Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Concrete slab for shed

I am in the early stages of plannin and building a 10' x 10' shed. I want it to last, so I'd like to place it on a 4" concrete slab. Is this something I could do with a wheelbarrow and not need to get the mix delivered? There isn't access for a truck to bring it in. If I did order it, how many wheelbarrows full would I be talking? I guess I'd need maybe a yard or yard and a half or so and a couple sheets of mesh? Do I need a base of stone? Can someone give me a quick sysnopsis of the steps involved in doing this myself? The site is level. Thanks.

This slab will take about 33 cubic feet. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. If you cannot pour on undisturbed soil, packed gravel will give you a better base. Next a layer of 6 mil plastic to keep moisture from transpiring through the slab into your building. A layer of reinforcing mesh, then pour the concrete. Of course, you will need forms to hold the concrete.

Hope this helps.

You will quite a few friends to move the sand, rock and cement into your back yard. I suggest a lot of friends and mix near the slab. Don't do it on a hot day because it will take a while to mix everything and then finish it before it gets away from you.

Dick

could always rent a power buggy, would make life much easier. call in the truck and power buggy it back to the pour site, no effort other than sterring and braking:)

Thanks a lot for the replies. OK, so 33 cf or roughly 5.5 wheelbarrows full. So I'm better off just preparing the site and having ready-mix delivered and carting it to the pad site . Its only about 50' or so.

I was going to make the form with 2x4s and stakes. Is that ok?

So how many inches of gravel?

We always use 2x6 forms, put in enough sand or gravel and bring that finished height to 4" from the top of the 2x4. This way you have 1.5" of packed base material for drainage under the slab not to mention when prepared right you wont have any waste since grade will be exact for the entire slab.

Thanks a lot. OK, so 2x6s for the form work, 1.5" of base, 6 mil plastic, 4" concrete.

Should I make the tops of the forms level with the ground or make them stick above ground an inch or two?

Also, I'm assuming that the pad should be a few inches wider than the structure itself? Say 10' 4" ? Thanks.

Set the forms so the top of the slab is a couple of inches above the surrouding grade so water doesn't run in. Build a 4" ramp up to the slab.

If you make it wider than you need the rain running down the sides can run into the shed.

Dick

Thanks all. Some real useful information.