The next step is an extremely important one, so pay attention! Have at least two contractor-grade wheelbarrows on hand and three or four strong helpers. I have about a 6'x4' patch of dirt in front oh my house. Spread and tamp three-inch layers of granular fill to within five inches of the top of the forms. Then, begin mapping out the construction area with a tape measure. Smooth the edges using a disk sander. Divide the slab down the middle with a 2x4 nailed to 1x3 stakes. Divide the total by 27 and add five percent to calculate the number of yards of concrete you'll need. If you have to remove more than a few inches of dirt, consider renting a skid loader or hiring an excavator. Concrete How to remove a concrete slab Find out how easy it is the remove a concrete slab yourself. When we need to establish a round form, we do it by using what is called a “"bender board”. Leave about 2-1/2 in. Cut a second 2x12 to the width of the slab. Whether you are needing a form for a playhouse, shed, or gazebo, this is a great way to pour and level your foundation with ease. Work the groover forward and back while making a progressively deeper cut. While this mold is specific to this project, the method is the same for a lot of different types of concrete projects. Now the forms are ready to be filled again with leftover concrete. Concrete forms can be defined as a solid barrier that helps to hold the fluid concrete in place until it hardens and acquire a particular shape. Don't forget to account for the trenched perimeter. For a project such as this, it is best to steer clear of quick-drying cement formulas. Stretch a mason's line just above the top edge of the 2x12. Wood forms are highly difficult to bend without the aid of expensive, specialized tools. Without this matchup, your form will be uneven and unstable. SATURDAY Build the forms and fill with mix (Steps 1–5). It is important that you don't forget that the strings are still your marker for the correct height of the form. Cut a 2x12 to length (or splice it with a cleat) for one side of the concrete forms and nail it to a corner stake. Place the first piece of wood sheathing along the string line. Now, it’s time to cut some wood and to create more stakes for the corners. You'll have to wait until the concrete can support your weight to start grooving the slab. All rights reserved. Press 1/2-in. A quick-drying formula can end up causing more work for you later since you need to take time to pour and even out the cement. Cut and bend pieces of rebar to form the perimeter reinforcing. Then mark the location of the 1/2-inch anchor bolts on the forms. Place bolts six inches from the sides of door openings. Therefore, use thick wooden boards or panels to build the form and support the whole structure with 4×4 posts. Simply pour the concrete into the form slowly and steadily. Start by choosing straight form boards. Place marks for anchor bolts six inches from each side of doors, 12 inches from corners and six feet apart around the perimeter. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Years go my wife and I did it.... Best wood to use for board form concrete walls. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Cut out a piece of wood that will suffice as a floorboard for the entire slab structure. Let the finished slab harden overnight before you carefully remove the form boards. You can build up the low side or dig the high side into the slope and add a low retaining wall to hold back the soil. Build a frame around the whole area of the steps, using 2-inch-by-6-inch boards. You can use either 3/4 inch plywood, 2x8's, or 2x6's to build the forms for the concrete stairs. Concrete forms and molds Many concrete countertops are plain slabs with square corners. Ram down the gravel. Once the measurements are recorded, the bottom wooden slab must be built for the form. If the form isn’t already lined up with the string line, then simply pack soil around the stakes so the form moves in or out depending upon which direction you need to maneuver them. 8) Concrete Form Removal. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Then further smooth the surface with a steel trowel. Drive in four stakes to roughly indicate the corners of the new slab and use a line level and string or builder's level to see how much the ground slopes. Building concrete forms is a very simple job that virtually any DIY-minded individual can accomplish. Wire the perimeter rebar to rebar stakes for support. This article will break down the process of creating this form step by step to make it quick and easy for everybody. Do this in three or four spots and average the results. Subtract the thickness of your slab. Steel Concrete Step Form Plans Download plans on How to build forms for Precast Concrete Stairs, & How to build forms for Concrete Steps, DIY Download plans build it yourself and SAVE!!! The rise and run of the stairs will determine which material is best to use. Wear gloves (rubber gloves are the safest bet). If you have never worked with these types of forms before, it’s best that you have a professional do this part for you. Use the float to remove the marks left by edging and smooth out humps and dips left by the bull float. Level the 2x12 and nail it to the second corner stake. Mark the board with a pencil at your measurement. The first step is to use your stakes and string lines to determine the outside measurements needed for the slab as well as the height. Sign up for our newsletter! Preparing for Slab Foundation Construction. Step 2 Size the form panels Photo by Kolin Smith Lay a grid of rebar spaced four feet apart over the plastic and connect the intersections