How Do You Add Concrete Steps To An Existing Concrete Slab?
How Do You Add Concrete Steps To An Existing Concrete Slab?
Steps below will show you how to build concrete stairs to an existing concrete slab.
Begin With A Plan
Stair planning needs some math. Calculate the number of 10-inch treads that climb 7 inches (standard step measures) needed to span the staircase based on its height and horizontal length.
Because the steps must all have the same tread width and climb to the same height, you may need to make fractional modifications to get a complete number of identical steps. It’s critical that you do this properly; therefore, don’t be hesitant to draw a diagram.
Create A Form
Using your diagram as a guide, construct a shape out of old plywood for the sides and 2x4s to connect the sides.
Lay a decoupling membrane on the slab for surface-mount stairs or drill holes several inches deep into the concrete for reinforcement for side-mount steps before placing the form.
Set the form plumb and level, then secure it with 2×4 bracing. Screw everything together so you can quickly disassemble it.
Get Ready For The Pour
Install 1/2-inch rebar reinforcement within the form, connecting it together to create the stairs’ angles.
If the stairs are attached to the slab’s side, pound rebar stakes into the drilled holes until securely jammed, then wire the stakes to the remainder of the rebar.
Cover the sides with a quick-release finish to make it easier to remove the form. Fill the majority of the form with rubble (stones or broken-up chunks of masonry or concrete) just before pouring to minimize the quantity of concrete required.
Begin Pouring The Concrete
Pour the concrete into the form once it has been mixed. Fill out the form’s front (lowest step) first, then work your way back.
After completely filling the form, smooth the surface with a trowel and round the front of each tread with an edger.
Remember to get your trowel beneath the 2×4 bracing that keeps the form together.
Complete The Concrete
Keep an eye on the concrete and when it’s solid enough to support itself but still smooth enough to shape, remove the 2x4s holding the sides of the form together and finish the treads with a trowel.
Pull the sides of the form gently off and complete the sides of the stairs in the same manner.
Allow three to seven days for the concrete to solidify before utilizing the stairway. Mist the concrete intermittently while it cures to keep it from drying out and breaking.
Can I Use Concrete Blocks For Steps?
The use of concrete blocks for steps is a common practice in many parts of the world. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when using concrete blocks for steps.
First, the concrete block must be of a suitable size and shape for the intended purpose. Second, the concrete block must be properly supported and anchored to the ground or foundation. Third, the concrete block must be properly cured before use.
Cement blocks come in a variety of sizes and forms, but for most stairs, standard-size cement blocks 8 inches wide by 8 inches high and 16 inches long would suffice.
These proportions will work nicely for most stairs because risers should be roughly 8 inches tall.
Thus, the first stage is one row of blocks high, the second two rows high, the third three rows high, and so on.
