So having concrete brought in is still hard work! After we finished the pavilion construction, we had concrete brought in to pour a monolithic slab. The concrete ran $118/yard. For our 14x14' slab, it was about 2 1/4 yards. We had a fiberglass mesh added to the concrete so we did not have to use wire in the slab making the concrete a little more costly, but it was worth it.
To make a monolithic base, you start with the frame that is on the ground in whatever shape you choose. I chose a square. The frame is then filled with dirt or clay and packed down so that there is room for 4 inches of concrete on top of the compacted clay. Once that is complete, you level your clay and then with a plumber's shovel (it has a narrow scoop on it), you dig out about 3-5 inches around the inside of the frame just against the wood (inside the frame) so when you pour the concrete, it makes a lip going downward like an upside down cup or "u". This helps to keep the soil underneath when it rains.
When the concrete came, we moved the concrete in the frame to fill in all spaces, leveling it with a back and forth motion using a straight board against the top of the frame. Once the concrete was level and filled in, we used an edger to form a rounded edge on the top and smoothed the top of the concrete for a nice finish. So no one will bust their bottoms when it is wet, you can use a broom to brush the top of the concrete after it has set quite a bit, but not yet completely dry.
I am so excited to have a barbecue pavilion. Now for some sod and a pathway...
I am hoping to build a farmhouse table for it very soon!! I just have to talk my hubby into it. :)
