i am building a conservatory but i am unsure of how to do the concrete floor can anyone help?

Answer 1

Building a conservatory is a massive undertaking - It is, for all practicle purposes, adding an addition to your home. Based on your question it seems that you are doing all of the work yourself. The concrete foundation will be the most important part of you conservatory so there are some basic guidelines to follow before you get to work:

First you want to make sure that you are working on completely level ground. You achieve this by first grating the surface by hand and then level it off by a moving weighted method. If you do not have access to a mini bulldozer then you can do it manually by using a wooden pallet (like the ones used at the grocery store) weighted down with heavy rocks or even people standing on it. The best way to pull the pallet is with a tractor or a sit down mower. Once you have the land leveled then you need to figure out what size, shape and depth of concrete slab you will require. If you are using a pre-fabricated conservatory kit then you will need to follow the measurement directions in the book that comes with it. If you are erecting a conservatory of your own design than you will need to find the precise area of the base of the conservatory, add four inches to all sides, and then stake out the area on the ground. Once you have the area staked out, spray paint lines on the ground in a bright color connecting the stakes. Next, with pieces of 4X8's or longer pieces of wood planks, box in the staked off area. If you are boxing in a very large area then you will need to divide it up into 3 to 4 sections at a time. Next, fill the area with a very thin layer of quality concrete base gravel. Make sure you leave around three inches from the base of the gravel to the top of the wood. Next, using a quality concrete such as QuickCrete, mix batches as designated on the bag. Work in sections by filling the boxed off areas smoothing with a hand trowel. Allow a section to set before removing the wood plank. Work on the next section, moving the plank divider and joining each section, smoothing over joints as you go. Make sure you allow each section to set. Once every section is finished, leveled, and smooth allow it to set and dry completely. You are now ready to begin erecting your conservatory ontop of the cement slab foundation.

Good Luck - It can be difficult, but fun and certainly rewarding!

Hope this Helped!

Answer 2

I wouldn't build a slab without a footing and a concrete wall from the footing to the grade, plus the thickness of the concrete slab. The wall could then serve as the form for your concrete floor pour.

This isn't easy, but it might be what the government inspectors will insist upon. This is part of your house. You don't want it to crack or sink.

The depth of the footing will be determine by your geographic area. The building department in your municipalitiy will tell you what that is. In my area, for instance, it is 42 inches.

A sizable conservatory might require a concrete truck.

Answer 3

The previous answer is almost right...I would add some re-inforcing bar (rebar) in a grid pattern set it so that will be in the middle of your slab. Another option is to use a square wire mesh of slightly heavier duty than a fence. Lay it out so it willbe in the middle of the slab. The slab probably should be 4 inches thick at a minimum. You should also apply a sealer to the concrete after it has cured.

This is a big job that will make or break the project - you might want to hire a contractor or builder to do this. If not consider buying a good DIY book. There is really too much detail to provide here. Good luck.

Answer 4

they may have a point. Concrete dries last in the middle. it always creates some heat while drying. I haven't heard of this "rule" but it makes sense. Anything that is going to seal the natural effect of curing is going to be affected. Path of least resistance. Through the laminate or through the ground. Concerning the claim, It would be nice to have a paper trail. Concrete schedule, laminate schedule. The people laying the laminate in a new construction should know to find out how old the floor is. By not asking you could say they were voiding their workmanship warranty. It's up to the judge and how much you want to fight. My last experience with a flooring company was all about who had the best lawyer. He had a law department. I said screw it.

Answer 5

Since you are unsure on how to do the concrete foundation, I highly recommend that you hire a licensed contract for the foundation only. Get three bids from licensed contractors, and go from there.

Your investment will be riding on the foundation - you need to make sure that it's right. Without seeing the site for myself, it's hard to tell you how to build the foundation.

Answer 6

depending on the size of your project you my need to get blueprints done first because where I'm from a job like that needs to be inspected by your city or county.
if that is all taking care of you can pour a footer laye block or pour a wall add your gravel at least 4'' pour your Slade need someone to finish it call me that's what i do pour concrete.