Suspended Concrete Slab

I am placing a suspended reinforced concrete slab (doubling as a front porch) over a "cold" room (roughly 175 sqft) in my basement. Typically contractors use corrugated steel panels and temporary 2x4 supports to pour the cement on.

I would like to lay down some 3/4" T&G supported by 2x4's (mainly because I have plenty left over from laying the subfloor) is there reason why I shouldn’t use waferboard?

Also, any suggestions on what spacing I should put the 2x4's? Do I need to build a framework, or can I just place vertical 2x4's with supports running off at an angle? Or is there a better way to support the cement until it cures? The last thing I want is 2 yards of wet concrete laying on the floor of my basement!

Any help?

Thanks,

abkent

 

Sure could use waferboard. I would recommend you put a form release on it so the board won't be as likely to swell when it gets wet.

You also talk about using 2x4's for support of the floor until the concrete cures. I suggest you talk to the engineer that designed the concrete floor about the weight. Concrete weighs about 150# per cubic foot which translates into 75# per square foot for a 6" thick slab. Years ago when I poured a structural slab, I had 2x6 joists spanning something like 6'; they were supported by beams and a sea of columns. This was designed for me by a structural engineer. You're right when you say you don't want a bunch of wet concrete in your basement!

Hope this helped.

Bruce