Can you concrete over grass

Inexpensive, versatile and easy to pour, concrete will last you for many years and is low maintenance. But can you pour a concrete slab over grass?

As with any project, there are pros and cons to consider before starting work. Yes, you can directly pour concrete over existing grass, but there is some preparation that should be done first to increase the life of your slabs.

Even though concrete seems strong, time and the elements will eventually cause it to crack much sooner than expected and leave concrete remains unless you conduct the proper prep work. Reasons not to pour a concrete slab over grass without preparing first.

Drainage issues: without adequate drainage, pouring concrete straight onto soil and grass could lead to pooling moisture and erosion which causes slabs to sink and crack. Stagnant water smells terrible and will cause your lawn and garden to smell terrible too. Grass regrowth: leaving roots under your slab could lead to regrowth up through cracks in the concrete. Uneven foundations: decaying grass beneath the concrete slab will cause subsidence.

This means that the ground will start to sink and pull any nearby foundations with it. In severe cases, subsidence can cause walls and floors to move, which can lead to cracks and destabilize buildings. Unlike grass, gravel and sand are not affected by temperature changes, making them good materials for a level and solid base for your concrete slab.

Creates a level surface: grass and soil create an uneven surface, so adding a layer of gravel will create an even foundation to pour your concrete onto. Provides sufficient drainage: a gravel base is made up of crushed stone which allows water to drain through the gaps. Drainage is important in gardens to prevent your lawn and flowerbeds from becoming waterlogged. Pricking the lawn with cm holes around your concrete slabs will help improve garden drainage.

Reduce the chances of settlement cracks: concrete is prone to cracking after long periods of time, which is caused by movement in the ground and foundations.

Beth on Jan 03, Helpful Reply. Elizabeth Michels Pinizzotto on Jan 03, Many towns have ordinances about how deep a base is needed for concrete. Tinyshoes on Jan 03, Shoshana on Jan 04, Sign Up to Answer. Suggested Project Book. This will disguise the faults and create a beautiful look. Although certain projects allow a little wiggle room by leaving grass underneath your concrete, it is best to remove all grass and loose debris before pouring.

This will ensure you have an even, smooth, crack-free look for many years without needing to deal with any expensive or time-consuming maintenance. Be sure to check are article on how much concrete you need for a fence project. Hey there and thanks for coming to our site.

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Learn how your comment data is processed. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Screw or hammer lumber pieces together to create the form. Lay it down in the desired location.

Add stakes every few feet to anchor it in place. Mix dry concrete with water in a pail. Follow the instructions on the package for exact measurements. Add water until the mix is pliable and thicker than soup. Smooth the concrete with a trowel.