Complete this curb appeal project in a weekend with our process for laying out , designing , and build concrete steps .
Better Homes & Gardens
Poured concrete step provide a hardy , long - lasting transition between an outdoor surface , such as a patio , and theentry to your house . However , deciding how in high spirits and how deep ( front to back ) each step should be can be confusing . The answer to this head is found in some simple maths you may employ to compute the unit rise ( erect height ) and run ( horizontal length ) .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
When reckon the total running play of the unit , local codesoften require the top landing to broaden at least 12 inch beyond the door swing . Subtract the breadth of an out - swing door ( usually 32 or 36 inches ) from the duration you measure out between the foundation to the remote sharpness of the steps . If the remainder is less than 12 inch , you may call for to change your plan .
Be indisputable you know and understand the code before you start planning concrete steps . If you do n’t construct them fit in to computer code , a construction inspector can make you tear them out . code may also let in requirement about the placement of rebar or other reinforcing stimulus , as well as the concrete mix you habituate .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
Measure Rise and Run
Measure the rising and rivulet of the sphere where you plan to direct the steps . Drive stakes to indicate where the base of the bottom step will be when swarm . Compute the building block go up and run of the steps , and describe a dimensioned resume .
How to reckon Rise and Run
The unit come up and building block tally of step are the single dimensions of each riser and each tread .
To compute the unit of measurement rise and run , first divide the total rise by 7 column inch , a standard step superlative . Round up fractional results to the nearest whole number . Then divide the total rise again by this number to get the whole rise .
For exercise , here ’s the mathematics for a full ascension of 20 inches : 20 inches/7 inches = 2.8 ( round off up equals three steps ) . 20 inches/3 steps = 6.6 inches . In this example , you ’ll need three measure 6 - 5/8 inch high to climb 20 inches .
Next , divide the total run ( to the external border of the door sweep ) by the number of steps to get the social unit run . For instance , if your total run was 48 in , here ’s the math : 48 inches/3 steps = 16 inches per tread . However , a tread profoundness of 16 inch would in all likelihood palpate too long . Adjust the tread depth to 13 in , a more comfortable measure , and make the sum operate 39 inches .
Lay Out Footings
Lay out terms 3 column inch wide than the steps . hollow the footings to the depth code need , rain buckets the concrete , and introduce 12 - column inch lengths of rebar 7 to 8 inch into the footings . The top of the rebar should be about 2 inches lower than the ruined height of the steps . Let the footing cure , then dig a 4 - column inch deep between them and fill it with tamped gravel .
Anchor Concrete Steps (Optional)
With an rudimentary gridiron of ½-inch rebar , pour concrete steps will give you years of low - maintenance service . Some local edifice code may need that you drop anchor concrete steps to the foundation bulwark . you’re able to either practice at an slant into a poured concrete initiation , or through a concrete block wall and insert rebar in the holes .
Outline Steps
Using your plan and the actual dimensions you have compute and sketch , trace the outline of your steps on a tack of ¾-inch plywood . Draw the line for the landing so it slopes ¼ in per foot . Clamp a 2d plyboard shroud to the first , butt on wealthy , and cut the scheme of the stepwith a jigsaw .
Check Square, Level, and Plumb
Using a frame lame to make trusted the shape are perpendicular to the creation of the house , set the forms in place , and labor supporting bet alongside them . check that the shape are plumb andlevel with each other , then fasten them to the stakes with 2 - column inch screw propeller . make out off any portion of the stake above the forms .
Install Riser Forms
For each concrete whole step , cut a piece of 2x lumber to the breadth of the stairs and pull it to the altitude of the unit climb up if necessary . chamfer the down in the mouth edge of each riser main ( except the bottom one ) to make it easier to float the tread when you pour the tone . Fasten the top riser form to the outside of the side form with three 2 - in screw . Then put in the remaining riser pipeline form .
Attach Braces
Cut angle braces and fix them to the side manikin at the front edge of each step . Then drive 2x4 stakes at the bottom of the twosome . Plumb the side forms and secure the braces to the wager . To keep the riser forms from bowing , drive a 2x4 wager 18 in or deep into the ground in front of the steps . Lay a 2x6 on the risers and fasten it to the stake and to cleat attached to the riser . Attach an expansion cartoon strip to the foot with twist adhesive material .
Build Perpendicular Steps (Optional)
Concrete footstep can endure either straight forward from an exterior door or at correct angles to it . Forms for vertical step go together in essentially the same style the straight concrete steps do .
To pour concrete step sheer , start by striking a level line on the foundation to mark the top of the landing . quantity from this line to position the plyboard forms for the rear and side . Brace the forms with stake , cut beveled risers , hold them level , and mark their lower recession on the initiation . Then secure the diagonal twain to the house and foundation and the riser to cleats . Brace the front edge of the riser main as you would a consecutive stairs .
Fill with Rubble
To deliver concrete , time , and money , shovel rubble ( clean chunks of broken concrete , river rock , or any clean Freemasonry ) into the space inside the forms . flock the rubble higher under the landing than the first footprint , but do n’t put in so much rubble that it will make the concrete in the steps too lean .
Add Rebar
To strengthen the concrete , bend lengths of ½-inch rebar so it close to represent to the condition of the rubble mound and lay it on the detritus at 12 - column inch intervals . conducting wire perpendicular lengths of rebar across the first slice . Then raise the rebar up and support it on dobies or balusters that you wire to the rebar .
Mix and Fill with Concrete
Before stream concrete steps , coat the forms with a firing agent . ruffle the concrete and lend it to the site in garden cart loads . Shovel the concrete inside the forms , starting with the bottom step and working up . Tap the side of the forms and riser with a hammer and jab a 2x4 up and down in the mixture to drive melody bubbles out . Give the concrete enough time to settle between the rubble piece , and tote up more concrete if need .
Edge Risers
Run an edger along the inside edge of each riser conformation to snipe the front edge of each step . This help understate chipping . If you ’re going to plow the steps with brick , tile , or endocarp , pull up stakes the edge square .
Remove Forms
countenance the concrete correct up long enough to corroborate its own weight , then remove the riser physique and finish the concrete with a trowel . expend a dance step trowel ( a wallboard box tongue forge as well ) to work the niche smooth . Broom the stride to roughen the surface , countenance the concrete cure , then set up the rail . After 12 to 24 hours , remove the side var. and meet in any voids in the concrete .
