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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @akv. It's splendid to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a concrete slab.
If you are looking to lay a concrete strip between the house wall and the backyard lawn, the process is fairly straightforward but there are a few important details to get right so you do not create drainage or moisture issues later on. The first step is to remove the existing garden and excavate down to allow for a compacted base and the concrete thickness, while making sure the finished level will sit below the house’s damp course and any existing weep holes. Those weep holes are important, so they must remain visible and clear once the job is finished.
Once excavated, install formwork along the outer edge to define the slab and keep the concrete contained. A compacted road base should be laid and well compacted to create a stable foundation. When you pour the concrete, the surface needs to be graded so water falls away from the house wall and towards the yard, which helps prevent water pooling against the building. It is also important to include an expansion joint between the new concrete and the house, usually in the form of a foam or rubber joint, so the slab can move independently without cracking or pushing against the wall.
Take care not to raise the ground level against the house, as doing so can trap moisture and lead to long-term issues.
Here's a helpful guide: How to pour a concrete slab.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
