Dig out the area where the concrete will be poured. Remove tree roots, stones and heavy clay.

Use sturdy 2-by lumber for the straight areas. Use 6 inch strips of hardboard siding for the curved edges. Hammer in stakes and attach lumber to them. Place stakes at frequent intervals to prevent blowouts (every 3 feet). To prevent water from collecting on the pad, slope it by dropping one side of the form 1 inch for every 10 feet of concrete.

Apply sub-base materials if needed. Some conditions warrant the use of steel fiber or steel mesh. Put in expansion joint (every 30 feet and where you abut to other masonry surfaces) to prevent heaving, cracking or buckling.

Have on hand the following tools to place and finish the concrete. These can be purchased or rented from your local hardware store or rental company.

• shovels (with square end)
• come-along or concrete rake
• screed board
• magnesium floats
• bull float with handles
• concrete edger
• concrete jointer/groover
• concrete broom
• concrete towel
• hose
• sealer
• protective clothing, rubber boots and rubber gloves

Schedule the delivery on a day when rain is not expected. A rainstorm in the middle of an outdoor project could be a disaster. (See our Quality Control section for tips on hot and cold weather pours). For a five-yard pour, you will need between three to six hours to complete the job.

Locate the nearest High Grade Materials plant and call the dispatcher to place your order. To secure a time slot, place the order two to three days ahead of time if possible. We can deliver as quickly as within _ hour notice if our schedule allows. We will need the following information:

• Your Name
• Address including directions
• Telephone number (optional)
• Description of the project to determine mix design (ex: exterior)
• Number of cubic yards you need (use our concrete calculator)
• Will you want any product upgrades or enhancers
• Date and time of desired delivery
• Method of Payment (Cash, Check or Credit Card) Please note that payment by credit card must be done before delivery. Our trucks are not equipped with credit card terminals.

Before the truck arrives you should:

• Arrange a passageway for the truck. Remember, if the ground is soft, the wheels can make deep ruts. The heavy trucks can also damage existing walkways and driveways. Don’t forget to look for overhead wires, underground sprinklers, septic systems, etc. that would be in the path. Once the truck leaves the road, any damages arising from the delivery will be your responsibility. If there is any doubt that the truck cannot access the job without damaging your property, you should hire a pump or conveying company; or plan on using wheelbarrows to transport the wet concrete. (This will require a minimum of two commercial grade wheelbarrows.)
• Find a place for the truck to wash out after the pour is complete.
• Put on protective clothing, boots and gloves. Avoid working in concrete soaked clothes, concrete filled boots or concrete soaked gloves. Wear eye protection to prevent splashes from getting in your eyes. If you find your skin in contact with wet concrete, rinse off thoroughly with soap and water. Flush eyes with water. Do not continue working in saturated clothing. Wet concrete is a caustic material. It can cause alkali burns of your skin and eyes.

As the concrete is unloaded, start with the concrete that was placed first and finish with the concrete that was placed last. (When working on a slope, work upwards on the slope.) Spread the concrete with a square ended shovel, a concrete rake or a come-along. Avoid using a garden rake or other tools that will segregate the concrete. Lightly tap the edges of the forms with a shovel or 2×4 to release air bubbles and consolidate the concrete.