How thick did you want it and what did you build it with. You can raise a 2x4 frame to 5" and it would be fine.

 

I want a 4" thick slab with up to 6-8 inches at the edges in order to support the weight of the walls and roof.
I used 2x6's but forgot to compensate properly for the depth of the thicker outer edge of the concrete to support the walls so at that depth it only makes like a 1"-2" thick slab. You think it would be fine to build an additional 12'x8' internal dimension frame out of 2x4 and secure that on top?

 

Yes

 

So if you had built the form with 2x10 you would be in good shape. Just add to the top and add taller stakes.

 

Regarding your photos: You have re-bars holding the form, but you need to use stakes nailed to the forms. You want the form to be stationary.
1x3 or 1x4 stakes are fine, metal stakes are also fine. Use double head nails or screws to fasten them.

 

It was decided to go with raising the form to meet the height we needed for the slab. And yes, the form is currently being held in place with rebar. The area we are working in is still high traffic so we are keeping the trip hazards low until we are ready to pour the concrete. Thanks everyone for the input. ☺

 

Seeing as your steel stakes are already below the top of the form, I'd suggest adding a 2x4 flat on top, screwed into the 2x6. If you need to go higher/ thicker, add a 1x4 into the mix. Using a 2x4 in this way will mean that you won't have to bother with bracing, most likely......

 

Being that it was our first big pour it was rough, but it seems like it went well over all yesterday. We did misjudge the set time of the first 4 feet so didn't get the J bolts in place properly in that section but oh well. Nothing a drill can't fix later. Thanks for all of the advice!! 😊

 

Hopefully you covered it up immediately after that photo was taken.

 

We had it covered over the first night, it's been raining pretty steady since early morning yesterday. We were going to spray it with acrylic curing and sealer, but according to the bottle it is too cold and rainy here for that. Everything we've read so far has indicated that leaving it open to the rain is just as good as watering and covering. Did we misunderstand something and need to alter our curing treatment?

 

No, don't change anything. Cold/wet/damp are the perfect recipe for strong concrete. As long as it wasn't allowed to freeze for the first 2-3 days (surface temperature, not necessarily air temp) you'll be fine.

 

I guess it depends what kind of surface you want? I would think rain could leave it pitted.

 

Ok, for clarification: the slab was covered for the first 12 hours. The surface was hardened and not prone to be deformed by raindrops (especially tiny baby Washington raindrops) when this picture was taken. 😆

 

Even if you had a little surface damage, it's a shed. If you don't see anything now you are good.

 

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