Can you pour concrete over gravel?

Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn't drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains.
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What happens if you pour concrete over gravel?

Adding crushed stone under your concrete slab will provide a level surface for your foundation. Simply pouring concrete onto the ground will expose it to elemental erosion that will cause cracking and sinking. Similarly, if there are roots or plants under your slab, they may rot and cause unevenness.
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Can you put concrete on top gravel?

Cement mix might work in some cases over an existing gravel driveway. Laying a concrete driveway over an existing gravel one is possible, but it is not generally recommended. The kind of gravel that is intended to go under cement is typically a smaller grade than what is used for gravel driveways.
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Can you cover gravel with concrete?

Generally, you should not put gravel over concrete, especially in high-traffic areas. Gravel over concrete may look nice, but it is not a lasting and safe solution. Over time, the gravel will shift due to walking or driving over it, leaving bald spots exposed and creating tripping hazards.
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Can you lay concrete over rocks?

Big rocks are not a problem as long as there is uniform concrete coverage and adequate rebar for temperature fluctuations. If the big rocks protrude up above grade and if you have a few in a row, it will weaken the slab. We like things uniform, including the grade, thickness of the concrete, etc.
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brushing CHEAP concrete onto a gravel driveway (adding strength and resilience)



What kind of gravel goes under concrete?

The base in concrete construction is usually a form of crushed stone. Most concrete contractors want a mix of coarse and fine aggregate to create a compactable base that is going to be safe for settlement and drainage.
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Can I lay concrete over pea gravel?

Combining pea gravel with concrete is an effect most frequently used for driveways, patios and other outdoor locations. Mixing the pea gravel into the concrete is not difficult, but it does require a little work.
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How do I make my gravel driveway more solid?

How to Stabilize a Loose Gravel Driveway
  1. Remove organic matter from the driveway. Tree limbs, leaves and mud can end up on the driveway. ...
  2. Fix any drainage issues. Look carefully at your driveway after a rain. ...
  3. Fill potholes and other low spots. Most gravel driveways develop low spots over time. ...
  4. Compact the gravel.
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Do you need to put gravel down before concrete?

You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.
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How many inches of gravel do you need for a concrete slab?

Excavate the soil to a depth of 8 inches, allowing 4 inches for the gravel base and 4 inches for the concrete slab.
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What can you cover pea gravel with?

Stone pavers, metal edging, or treated lumber are all great options. Without this, your pea gravel will end up spreading around the yard and causing headaches (and maybe foot-aches).
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Can I pour concrete directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.
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What is the best sub-base for concrete?

The best sub-base for a concrete slab is gravel. The soil has to be prepped first before the gravel can be laid down; pouring concrete directly onto rock is not considered a best practice. You can use different kinds of gravel for the subbase as long as it is clean and uniform in shape and size.
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Do you need sand under concrete?

Just as every home needs a good foundation, your property's concrete slab needs a good subbase to function properly. Contractors sometimes use sand as a subbase when pouring concrete, but it all depends on the slab's function as well as your region's climate.
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Does crushed concrete drain water?

It can be successfully used for roads, driveways, or walkways. 21AA Crushed Concrete is great for drainage which makes it the right solution in wet areas.
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What is ground up concrete called?

Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) — also called “crushed concrete” — is made up of asphalt debris from other construction projects that can be reused to create driveways, pathways, garden beds and more.
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What size gravel is best for driveways?

Base layer

A commonly used gravel size for driveway base layers is #3 gravel. This rock is generally 1-2 inches in diameter and does double duty by establishing a solid, reliable foundation and providing adequate drainage; both critical factors in driveway construction.
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Does a 4 inch slab need rebar?

No, rebar is not required for a 4-inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4-inch-thick slab cast on the ground and in constant touch with it will float, with no need for rebar. For concrete that is 5–6 inches thick, rebar is suggested.
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How do you prepare the ground before pouring concrete mixture?

  1. Dig the ground down to the proper depth. ...
  2. Smooth out the ground with the flat side of a rake so that you have a level surface. ...
  3. Tamp the ground with a hand tamper or mechanical tamper. ...
  4. Pour 2 inches of small, rounded gravel for additional drainage needs.
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What size gravel is best for concrete?

There are many different uses for crushed stone, but it is typically used as an aggregate for underground projects. Many contractors prefer to use ½” or ¾” crushed stone as a subbase material before pouring concrete. Since it's durable, it is also regularly used for backfill, drainage solutions, or pipe bedding.
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