Small Concrete Jobs Made Simple: Mower Strips, Steps and Pads

Small concreting jobs can tidy up a garden fast. A mower strip keeps grass out of beds. A shed pad stops ruts and mud. A neat step makes a slope safer to walk. With the right base and on-site mix, you can get strong results without calling in a truck.

This guide walks you through what to buy, how to prep, and the simple steps for mixing and placing. Written for Fraser Coast conditions and backed by what we stock and see on local jobs every week.

A quick note up front: we supply concrete supplies only. We do not deliver mixed or ready-mix concrete. You can order cement, sand-and-gravel premix and 20 kg concrete bags from us, plus A-grade road base and crusher dust for the base layers.

Plan your job and pick the right base

Good concrete starts with a firm, drained base. For mower strips, paver set-downs, garden steps and small shed pads, we typically suggest:

• A-grade road base as the main sub-base when you need load bearing — like under a shed pad or where a mower or wheelie bins will cross.
• Crusher dust as a firming or bedding layer, especially for edges, steps and under pavers where a smooth, dense finish helps.

Remove topsoil and soft material until you hit firm subgrade. Aim for finished levels that shed water and sit slightly proud of nearby soil so rain does not pool on the slab.

Typical layers and depths:

• Shed pad: 75–100 mm of A-grade road base, compacted in 2 lifts, then 30–50 mm of crusher dust before you pour.
• Mower strip or garden edge: 50–75 mm of crusher dust if the ground is firm. If soft, place 50 mm of A-grade road base first, then 30 mm of crusher dust.
• Steps: excavate, place 75 mm of A-grade road base, compact, then 30–40 mm of crusher dust as a bedding layer for your form.

Compact in thin lifts. Moisture-condition your base so it is damp, not wet, then use a plate compactor. Aim for a slight fall of about 1–2% to move water away from sheds and structures.

Browse our concrete supplies range and bulk base materials to size your order.

Choose your on-site mix approach

You have three straightforward options for small jobs:

20 kg concrete bags
The simplest path for very small pours, tight access, or when you are working alone. The ratio is set at the factory — just add water as directed. Handy for mower strips, edges and one or two steps.

Sand-and-gravel premix plus General Purpose Cement
Buy bulk premix aggregate and bags of cement separately. You control batch size and can mix in a barrow or mixer. A common DIY ratio is 1 part cement to 4 parts premix by volume. Efficient for medium jobs like a small shed pad or a longer mower strip.

Sand, gravel and cement as individual components
Best for larger or custom mixes. Unless you need a specific blend, most homeowners prefer the premix plus cement route for simplicity and consistency.

We can help you size the order. Provide length, width and slab depth and we will help with a volume estimate.

Set forms and reinforce where needed

Use straight timber or metal forms staked well so they will not move under the weight of the mix. Check levels and create a fall for runoff. For a small shed pad, light mesh or a few short lengths of bar may help control cracking on reactive or soft ground. For mower strips or small steps, reinforcement is often not necessary if the base is well compacted and the pour is a sensible thickness.

Target slab thickness:

• Shed pad for a small garden shed: 75–100 mm.
• Mower strip: about 75–100 mm wide and 75 mm thick.
• Garden steps: ensure each tread is fully supported on compacted base with consistent riser heights.

Mix and place your concrete on site

Have tools ready: wheelbarrow or mixer, shovel, screed, edging trowel, mag float or steel trowel, and a stiff broom.

1. Add water gradually. You want a workable, not soupy, mix. A drier mix is often stronger and reduces bleed water.
2. Place the mix into the forms, slightly overfilling.
3. Screed level by dragging a straight edge across the forms in a sawing motion.
4. Edge and finish. Use an edging tool for neat sides in mower strips and steps.
5. For grip on steps and outdoor edges, run a light broom finish at the end.

Remember, we supply concrete supplies for on-site mixing only. We do not deliver mixed or ready-mix concrete.

Curing in cool, dry winter conditions

Winter on the Fraser Coast is typically cooler and drier, which helps reduce rapid evaporation. Still, curing matters.

• Start curing as soon as the surface is firm enough to handle. Lightly mist water and cover with plastic or damp hessian to hold moisture.
• Keep the slab damp for at least 3 to 5 days. Strength gain continues after that, but early moisture retention is key.
• Allow 24–48 hours before gentle foot traffic. For a small shed pad or mower strip, wait about 5–7 days before placing heavier loads. Full design strength takes 28 days.
• In cool snaps or breezy, dry days, extend curing and keep the cover on a little longer.

Safety first

Wear gloves, eye protection and a dust mask when handling dry cement or cutting forms. Lift bags carefully and use a barrow or trolley where possible. Keep kids and pets away from the work area, and secure forms and stakes so they do not create trip hazards.

Deliveries, pickup and staging

We are a family-owned yard in Howard, serving the wider Fraser Coast with prompt delivery and quick pickup. Standard pickup orders are typically ready in around 2 hours. We can stage deliveries so your base arrives first, then your concrete supplies later in the day or the next morning — which helps you compact and set forms before mixing.

Find us at Howard landscape supplies or start at burrumlandscapes.com.au when searching for landscape supplies near me.

Quick step-by-step

1. Excavate to firm ground and set a slight fall away from structures.
2. Place A-grade road base where load or soft ground is expected. Compact in 50–75 mm lifts.
3. Add crusher dust as a tight bedding layer. Compact again.
4. Set and stake forms. Double-check levels.
5. Mix using 20 kg concrete bags or sand-and-gravel premix plus General Purpose Cement.
6. Place, screed, edge and apply a light broom finish.
7. Start curing early and keep the slab damp and covered for several days.

FAQ

What concrete supplies do I need for a small shed pad or mower strip?
A-grade road base and crusher dust for the base, plus either 20 kg concrete bags or sand-and-gravel premix with General Purpose Cement for on-site mixing.

How do I prepare a stable base before mixing on site?
Excavate to firm ground, set a 1–2% fall, place A-grade road base and compact in thin lifts. Add a compacted crusher dust layer before setting forms.

Should I use premix bags or separate cement with sand-and-gravel premix?
For very small or stop-start jobs, 20 kg concrete bags are easiest. For longer runs or a small pad, sand-and-gravel premix plus General Purpose Cement balances cost, speed and consistency.

How long should I let it cure in winter?
Keep the surface damp and covered for at least 3–5 days. Light foot traffic is usually fine after 24–48 hours. Heavier loads can wait 5–7 days, with full strength over 28 days.

Can you deliver the supplies and base materials on the same day?
Yes, where stock and logistics permit. Call early for prompt local delivery. We can also stage loads so your base arrives first, followed by concrete supplies when you are ready to pour.

Ready to get started?

Small garden jobs are simpler when you pick the right base and an easy on-site mix. A-grade road base and crusher dust create the stable platform — then choose 20 kg concrete bags for quick batches or pair sand-and-gravel premix with General Purpose Cement for efficiency.

If you would like help with quantities, delivery timing, or pickup, our team at Burrum Landscape Supplies is ready to help. Bring your measurements and we will help you plan the layers, stage deliveries and get your project off the ground.

Browse our concrete supplies — or come in to the yard in Howard and we will sort you out.