-
how much I couldn't be fucked to mix that much concrete
This will be a big chunk of the balance. Although, I'd actually love to do it. Getting a full day where I'm not either working or beingabadparentandneglectingmydaughterrememberthistimeispreciousandifyouwasteitdoingthingstoimproveourfamilyhomeyoureabastardyoumonster is another thing. I can clear the area and maybe even shutter in 1 to 2 hour bursts.
the vibrateywand, and a proper floatything
I'm glad you know the technical terms, because I don't.
-
technical terms
Concrete vibrator, screed, bull float, edge float (I may have googled a bit).
I think the problem with DIY is that you need to finish once you've started, or you end up with janky bits where you have poured onto much drier concrete - You can't leave it overnight, when you realise it's 8pm and you've left your child at nursery again.
-
That size of shed base with a 4" depth of concrete (more than adequate,
no reinforcing needed) would take 3 tons. There is no need for vibrateywhatsits. Presuming the dig is done and shuttering is ready, 2 muppets with a mixer and barrow could comfortably do that in a day.@Silly_Savage: nice pointing!
That should be fine, IIRC - 50m & 100m aren't unheard of.
When I did the calculations, the tipping point was a relatively small slab. Smaller, when you factor in how much I couldn't be fucked to mix that much concrete.
With a pour, you may also get someone with the rest of the tools, like the vibrateywand, and a proper floatythings.
@Hovis has recent-ish experience of domestic roasdside pours.