Understanding the Concrete Installation Process: From Prep to Pour
Concrete is one of the most versatile and durable building materials in the world, forming the foundation of countless residential, commercial, and industrial projects. But achieving long-lasting, high-performance results requires more than just pouring a mix and letting it harden. At Evenson Concrete Systems, we know that a successful installation is a step-by-step process—from thorough preparation to expert finishing, that ensures strength, safety, and quality.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the concrete installation process, breaking down each critical phase so you can understand how professionals transform raw materials into durable surfaces built to last.
Inside the Blog:
Step 1: Site Evaluation and Planning
Step 2: Site Preparation
Step 3: Formwork Construction
Step 4: Reinforcement Installation
Step 5: Mixing and Pouring Concrete
Step 6: Screeding and Leveling
Step 7: Finishing the Surface
Step 8: Curing the Concrete
Step 9: Cutting Control Joints
Step 10: Long-Term Maintenance
Final Thoughts
Step 1: Site Evaluation and Planning
Before the first shovel of dirt is moved, the project begins with evaluation and planning. The site is assessed for soil condition, drainage, grading, and accessibility. Proper planning ensures the ground can handle the load of the concrete slab and prevents issues like cracking or settling down the road.
Key considerations include:
Soil testing: Identifying whether the ground needs compaction or reinforcement.
Drainage planning: Ensuring water runs away from the slab to avoid pooling and erosion.
Layout and design: Marking the exact placement, dimensions, and depth of the slab.
Thorough planning sets the foundation for success, saving both time and money by addressing potential challenges upfront.
Step 2: Site Preparation
Once planning is complete, the site is prepared to receive the concrete. This is one of the most critical steps for ensuring durability.
Site preparation typically includes:
Clearing and excavation: Removing vegetation, rocks, and debris, then digging to the required depth.
Grading and leveling: Creating a smooth, even surface to support the slab.
Sub-base installation: Adding gravel or crushed stone to improve drainage and prevent soil movement.
Proper compaction of the sub-base helps avoid cracks and shifts in the finished concrete. This layer provides the strength and stability the slab will rely on for decades.
Step 3: Formwork Construction
With the base ready, forms are built to shape and hold the wet concrete in place until it hardens. These are typically made from wood, steel, or plastic and are designed to fit the exact dimensions of the slab.
Good formwork ensures:
Straight edges and accurate slab dimensions.
Containment of the mix during pouring.
Support for surface features like steps, curbs, or decorative edges.
Attention to detail in formwork directly impacts the final appearance and performance of the concrete surface.
Step 4: Reinforcement Installation
To enhance strength and resist cracking, reinforcement is added to the slab before the pour. This may include steel rebar, wire mesh, or fiber reinforcement within the mix itself.
Benefits of reinforcement:
Improved load-bearing capacity.
Greater resistance to temperature-related expansion and contraction.
Increased lifespan of the slab.
This step is essential for commercial and industrial projects, as well as driveways, foundations, and high-traffic areas.
Step 5: Mixing and Pouring Concrete
With the site ready, it’s time to pour. Concrete is mixed according to the project’s specifications, with careful attention paid to water-to-cement ratio, aggregate size, and additives that enhance performance.
The pouring process involves:
Transporting the mix: Using trucks, pumps, or wheelbarrows.
Placing the concrete: Distributing it evenly across the formwork.
Vibrating and compacting: Removing air pockets to ensure density and prevent weak spots.
At Evenson Concrete Systems, we ensure that every pour is completed with precision timing to achieve consistency and structural integrity.
Step 6: Screeding and Leveling
After the pour, the surface is leveled using a process called screeding. This involves drawing a straightedge across the top of the formwork to strike off excess material and create a flat surface.
Once screeded, the slab is further refined with bull floating to smooth ridges and fill voids, creating a uniform surface. This step is critical for both appearance and performance, laying the groundwork for finishing.
Step 7: Finishing the Surface
Finishing gives concrete its final look and texture while improving durability and safety. Depending on the project, finishing may include:
Troweling: Producing a smooth surface for indoor floors or polished finishes.
Broom finishing: Creating a slip-resistant texture, common for sidewalks and driveways.
Decorative techniques: Such as stamping, staining, or exposed aggregate for aesthetic appeal.
Finishing is where craftsmanship truly shines, turning a basic slab into a functional and visually appealing surface.
Step 8: Curing the Concrete
Perhaps the most overlooked—but critical—step is curing. Concrete doesn’t just “dry”—it undergoes a chemical reaction called hydration. Proper curing allows the concrete to reach maximum strength and resist premature cracking.
Curing methods include:
Covering the slab with plastic sheeting.
Applying curing compounds to seal in moisture.
Using wet coverings like burlap or sprinklers.
Curing typically lasts at least 7 days, though full strength develops over 28 days. Patience during curing ensures the slab will stand strong for decades.
Step 9: Cutting Control Joints
As concrete cures, it naturally shrinks, which can cause cracks. To control this, joints are saw-cut into the slab to allow for controlled cracking along straight, planned lines.
This step:
Prevents unsightly random cracks.
Extends the life of the slab.
Adds to structural reliability.
Step 10: Long-Term Maintenance
Once the installation is complete, long-term care helps preserve the concrete’s strength and appearance. Maintenance may include periodic sealing, cleaning, and addressing any small cracks before they expand.
At Evenson Concrete Systems, we provide guidance on maintenance to ensure your investment lasts for years to come.
Why Professional Concrete Installation Matters
DIY concrete work may seem straightforward, but the reality is that every step requires precision and expertise. From soil preparation to finishing techniques, cutting corners can lead to costly repairs and premature failure. Partnering with a professional team ensures:
Proper planning and execution.
High-quality materials and mixes.
Skilled labor for smooth, durable finishes.
When done right, concrete installation creates a surface that’s strong, functional, and built to stand the test of time.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the concrete installation process. From prep to pour, it gives you insight into the level of detail and craftsmanship required to build surfaces that last. Each stage plays a vital role in ensuring strength, safety, and performance.
At Evenson Concrete Systems, we’re proud to bring decades of experience and a reputation for excellence to every project. Whether it’s a commercial foundation, warehouse floor, or custom concrete installation, we’re here to deliver results you can trust.
Ready to start your next project? Contact us today to learn how our team can bring your vision to life with precision, quality, and durability.