Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 7/4/2011

Question
I am building a 10'X 12' shed in my backyard.  In order to get the ceiling height I want I am going to pour a stem wall.  My queation is, can I pour the footer and stem wall at the same time? The stem wall will only be about 5" wide and 7" tall.  The load on the roof is minimal(doesnt snow in sacramento,ca). Thanks

Answer
Hi Paul, sure you can pour the stem wall and the footing together.  This is called a monolithic pour.  If your footing is dug into the ground you will stake up the stem wall forms so that they float above the footing.  Pour the footing first and give it a few minutes to set and then pour the stem wall concrete.  Obviously you can't pour a soupy mixture, your concrete should have a stffer consistency and you may have to do some extra finishing work with a trowel around the edges in case some of the stem wall mud pushes up from the footing sides but that is to be expected.  Once the concrete is set up enough you can carefully remove any stakes that are embedded in the footing and patch the holes with left over concrete.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com