I have a rectanglur area that I'd like to raise. It's subject to a lot of traffic (dog and human). The long sides of this rectangle consist of (1) open air and (2) the house's foundation. The short sides are (1) an area just in front of three steps and (2) firmly packed dirt that needs no improvement. Tee floor of this area is packed earth/rock.

I have two 80lb sacks of cement (portland) and lots of rock with at least one flat side. I thought I'd throw up a simple frame of 2x4, held in place with some stakes/rebar on the open-long-side to hold the cement and rock while it dries. One I've poured the cement, while it's still quite wet, I'd like to stud it with some rock.

Can someone give me some pointers on this work?

Thanks very much,

Jeff

But this type of job either has to be done in sections or done quickly, if that cement dries on you you're screwed. You also need to reinforce the cement base with rebar or thick wired mesh. And build a gravel foundation of 6".
So, 6" gravel + 4" portland+ stone thickness = excavation depth