How to Pour Concrete (Step‑by‑Step Guide)
Pouring concrete isn’t complicated, but it does take a steady pace and a good plan. When your forms are solid, your mix is right, and you place the concrete in the right order, the whole job goes smoother. This guide walks you through the basics so you can pour clean, level concrete without the common headaches.
Related Guides
Concrete Forming Basics – Learn how to set forms straight, level, and solid before any pour.
How to Form Concrete Steps – A step‑by‑step guide for building safe, clean concrete steps.
Concrete Finishing Tools – See the tools you’ll need for edging, floating, and broom finishing.
Concrete Yardage Calculator – Figure out exactly how much concrete your project requires.
Slope Calculator – Make sure your slab drains correctly with the right pitch.
Concrete Repair Guides – Fix cracks, spalling, and surface damage before pouring new concrete.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Whether you’re ordering a truck of concrete or mixing it yourself, you’ll need the right tools to get the job done. If you’re not sure how much concrete to order, check out my Concrete Yardage Calculator. You’ll also need basic concrete finishing tools — see my Concrete Finishing Tools page for a simple breakdown of what each one does.
Other Tools
- Cum-along: for grading(moving the concrete)
- Shovel: always nice to have one handy
- Strike off or 2×4: for screeding the concrete
- A couple buddies and a cooler full of beer (this step makes the job go smoother)
Rubber boots (muck boots) make moving through wet concrete easier, and using rebar or wire mesh is always recommended for added strength.
Prep Checklist
Forms are set, level, and fully braced
Base is compacted and graded
Rebar or wire mesh is installed (recommended)
Access is clear for wheelbarrows or mixer
Weather is dry and above freezing
Tools are staged and ready to grab
Water source is close by
Yardage is calculated (use my Concrete Yardage Calculator)
Finishing tools are ready (see my Concrete Finishing Tools page)
Rubber boots (muck boots) on hand for moving through wet concrete
Step‑by‑Step: Pouring the Concrete
1. Start at the farthest corner Begin pouring in the corner you can’t reach later. Work your way back toward your exit point.
2. Place the concrete evenly Dump or pour the mix in lifts, keeping it fairly level as you go. Don’t pile it all in one spot.
3. Push concrete into edges and corners Use a shovel or come‑along to work concrete tight against the forms and around rebar or wire mesh so there are no voids.
4. Fill the forms to slightly above grade You want the concrete a little higher than the forms so you have material to screed off cleanly.
5. Keep a steady pace Concrete waits for no one. Keep the pour moving so you don’t end up with cold joints or uneven setup times.
6. Rough‑level as you go Before screeding, use your rake or come‑along to knock down high spots and fill low spots. This makes screeding way easier.
Step‑by‑Step: Finishing the Concrete
1. Bull float the surface Right after screeding, run a bull float over the slab. This pushes aggregate down, brings paste to the top, and smooths out your screed lines. Keep the float flat so you don’t dig in.
2. Let the bleed water evaporate This is the part most beginners rush. Don’t touch the concrete while water is sitting on the surface. Finishing too early traps water and weakens the top layer.
3. Edge the slab Once the surface has lost its shine and can support an edger without sinking, run an edger along the forms. This strengthens the edges and gives the slab a clean, professional look.
4. Cut control joints (if needed) Use a groover to cut joints while the concrete is still workable. These joints help control cracking and should be spaced based on slab thickness.
5. Hand float or mag float the surface After edging and grooving, use a hand float or magnesium float to smooth the surface and close it up. This levels small imperfections and preps the slab for its final finish.
6. Apply the final finish Choose the finish based on the project:
Broom finish: Drag a broom across the surface for traction (driveways, sidewalks, patios).
Steel trowel finish: Smooth, tight finish for interior slabs or garage floors.
Light float finish: For a natural, slightly textured look.
7. Touch up edges and corners Before the concrete fully sets, go back around the slab and clean up edges, corners, and any spots that need a quick pass.
8. Start curing the concrete Once the finish is done and the surface has set enough to hold its shape, begin curing. Keep the slab damp and protected from sun and wind to prevent early cracking.
Common Mistakes When Pouring Concrete
Pouring too slowly – Concrete starts setting the moment it hits the forms. A slow pour creates cold joints and uneven setup times.
Adding too much water – Thinner concrete is easier to move, but it dries weak and dusty. Stick to the right mix.
Not working edges and corners – Voids form fast around forms and rebar if you don’t push concrete tight into place.
Screeding without rough‑leveling first – High and low spots make screeding a fight. A quick rake pass saves time.
Finishing while bleed water is still present – This traps water under the surface and causes scaling later.
Skipping control joints – Without joints, the slab will crack wherever it wants to.
Pro Tips
Stage your tools before the pour – Once concrete is down, you don’t have time to look for anything.
Keep a hose nearby – Lightly misting forms and the base prevents them from sucking moisture out of the mix.
Use rubber boots (muck boots) – Makes moving through wet concrete easier and keeps your footing solid.
Have one person dedicated to screeding – Consistency matters. One steady screeder keeps the slab flat.
Watch the surface sheen – When the shine fades, it’s time to edge, float, or broom.
Plan your exit – Always pour toward the direction you can walk out of.
Final Thoughts
Pouring concrete goes a lot smoother when your forms are solid, your tools are ready, and you follow the steps in order. Take your time, watch the surface as it sets, and don’t rush the finishing. A clean pour sets the foundation for everything that comes next, whether you’re building a patio, walkway, or small slab. If you’re looking to protect your work once it cures, check out my guides on concrete sealers to choose the right one for your project.