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Before you start building concrete cover stairs, it is important to ensure that all the materials and ingredients required are available. These include cement, sand, nails, water, aggregate, wheelbarrow and form rumber among others. The process of construction involves first of all constructing a formwork before mixing the concrete ingredients. You should not mix the ingredients before building the framework as doing so could lead to the “solidifying” of the same resulting to wastage. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to build your desired concrete cover stairs: 1. Come up with stairs' measurements Concrete stairs are built based on the place where they are needed. You will therefore need to decide on the right dimensions for the steps which will include the tread and riser. You should take measurements from the ground to the first floor and then divide the height equally so as to get the risers. Always make sure that the risers are in adherence with your local building codes. The measurement of treads is more arbitrary but should at least provide for a comfortably sized step. In normal cases, you will find that the number of treads is determined by the number of risers. This means that if you have 6 risers, you will end up with 5 treads. Make sure to give your stairs a strong foundation. 2. Construct the formwork Once you have the desired dimensions, you will move to step two which involves the construction of the formwork. This can be done using plywood. Begin by setting and cutting the side forms based on your riser and tread calculations to make them look like a 2-dimensional side elevation finished stairs. Ensure that the forms are tightly and firmly fastened to the foundation allowing the new concrete stairs to bond seamlessly with the foundation wall. Since the concrete poured will be dense, it is important to support the formwork using wooden stakes. This will prevent any kind of outward thrust that could mess up with the shape of your stairs. Set up boards that will give shape to the face of the risers and these should have equal in width measurements as the height of the risers. Check to ensure that the forms are plumb and the tread surface level. 3. Mix the concrete ingredients You can opt for pre-mixed, ready-to-use concrete which only requires you to add water. However, you could also prepare your own product using cement, aggregate, sand and water which should be mixed according to the given instructions and in the right proportions. Measure the amount of water to use depending with whether you want a stronger concrete or a fluid, workable mix. 4. Pour the concrete slowly Beginning with the bottom step, pour the concrete slowly to avoid an outward thrust. Complete the first step before moving to the second and do this until you reach the top level. As you pour the concrete, use a shovel to spread it uniformly throughout the framework. Remove any trapped air by spading the concrete mix. 5. Smoothen the concrete stair surface You can use a hand trowel to achieve a smooth surface for your stairs. This can be done by moving it back and forth in a light motion. You can also use a wooden float for an even and level surface. If you want the concrete stairs to be very smooth, pour a liquid mixture of cement and water and spread it using the trowel. Always make sure that the concrete cover stairs (betonnen trap bekleden) are protected from particles for a few days by covering them using a soft material. Water the surface for a week to prevent cracking.
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