Guide to Reinforce Welded Wire Mesh

1. First of all, you should keep the welded mesh from rusting and causing unsightly stains to "bleed" out to the edge of the slab. Roll out the first layer of welded mesh wire between the concrete lumber forms. This layer of welded mesh should be at least 2 to 3 inches short of the inside of the forms.

2. Make a pattern between the two mesh layers. Lay down the second layer of welded mesh off-center. The layers should not be "centered-up" or "aligned" but form a grid.

3. Fasten the two welded metal mesh layers together with tie wire and twist the ties in place with linesman pliers. Go along the outer edges of each side, fastening the two layers together to make all sides fasten together.

4. Slip wire mesh supports under the two layers to raise the welded wire mesh off the ground to better reinforce the slab. The mesh has to be laid out to see where the supports will be needed. Place these supports every 4 feet. Pour your concrete driveway or slab and screed it to even the surface. Float the concrete surface to smooth it out. Finish by brooming sand onto the surface to prevent slippage when wet. Allow it to dry about 72 hours,and the task is complete.