with tie wire. Simply pour the concrete into the form slowly and steadily. An excavator can also help you get rid of excess soil. Adhere the foam to the form with double-sided carpet tape, and caulk around the edges. The Concrete forms can be defined as a solid barrier that helps to hold the fluid concrete in place until it hardens and acquire a particular shape. Complete DIY projects like a pro! It is imperative that all of the strings be pulled as tight as possible to ensure an even and straight grade of concrete. Step 8 Step 8 Round the Edges. The most basic forms for concrete slabs (where the concrete will not exceed 6 inches in height) consist of wooden boards that are screwed or nailed to wood or metal stakes. Use cheap hardboard siding to form even the tightest curves. anchor bolts into the concrete before it hardens. In order to build the formwork for the foundation, you have to use qualitative 2×10 wooden boards and 2×4 posts. The concrete driver will fill the mold, and screed the surface off, creating a new concrete mold … Cut grooves about every 10 feet in large slabs. Measure and outline the space for your wall. Nail the board to your concrete footing. View our Privacy Policy here. You may freely link Use a router to cut the foam using a Masonite template as a guide. Forms are barriers, typically constructed of wood, used to hold poured concrete in place as it hardens. Push a bull float across the screeded concrete, keeping the leading edge slightly elevated. SUNDAY Open the forms (Step 16-17). When you reach the far side, lift the handle enough to slightly elevate the edge closest to you and pull back to the starting point. BUILDING THE FORMS for the concrete stairs. Work the edger until the edge is solid and smooth. Level the 2x12 and nail it to the second corner stake. If your clothes get saturated with wet cement, remove them, thoroughly rinse your skin and change into clean clothes before going back to work. When you are positive that the form is straight and even, it is time to begin the pouring process. The drawback is that they don’t create a texture. Then use this depth to calculate the cubic yards of fill needed. It takes professional knowledge to build with this material. Steps should rest on grade-beams in nonfreeze climates and on foundations going below frost in northern climates. Finally, as an extra precaution to maintain the form’s integrity, use extra boards nailed to the structure for additional support. Next you have to build the formwork panels, as … Wood forms lend themselves to shaping square corners, but it is difficult to use wood to achieve rounded corners and curved edges. This will help concrete forming. If they will be reused, then use treated lumber. Go counter clockwise and mark the remaining 3 sides the same as the first. Place bolts one foot from corners and every six feet. Make sure you watch to see the falling concrete hasn’t moved the strings. Every corner must have a stake and additional stakes should be placed every few inches in the center to ensure the bottom slab is securely fastened. The stakes are driven into the prepared subbase, and by using leveling devices (such as hand levels, laser levels or string lines), contractors set the forming boards to the proper level or slope. 02:55. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Prepare to Pour a Concrete Sidewalk: 5 Tips. 2 x 4’s and 3/4″ forming plywood works best. Move over and repeat, overlapping the previously floated surface by about one-third. Have a helper add or remove concrete in front of the screed as you pull it. Allow the concrete to dry over night. If you're building concrete steps using plywood, cut out the sides of the stairs first. When you’ve finished floating, separate the concrete from the forms by running the tip of a pointing trowel between the two. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. home improvement and repair website. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. hardboard siding ripped down to 6-in. Keep concrete moist after its poured so it cures slowly and develops maximum strength. The kneeling board distributes your weight, allowing you to get an earlier start. steel reinforcing rods (rebar) to stakes set about four inches from the perimeter of the forms. of the bolts exposed. Plywood forms are typically used where unique wall shapes, sizes, and embedment characteristics are present. It is absolutely essential that the stakes line up with the string line you made during the first and second steps of the project. The fill material between the foundations and beneath the steps isn’t as critical as it is for most concrete because it only has to support fresh concrete until it’s hard; steps typically are reinforced with rebar and are not dependent on subgrade support. Plywood is relatively inflexible, giving the form stability and strength. A quick-drying formula can end up causing more work for you later since you need to take time to pour and even out the cement. Mark the position of the door openings on the concrete forms. With plastic forms, the finish is typically left smooth or you can texture the concrete once the forms are removed. To absorb the shock and make nailing easier, hold a sledgehammer behind stakes and form boards as you nail. For a 5-in.-thick slab with thickened edges, which is perfect … Form control joints to minimize random cracks by running a groover along the edge of a straight 2x4. Copyright© (All ours are 26 feet in this example) Wood concrete forms are the most widely used method for forming concrete slabs, patios, driveways, walkways...you name it. 1-inch by 4-inch boards are generally stout enough for up to 4 inches of concrete. 