How to Frame for Cement Steps

Flights of masonry steps

Simple jobs, such as pouring a set of concrete steps for a home, can become quite expensive when done by an expert contractor. Many homeowners believe that they have no alternative and willingly hand over a lot of money to have these tasks accomplished. The truth is, creating concrete steps for your home is something that you can do yourself. The first step to your new steps is creating the pour frame.

Things You'll Need

• Melamine-coated lumber
• Table saw
• Drywall screws
• Drill with screw bit
• Shovel
• 12-inch reinforcing rods, 3
• Masonry debris

Instructions

1. Choose melamine-coated lumber for your step frames. Concrete will adhere to uncoated wood as it cures and tightens and the frames will be impossible to remove.

2. Use a table saw to cut two identical stair-stepped shapes for the sides of the frame or form. Make the number of steps on each side equal to the number of steps that you wish to have.

3. Cut straight pieces the width of the steps. Make one for each set of steps on the sides. Make sure each board fits horizontally across the front of its stair-stepped area correctly and levelly.

4. Create 2-by-4 bolster pieces of lumber are long enough to prop up each side of the form so they stand straight up and down. Attach bolsters to the back of each side piece using evenly-spaced drywall screws.

5. Lay each straight piece across the steps of the sides. Screw to the sides of the form.

6. Remove any items, plants and even grass from the pour area. With a shovel, dig 6 inches wider than form on both sides, then dig evenly 3 inches in the area where the steps will go.

7. Place the form in the prepared area, against the vertical surface of the entry. Drill three evenly-spaced holes into the vertical surface beneath the cross board of the top step. Make each hole approximately three inches deep. Put a standard 12-inch reinforcing rod in each hole, pushing it in as far as it will go.

8. Distribute solid masonry debris in all empty spaces of the form. This can be chunks of broken concrete, medium-sized stones and similar scrap. Pile this so it is 4 inches from all sides of the form, including the top of each cross board.

9. Pour the new concrete steps.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Concrete Steps