ᐅ Spreading a Gravel Layer Beneath the Basement Slab – Tips

Created on: 23 Apr 2021 14:14
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Alexander Wirt
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Alexander Wirt
23 Apr 2021 14:14
Hello everyone,

to save money, we will source and spread the gravel ourselves that goes under our concrete slab.

The gravel will be delivered to our property, then we need to move it into the excavation pit (about 3 meters deep (10 feet)) and evenly distribute it there using a batter frame.

Do you have any tips on how to get the gravel into the pit and spread it in the smartest way possible? The pit is full of sharp slate slabs that would quickly damage the wheels of wheelbarrows. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to an excavator.

We have already considered a chute for debris, but we couldn’t secure it properly. Also, during delivery, we can’t dump the gravel directly into the pit because that would damage the edges too much.

Best regards,
Alexander Wirt
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Myrna_Loy
23 Apr 2021 14:36
That’s a clear case of saving in the wrong place. And I say that as a firm “do-it-yourselfer” 😀
We installed the subbase for 12 square meters (130 square feet) of floor ourselves... and that was only for a build-up height of 30cm (12 inches) – never again. We transported the gravel with a trailer right to the pit, then slid it over formwork boards into the pit and spread it with shovels and rakes.