Pouring concrete is a race against curing time, so the work is front-loaded: by the time the truck arrives or the mixer is running, your forms and base should be finished and ready.
Prep first
Build forms from straight, staked lumber, set to the right height and slope (a slab should pitch about 1/4″ per foot away from buildings for drainage). Under the slab, lay and compact a granular base for drainage and support, and add reinforcing mesh or rebar on chairs if the slab calls for it.
Place, screed, finish
Pour and spread the concrete slightly above the form tops, then screed — drag a straight board across the forms to level it. Float the surface to bring up the paste, let the bleed water disappear, then finish (a broom finish adds slip resistance). Don’t overwork it or work in bleed water, which weakens the surface.
Frequently asked questions
How long does concrete take to cure? Walkable in a day or so but gaining strength for weeks; keep it moist the first several days.
Do I need rebar or mesh? For driveways and structural slabs, usually yes.
Why did my slab get dusty? Often from finishing in bleed water or poor curing.