1. Temperature

Temperature makes a big difference. The best temperature for pouring concrete is between 50°F-80°F. Freezing is very bad for concrete, causing various problems and slowing the setting time.
If it freezes, the concrete is lost. Hot temperature will cause faster setting times, making the job much harder for you. If in hot weather, adding water to the mix will help slow it down giving you more time to work it.

2. Wind / Rain

Windy days will set concrete faster as well as hot days.
Pouring concrete when raining will ruin the finish of concrete.

3. Tools you need

Hand trowles, shovels, wheel barrel, strike off board (straight 2 x 4, 1ft longer than the width of the slab or side walk) and bull float for wide slabs.
Most tools are available at tool rental yards.

4. Reinforcement

Wire mesh or rebar is good for reinforcement. If not, fiber mesh is great for side walks, patios and driveways. Fiber mesh is added to the mix at the concrete plant so it is all through the mix.

1. Place the concrete. If the truck can't reach the pour, use wheelbarrels. Always have EXTRA wheelbarrel on hand.

6. Once the concrete is hard to the touch, it is a good idea in hot weather to wet the top of the concrete during the curing process. Keep the surface wet for 48 hours.