How to Pour Concrete for a Stem Wall Foundation Yourself

How to Calculate How Much Concrete You Need for a Stem Wall

Before you start mixing, it's important to know how much concrete your project requires. Here’s a simple way to figure it out.

Step-by-Step Formula

Use this formula to find the volume in cubic feet:

Length (ft) × Height (ft) × Width (ft) = Volume in Cubic Feet 

Then convert cubic feet into bags of concrete. Most 80 lb concrete bags yield about 0.6 cubic feet.

Total Cubic Feet ÷ 0.6 = Number of 80 lb Bags 

Tip: Always round up and get 10–15% more than calculated to cover any spillage or miscalculations.

Step-by-Step: How to Pour a Stem Wall Foundation

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be ready to pour your own stem wall.

Step 1: Prepare the Ground

• Excavate the foundation area to the depth required for your local frost line or code.

• Compact the soil to avoid future settling.

• Add a gravel base if required (usually 3–6 inches) for better drainage and stability.

Step 2: Set Up Your Forms

• Mark the perimeter of your foundation with string and stakes.

• Attach your form boards using nails or screws.

• Make sure everything is square and level, this will affect how your stem wall sets.

Step 3: Place Rebar or Reinforcement

• Install vertical and horizontal rebar according to the building code.

• Tie intersections using rebar wire.

• Keep the rebar elevated off the ground with small blocks or rebar chairs so it stays embedded in the concrete.

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Concrete Using the MudMixer

Now for the fun part.

• Set up your MudMixer near the edge of your form.

• Load dry mix into the hopper.

• Adjust the water flow using the dial on the back.

• Start the auger and let the MudMixer pour a steady stream of mixed concrete directly into the form.

• Vibrate the concrete using a concrete vibrator or by tapping the sides of the form. This step helps eliminate air bubbles, reduces voids, and improves the overall strength and finish.

No lifting heavy buckets. No inconsistent batches. No wasted time.

In the Mix: Watch the MudMixer in Action

Watch how a DIY homebuilder team used the MudMixer to pour stem walls with minimal effort, even in less-than-ideal weather. The consistent flow helped them finish the job quickly and avoid cold joints. It’s a real-world look at how the right equipment turns a tough job into a smooth one.

Watch the full video walkthrough here: 

Step 5: Screed, Trowel, and Finish

• As the forms fill, use a screed board to level the concrete.

• Smooth the top edges with a trowel.

• Keep the concrete moist for a few days to prevent cracking as it cures (a light mist or damp covering works well).

Why Use the MudMixer for Foundation Work?

Mixing concrete is often the toughest, messiest part of any foundation job. The MudMixer makes it easier by:

• Delivering continuous flow with no downtime

• Cutting the mixing time dramatically

• Eliminating the need for buckets or wheelbarrows

• Ensuring a consistent water-to-mix ratio

• Built with heavy-duty steel for long-term durability

Whether you're pouring 10 feet or 100, it’s a tool you’ll wish you had years ago.

Troubleshooting: Common Stem Wall Pouring Issues (and How to Avoid Them)

• Cold Joints: Happen when you stop pouring for too long, causing a weak bond between batches. Use the MudMixer’s continuous flow to avoid breaks.

• Uneven Forms: Lead to inconsistent wall height and messy finishes. Double-check all forms with a level before pouring and monitor as you go.

• Overwatering: Thins the mix and weakens the final concrete. Avoid guessing, adjust the MudMixer’s water dial to get the right consistency every time.

• Rebar Shifting: Occurs when reinforcement isn’t tied down or supported. Use wire ties and rebar chairs or blocks to keep everything in place during the pour.

Other Types of Foundations You Can Pour with the MudMixer

The MudMixer isn’t limited to just one type of foundation. Its technology makes it ideal for several common foundation styles used in residential and light commercial construction.

Slab-on-Grade Foundation

This type of foundation involves a single, flat concrete slab poured directly onto a prepared surface. It's typically used in garages, workshops, and homes in warm climates. Concrete slab foundations are fast to build and provide a solid base for both interior and exterior walls.

Footings

Footings are wide concrete bases that spread the load of the structure across the soil. They support both exterior and load-bearing interior walls. Footings can be continuous around the perimeter or placed under specific walls and columns, depending on the design.

Concrete Pads

Pads are flat concrete surfaces used to support small structures like sheds, generators, HVAC units, or outdoor furniture. They don’t require complex framing or deep excavation, making them ideal for quick, durable builds around the property.

Stem Wall Foundation FAQ

You’ve Got This (With the Right Mixer)

Pouring a stem wall foundation on your own takes planning and patience, but it’s doable. The MudMixer takes out the hardest part of the job: mixing concrete quickly, cleanly, and reliably.

So whether you're prepping for a home addition, workshop, or slab-on-grade build, trust that with the right prep and the right mixer, you can do this.