients of concrete.

Since concrete is heavy and has low tensile strength, a slab that large cannot support it's own weight and therefore will likely crack as a result of shifting of the underlying soil. This is prevented in various ways, including preparation of the underlying surface, using multiple slabs that are free to move with respect to each other and steel reinforcement.

Preparation depends on climate, (subject to freeezing or not), ground water, and soil conditions.

Concrete is usually purchased ready-mixed and since your application is the most common, the standard ready-mix product ought to be suitable.

I think that more than two people would be required to place and screed, (level), such a large area at one time.

Books on this subject are worthwhile and readily available. Good luck!