Pouring concrete foundation

[Chrissy K]

Afternoon.

I am just in the process of finalising my brick planter design (approx 700mm high brick front with a brezze block inner skin) that will go across the back of my conservatory. A quick calculation says I have 16m of foundations to pour (approx 150mm deep x 400mm wide).

Using the C20 calculator I know the quantities of materials needed and I am also the proud owner of a new(ish) belle mixer (ebay special)

As I have never done this before, do I start at one end and pour a barrow in, then pour the next barrow next to it, followed by the next barrow next to that one. Then once there is a covering in the trench start at the beginning again and pour in and level (I assume this way might help get rid of any bubbles)

Or do i make sure the 1st metre is level, followed by the next metre followed by the next metre

I hope that makes sense

[seanandruby]

just pour continuous barrow next to barrow and finish as you go otherwise you get cold joints. Give the concrete a good ramming wth the blade of your shovel then tamp and finish. Good luck.

[r896neo]

Maybe not what you want to hear after buying a new mixer but i would honestly get it delivered. Anything over half a cube i get delivered now and its not just the time saved.

For you to mix the 1 cubic metre you need its

13 bags of cement - 45 quid

2 bulk bags of stone - maybe 40 quid

1 bag of sand maybe 15

Delivery (unless you have a trailer) maybe 15

All in probably 100 quid. Regional prices vary wildly but i can get a cube delivered for a 100ish and mixing that will take you all day in a wee belle not to mention the time needed to cart all the stuff around the back.

Good on you if your more just enjoying the project then get stuck in but i just thought i'd mention it as people underestimate the material cost versus getting readymix.

[DNgroundworks]

Readymix every time for us, save so much time mixing etc plus its better concrete

[local patios and driveway]

Nahh mix it with the new belle, kill yourself all day, then put it on ebay the following day like the last owner when you realise that mixing concrete by hand is pointless over 1cumtr

[michaelthegardener]

me and me mate did a shed base when we were 18 took all day an half killed us had to cart all the stuff up a flight of stairs to :0

[yourgardenworks.co.uk]

Readymix all the way for me, you'll get a better end product to as it will be mixed to the correct spec.

[Carberry]

Lose the Belle, Mix by hand and lose half a stone doing a days work

[Chrissy K]

@r896neo

I have just phoned up my local readymix company in North Manchester and to have 1m3 barrowed into the back is £120+vat. To buy the materials from the same place I am getting the bricks from (no delivery charge) £100+vat

Anyone want to buy a belle cement mixer !!!

However...... My retired Uncle and dad are really looking forward to doing this project (They are fit,competent DIYers)
How long would it take the 3 of us to mix and pour the concrete?

[r896neo]

With the stuff already at the mixing site in a belle minimix it would take a full day and a longish day at that. Having more people doesn;t really make it quicker as you need to let each guage mix for maybe 5 mins after loading it all.

[Chrissy K]

Thanks r896neo

I better go and buy 2 more cement mixers

[sussex]

get some pain killers today save walking to shops with backache tomorrow ! good luck