how to form a concrete step question here...thnx :)?

Question

i have some concrete expereicne but am struggling with what woukld be the best way to form a concrete step that is basically a rectangle 3'X6', but on the front of the "rectangle step" , about 6" in on both sides i want to make a "half moon" that protrudes from the rectangle...

the basic idea, a rectangle with a halfmoon on top, the half moon part being the step down....

Anyways, any ideas on a good way to form this single step? i'm also forming a walkway from it...but i'm ok with that :))

Would aoppreciate any help

Answer 1

Use 2 layers of Plywood to form the curve.

First, cut plywood in shape of curve on the "flat" of a piece of plywood. (cut two, one for top, one for bottom) these will be the backbone (strength) of the form. Then attach plywood to front of your curves. This is where you attach the two layers of 1/2 in plywood. 1/2 in flexes enough, and 2 layers will give the strength you need. Attach to the rest of forms and pour!! Good luck.

Answer 2

You need a sledge hammer, some 2X4's and a sheet of 3/8 plywood. String out your curve on the ground and mark it with a scrape or spray paint. Take the 2x4's and cut them to 3' lengths. Cut a v on one end of each 2X4 piece. Pound the 1st 2X4 into the ground with the sledge at least 1 foot deep. Cut a strip off the plywood wider then the finished step height. Attach the plywood strip to the first 2X4 by nailing it from the "cement side" of the form to the 2X4. Pound the second 2X4 piece into the ground about 10" away from the first (on the curve) but bend the plywood around and have a friend hold it until the 2X4 is in. Attach it to the plywood strip the same as the first and carry on until the entire curve is formed. By attaching the plywood "from the inside out" to the 2X4 stakes, when the concrete cures and you remove the form; there aren't any nail holes in the step. Finish the face of the step by parging and then brush lightly for a uniform finish.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

All first 3 answers have validity. Knowing the size to be 6 ft wide, BUT not knowing the radius of the curve I suggest only you can be able to judge the "Flex" of any framing material.

With enough 2 x 2 uprights hammered into the perimeter of the radius and rectangle, Masonite would be fine, as would plywood, but I'd use inexpensive "sheathing" at 1/4 inch and double it for the radius.

Once the framing is set, the rest is the easy part, but probably should be accomplished with a rented mixer to offer the quantity of material needed, and a few friends to aid in the process.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

There are 2 common approaches for doing this... For low element artwork, use wood or mild rebar (bent and tied) to sort your standard shape. next you smear concrete over the the ideal option to sort your very final shape. Layer as necessary to get the needed intensity. for top element artwork, it truly is ideal to do your standard layout out of a softer and better density fabric which you decrease and shape. a marvelous form of the time non-sulfur clay is used for this artwork. when you shape and decrease the clay to the layout you pick, you do a normal spray or brush on solid mildew, and then solid the ideal product in concrete. This physique of suggestions is extra durable, yet provide you more suitable look and capability. tender-on is the biggest distributor for doing concrete casting.

Answer 5

Masonite works good use it all the time just rip it to the desired thickness and use plenty of stakes.You can just nail it to the stakes with short roofing nails. On the inside.

Answer 6

try some thin masonite, like soffit material , it bends very eazy. just stake it good b4 you pour. its also very cheap