# How to Pour a Concrete Slab Plan, form, mix, place, finish, joint, and cure a slab, following the manufacturer's published method. Guide page: (published 2026-10-05, updated 2026-10-05). This Markdown version has the guide's key points, outline, FAQs and sources; the full article, with its worked examples and diagrams, is on the page. ## Key takeaways - Thickness, reinforcement, and base requirements come from your plans or local building authority; this guide covers the method, not the design. - Measure inside the forms, use the actual form height, and order by the yield printed on the bag you buy. - QUIKRETE's published slab method: dampen the sub-grade, fill to full depth in one continuous pour, strike off, float, edge, and cut 1 in deep control joints every 6 to 8 ft. - Trowel or broom only after the surface water has evaporated, and don't overwork the concrete. - Start curing as soon as possible and keep it going for 5 days at 70 °F or warmer, or 7 days at 50 to 70 °F; protect the slab from freezing for the first 48 hours. ## In this guide 1. [Before you start](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#before-you-start) 2. [Measure and order the concrete](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#measure-and-order) 3. [Prepare the site and sub-base](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#prepare-the-site) 4. [Build the forms](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#build-the-forms) 5. [Mix the concrete](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#mix-the-concrete) 6. [Place, strike off, and float](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#place-and-strike-off) 7. [Edges and control joints](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#edges-and-control-joints) 8. [Finish the surface](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#finish-the-surface) 9. [Cure and protect the slab](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#cure-and-protect) 10. [Safety](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab/#safety) ## Frequently asked questions ### How much water goes into an 80 lb bag of concrete mix? For QUIKRETE Concrete Mix (No. 1101), the data sheet says to start with about 6 pints of water per 80 lb bag and expect a final water content of about 6 to 9 pints. Other products publish their own amounts, so follow the bag you buy. ### How far apart should control joints be in a slab? QUIKRETE's slab method for its Concrete Mix calls for control joints 1 inch deep every 6 to 8 feet, cut with a grooving tool. If your plans specify joint spacing, follow the plans. ### How long should a new concrete slab cure? QUIKRETE's data sheet for Concrete Mix says curing should start as soon as possible and continue for 5 days in warm weather at 70 °F or higher, or 7 days in colder weather between 50 °F and 70 °F. ### When can I trowel or broom the slab? After striking off and floating, let the concrete stiffen slightly and wait until all water has evaporated from the surface before troweling or applying a broom finish. The manufacturer also warns not to overwork the material. ### Can I pour concrete if a frost is coming? Fresh concrete must be protected from freezing during its first 48 hours. QUIKRETE recommends plastic sheeting and insulation blankets if temperatures are expected to fall below 32 °F. ### How thick should my slab be? That depends on what the slab carries and on local requirements, so take it from your plans or building department. QUIKRETE Concrete Mix itself is described as designed for pours 2 inches thick or more. ## Related calculators and guides ### Calculators - [Concrete Calculator](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/concrete-calculator/) — Slab volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters, with ready-mix order size and bag counts for documented products. - [Gravel Calculator](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/gravel-calculator/) — Gravel, crushed rock, or landscape rock volume in cubic yards and meters, with an optional weight from your supplier's density. ### Guides - [Pouring and Curing Concrete in Cold or Hot Weather](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/concrete-in-cold-and-hot-weather/) — Temperature limits, freeze protection, hot-weather drying, and curing time for a new slab, with a worked example. - [Concrete Bag Yields by Bag Size](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/concrete-bag-yields/) — Published cubic-foot yields for bagged concrete mixes, with bags per cubic foot, cubic yard, and cubic meter. - [Bagged vs. Bulk Materials: Which Should You Buy?](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/bagged-vs-bulk-materials/) — How to compare bags and bulk delivery using bags per cubic yard and your own local prices. - [How to Plan a Bulk Material Delivery](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/planning-material-delivery/) — Rounding to supplier increments, questions to ask, and a checklist before bulk material arrives. - [How to Measure an Irregular Area](https://www.howmanyyardsdoineed.com/guides/measuring-irregular-areas/) — Split odd shapes into rectangles, triangles, circles, and trapezoids, then average width and depth. ## Sources - [QUIKRETE Concrete Mix (No. 1101) product data sheet: installation, application, and curing](https://www.quikrete.com/pdfs/data_sheet-concrete%20mix%201101.pdf) — QUIKRETE Companies. Used for: Control joints 1 in deep every 6–8 ft; water about 6–9 pt per 80 lb bag; cure 5 days at 70 °F or higher, 7 days at 50–70 °F; protect from freezing for 48 h. Checked 2026-10-05. - [QUIKRETE Concrete Mix (No. 1101) product data sheet](https://www.quikrete.com/pdfs/data_sheet-concrete%20mix%201101.pdf) — QUIKRETE Companies. Used for: 40 lb = 0.30 ft³; 60 lb = 0.45 ft³; 80 lb = 0.60 ft³; 90 lb = 0.675 ft³ (regional). Checked 2026-10-03. - [Voluntary Product Standard PS 20-25, American Softwood Lumber Standard](https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2024/12/11/PS%2020-25%20Final.pdf) — National Institute of Standards and Technology. Used for: Nominal 6 in width = 5-1/2 in minimum dressed (dry). Checked 2026-10-03. **Estimate only.** Results are planning estimates computed from the numbers you enter. They are not engineering, structural, or code advice. Confirm quantities, product yields, and installation requirements with your supplier, the product label, and your local building authority before you order or build.