How to Fill in a Small Area With Concrete

Last Updated: June 10, 2022 References

If you’ve got some damaged concrete, you may be wondering how to repair it. Luckily, this is one of those DIY home projects that anyone can do, so don’t be intimidated if you’ve never patched or worked with concrete before. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fixing small sections of concrete.

1

Dig out loose sections.

Get all of the damaged concrete and pebbles out of the hole. You will need to dig the area out to a depth of about 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm).^{[1]
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2

Compact the soil.

Use a dirt tamper to crush the soil down. Make sure the area has no puddles before you pour the concrete.^{[2]
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3

Frame the area off.

Use wood boards to create a frame for the area you’re filling in. Create a box or shape that the concrete will be placed. If there is a natural border i.e. concrete around, or other type of framing, you will not need to build the form. Use wooden stakes to secure the forms. Use duplex nails to nail the stakes to the outside of the forms. Duplex nails are made in such a way that they can easily be pulled out once your concrete cures.

4

Mix your concrete.

Read the label on your concrete and follow the instructions. Use a wheelbarrow if you have one. Slowly add water to the mix and stir frequently. Make sure you leave some concrete available in case you make the mix too wet. If you do, just add some more concrete. The consistency of the mix should feel like clay that you can mould.^{[3]
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5

Fill the hole in

Pour the concrete into the area and smooth it out. Use another wood board to screed or rod the cement. Place the 2 x 4 on its side and with the 2 x 4 resting on the edges of your forms slowly pull the screed board toward you filling in the area, and leaving it nice a level to the forms.

6

Float the concrete.

Use a MAG-float to close the pores and smooth the concrete out. Take a MAG-float, this looks like a regular concrete float, but it is thicker and made of wood, or magnesium. Use this to slowly float the cement causing the pores to close.^{[4]
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7

Let the concrete dry.

Wait until the surface is free of stagnant water and it looks somewhat dry. Now take a steel float and smooth out the surface.^{[5]
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Warnings

Concrete is considered a hazardous material pay attention to all the safety warning when dealing with concrete.

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Use safety precautions when working with cement. Always wear eye, hand, feet, and skin protection.

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Don't let children near the site where you are working.

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