The components of soil-cement could not be more basic—just the on-site soil, a little Portland cement, and some water. The soil already exists in your yard, and the water is waiting for you at the tap. The only thing you have to buy is the dry cement powder. You will also need to borrow or rent a tiller and a tamper or roller. With these ingredients and a little labor, you can create a smooth, durable paving surface. Soil-cement may not work well in soils that have a high clay content or a lot of organic content, but it is suitable for most soil types. The look of soil-cement is not as uniform and aesthetically pleasing as traditional cement concrete, so it may be best suited for rural or informal settings.
Off-Site vs. On-Site Mixing
In commercial or road-work applications, soil-cement can be mixed at processing plants or in a portable mixer, then poured in much the way that standard cement concrete is poured. But for residential DIY applications, it is more often created in place, by thoroughly tilling the existing soil on the paving, blending in dry Portland cement powder and water, then leveling and compacting the surface.
Tools and Supplies You Will Need
Shovel Tiller Treated dimension lumber for forms Level Carpentry tools (saws, hammers) Portland cement (3 to 4 pounds for each square foot of surface) Garden rake Garden hose with a spray nozzle Rubber boots Tamper or roller Sheets of plastic
Instructions
After tilling is complete, spread the required amount of dry Portland cement powder over the surface of the paving site. Generally, a layer about 1/2 inch thick (or 2 to 4 pounds per square foot) will be sufficient. A 40-pound bag of dry Portland cement will cover about 20 to 40 square feet. Spread the cement in an even layer using a garden rake.
Note: Soils that are high in clay or organic content may require more Portland cement, while sandy soils can get by with less cement powder.
Now churn the Portland cement into the soil with the tiller, while at the same time lightly spraying the surface with water. The soil-cement should have a moist, but not sloshy, texture. This can be a messy process, so wearing tall rubber boots will help protect your clothes. When the soil-cement surface is level and just dry enough to not be sticky, pack the surface down with a hand tamper or garden roller. This is a critical part of the process, so take your time to get the surface as flat as possible. Unlike cement concrete, soil-cement does not require floating to create a smooth surface. A soil-cement slab will have a rougher texture and color, best suited for more informal paving applications.
