How We Pour Footings and set levels accurately

Pouring a footing using a spirit level and peg method. The aim is to give accuracy and keep the tools out the concrete after its poured. Its advised not to leave the roofing battens in the footings. This Technique is great for garden walls and and small projects. On larger sites a laser level can be used. Steels (reinforcing bar or mesh) in the footings are optional and not necessary unless specified in the project brief.
Ready mixed concrete is wheelbarrowed in on a time limit, although a hose and pump can be hired at an extra charge depending on the site conditions.
The original trenches were dug out by a micro digger after being sprayed out.
All images copyright ©HowWeLandscape 2021
This is and example of one method of installing and not an official guide video. We take no liability for the accuracy of information in this video. Do plenty of research before attempting any works.

[@JM-jd7yp]

Thanks mate. A simple no-nonsense video that shows exactly what needs doing. Much appreciated.

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks, hope it goes well 👍

[@JonathanH13]

This video saved me from a disaster. I had marked the edges of my trench to indicate the concrete depth, but those marks very quickly got splashed over, If I didn't have pegs in I would have been in real trouble. 4 cubic meters of ready mix.

[@baileycox5976]

Short and simple video straight to the point!
Legend

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks, glad it was of interest 👍

[@gdr88]

Your voice is so soothing, you could lull me into believing any difficult task is achievable. Thank you sensei.

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks very much 😃

[@heatherwoodfield5897]

That is so helpful, thank you. I was wondering how I was going to do it, but I can see now that it's really simple.

[@derricksaunders5280]

Thanks a million. I was wondering how to level footings without a transit. Great content.

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks buddy, hope it goes well

[@truelionturtle]

Excellent idea, appreciate you sharing.

[@l10ydchristmas]

Great video and incredibly helpful. Thank you.

[@HowWeLandscape]

Glad it could help, hope it goes well 👍🏻

[@Slurm_Daddy92]

Thank you for sharing this! I thought I was going to have to buy an expensive laser level to build a shed foundation in my backyard.

[@HowWeLandscape]

Glad it was of interest 👍

[@spatel3783]

thanks for the clear and concise video!

[@HowWeLandscape]

Your welcome, thanks for watching!

[@MarcusT86]

Brilliant video. Thanks mate.

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks, glad it was of interest 👍🏻

[@Skotten1965]

Hello, nice to see back again on TH-cam. Look forward to see the project through 👍🇳🇴

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks for taking interest, great to hear from you!

[@patrickbunch8960]

I agree with Lee on the rebar instead of wood and you should reverse your level when you go to the next peg

[@HowWeLandscape]

Yeah rebar is fine. Although it has a few hazard issues. If someone fell on a vertical rebar in a trench they'd be in a lot of trouble. Also when the concrete settles the rebar would be left proud of the footing. It can obviously be knocked down a few hours later but someone would have to still be on site to do it. Rebar can also rust and expand if its too near the edges causing a weakness. Also not all projects will have steels to hand, the point of the video is more about setting the datum levels before pouring. Again pegs or rebar would do it.
Your also spot on with the reversing of the level, thats a great observation! I actually put in all the pegs and then realised the camera ran out of memory and cut out🤦‍♂. So I took 2 out and fake hammered them back in. Was a rush while the lorry was waiting. Its really hard making these videos in real time with everything going on.
Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@kingsman3087]

you shud tie strings near the top of those grade/elevation control pegs so you can find them easily and also remove them

[@perij9865]

Looking forward to seeing this project!

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks for the interest!! The top half is being made and will be installed next year. Will upload the build of it then. These projects are slow going but look epic when they come together!

[@567dh]

Brilliant !

[@iqbalhussain610]

What size batten are you using?

[@gdr88]

Did you mix the cement yourself or delivered? Any idea of cost to have 4.5 cubic meters of concrete? 0:17

[@HowWeLandscape]

It was c25 concrete and delivered mixed so we just pay for as much as we need. No idea on cost it changed all the time, your local supplier will give you a quote

[@gdr88]

@@HowWeLandscape thank you!

[@mohghtil1705]

Is it possible to work with you

[@roiad876]

do you vibrate the concrete? I was worried the gravel would go to the bottom so I was looking for tutorials

[@HowWeLandscape]

As long as its not too wet it won't seperate and will stay mixed and can be spread about. It should be pourable but if it spills out the mixer and barrow its too wet. You can't go wrong with concrete, just make sure its consistent. Same mix, same consistency, so it drys a and cures evenly. Wear a dust mask. Good luck

[@roiad876]

@@HowWeLandscape forgot to ask, how do you know when you can do a direct pour into soil instead of adding form-work or a vapor barrier in the bottom? are there general rules or did you have to ask an engineer?

[@leeferguson2140]

Why not just use rebar ?

[@HowWeLandscape]

You could use rebar👍 it was more focused on what would be easily available like batton

[@SporeZSporeZ]

That is smart as shit

[@myjourney4189]

Pro tip on using buttons for leveling.

[@HowWeLandscape]

Thanks, saves guessing the heights!

[@paulbackhard6315]

Laser level ?

[@HowWeLandscape]

Yep, you can use a rotary laser for the setting out