Directions for Placing
Ordinarily speaking, concrete should be deposited in layers about 6 inches thick.
After placing concrete in the Form, it should be “tamped” lightly with a wooden or iron tamper (or rammer) until the water shows on the top and no stones are left uncovered by mortar.
In order to obtain a smooth face on the concrete, the mixture should be carefully “spaded” immediately after “placing”—on the side next to the Form where the finished concrete will be exposed to view. By “spading” is meant the working of a spade or a beveled board between the concrete and the side of the Form, moving it to and fro, and up and down. This forces the large stones away from the boarding, or Form, and brings a coating of mortar next thereto, thus making the face of the work present an even, smooth appearance.