Concrete Steps Construction

Concrete Steps Construction

Grade preparation in Houston and Spring, Texas.

In non freeze climates, steps should be supported by grade beams; in northern climates, they should be supported by foundations that go below the frost line. Since stairs are usually reinforced with rebar and do not require subgrade support, the fill material between the foundations and beneath the steps is not as important as it is for most concrete because it only needs to sustain fresh concrete until it hardens. Where the bottom of the risers meets the treads, the subgrade should be positioned to leave at least 6 inches of concrete. This is the crucial spot for strength and for giving reinforcing steel enough cover.

Materials and hardware

Today, more contractors are employing screws to keep forms together because to the development of impact drill-drivers. Screws are straightforward to drive in and out using these tools. Because screws are faster and do not create form jolting like nails do, they make it simple to make modifications to forms. I suggest screws, but many contractors still use double-headed nails.

The type of step being built determines the material that is utilized to form the risers. Wood, composite siding, or plywood are typically used for curved riser forms, whereas 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8 timber is typically used for straight risers. In order to finish and float the entire tread below, VandeWater advises cutting the bottom of riser boards at a 45-degree angle. In order to strike off the concrete and manually float the tread to the proper level, he also maintains the lower riser edge’s elevation between 1/4 and 3/8 inch above the tread.

Depending on the depth of the cantilevered nosing, formliners (for patterning), polyfoam board, or expansion joint material can be inserted into the bottom part of the riser to complete the inset for cantilevered steps. Depending on the depth of the cantilevered nosing, formliners (for patterning), polyfoam board, or expansion joint material can be inserted into the bottom part of the riser to complete the inset for cantilevered steps.