Step-By-Step Guide to Successfully Lay a Durable Concrete Basement Floor – Part 2

The installation of a concrete basement floor is a critical part of the structural integrity of a home. If the frame of a home rests on the concrete floor, the floor must be installed correctly to bear the weight of the structure. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all steps in the installation process are carried out correctly and by a professional. Below are the steps to lay a concrete basement floor:

Ground Preparation:

The integrity of the concrete floor rests on the ground preparation. So, the ground needs to be leveled and packed as tightly as possible. After compaction a gravel bed should be laid over the ground and leveled to provide a good drainage layer for moisture. Sand should also be used to evenly spread the gravel bed, and for providing a smooth level surface for the concrete to be poured over. Once the sand has been laid, thick vinyl sheeting should be placed over it to act as a moisture barrier between the ground and the concrete.

Forms:

2×4 boards should be placed on their sides, staked in a square or rectangle, to create the form for the concrete to be poured into. Plumb lines should be used to ensure that the boards are level. Additional lumber needed to further level the concrete when it is poured.

Pouring the Concrete:

Concrete is mixed and poured into the form. The concrete should be mixed with the right amount of water to the right consistency. If a large quantity of concrete is needed, it may be more effective to hire a mixing truck to mix and pour a large batch. The concrete should be shoveled and spread evenly around the form. Additionally, a piece of lumber should be dragged across the top of the form to level the concrete. Finally, hand towels can also be used to ensure that the surface of the concrete is flat and even.

Insulation Board:

Once the concrete has dried and set, insulation board or foam board should be placed. The time it will take for the concrete to cure will depend on how thick is the slab and how large the area is. The insulation board should be securely attached to both the concrete slab and surrounding walls, for example at least to the bottom, through the use of special concrete fasteners or screws.

Ultimately, all these steps should be done by a professional to finally achieve a quality and safe concrete basement floor.