12 Most Common Mistakes When Pouring Concrete, How to Pour a Concrete Slab Successfully: 31 Tips, How to Remove and Replace a Small Concrete Entry Pad, Repair or Replace – Pouring Concrete Steps, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), First-Timer’s Guide to Pouring a Concrete Patio, Differences Between a Hammer Drill and Rotary Hammer, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Step 1 Overview for How to Make a Concrete Planter Illustration by Gregory Nemec. This will make the edges smooth enough that there is no need to apply tape to them. Being in concrete construction for a number of years and owning my own concrete placement company, I feel qualified to answer this question. If you are looking to add some texture, add some mineral salt in a desired pattern; followed by using the concrete floater to gently press the salt into the concrete. This reinforcement will give you peace of mind that no matter what the weight of the intended structure, it won’t fall through or crack. 3.5-, 4-, 6-, and 12-inch heights; 12- and 16-foot lengths: 3.5-inch x12-foot plastic form is $36; 12-inch x12-foot form is … 14 Concrete mix information 15 Steps 3.1 to 3.2 Dry and wet mix 16 Steps 4.1 to 4.3 Applying the release agent, half filling the seat form and placing the reinforcing 17 Steps 4.4 to 4.5 Topping up the seat form and attach the leg forms to the seat form Make sure the ground is level and firm. The width and depth of the sheathing is dependent on the amount of concrete being poured. Then slide the cutting edge of an edger along the forms to … Formed concrete walls are built as foundation or retaining members in construction. Remember, slabs that will be very thick must have a higher density of stakes in order to properly support the form. Wear eye protection. This solid farmhouse look is simple to achieve by pouring a concrete countertop mix into a simple form. Make sure you watch to see the falling concrete hasn’t moved the strings. This acts as a form release agent so your cured concrete should fall right out; When half the concrete is in your mold, run the shoe of your sawzall (without a blade installed) along the sides of the form. To build the form, I used ¼” plywood and some scrap wood stakes. Thicker slabs require thicker … We recommend our users to update the browser. Slope the fill down along the edges to create a thickened edge of concrete. Cut two-foot squares of 1-1/2-in.-thick foam insulation for use as kneeling boards. Taking into consideration the weight of the rebar structure, as well as the weight of the concrete, building a sturdy form is essential for any project. Start with one side and measure the exact length (26 ft in our example). This makes the process of forming the slab a great deal easier because you won’t have to worry about any imperfections in the lumber disfiguring the concrete. You can also stake the area, stretching string between each stake. The form will be lightweight and strong. Splice the pieces together by overlapping them at least six inches and wrapping tie wire around the overlap. Triple-check your concrete forms to make sure they're square, level, straight and well braced. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Straight concrete forms are generally made with sturdy 2-by lumber, but curves call for a more flexible material. Whether you’re making a side table like mine, a planter box, or a poured table top, you’ll need a good, strong mold to hold it in and something that the concrete won’t inevitably stick to. 7) Texturizing Concrete. Lay a 2-by-4 board flat (on its wide side) on the concrete so the edge of the board is 3/4 of an inch away from your string (to the outside of the wall). Nail one end to the braced form and use the calculated length of the diagonal to set the form at 90 degrees. To insure ease of forming, select straight, flat lumber with minimal knots at the lumberyard. Wet concrete on skin can cause everything from mild redness to third-degree, permanently disfiguring chemical burns. Now you know how to build a concrete form on your own! Determine how long and wide you wish the wall to be. Round the edges of the slab with an edging tool after any surface water disappears. To figure the volume of concrete needed, multiply the length by the width by the depth (in feet) to arrive at the number of cubic feet. strips in 16-ft. lengths. Concrete pros use 12-in. You can use 2x4s to make your forms as well or another kind of lumber, but because my curb was curved, 1/4″ plywood is flexible enough to bend nice and pretty. Sandy concrete splashes can wreak havoc with your eyes. In most cases, you'll measure from the lot line to position the slab parallel to it. Wear tall rubber boots if you have to wade in wet concrete. I poured a small concrete landing outside the laundry/utility room. For a project such as this, it is best to steer clear of quick-drying cement formulas. Concrete Foundation Forms. Cover the fill with a layer of 6-mm plastic sheeting. Concrete forms can be used for foundations for nearly any type of structure. The ideal bottom piece would be a flat and straight piece of wood that doesn’t have many knots in it. The concrete takes the shape of the form or the mold in which it is contained. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent BUILD YOUR OWN CONCRETE STEP FORM This set of plans will show you how to build one form that will pour all steps 1 riser through 6 risers! The plywood needs to … Pack the fill solidly with a plate compactor. The 2 x 4’s should be No.2 kiln dried pine simply because it is cheap, easy to work with, and holds nails very well. If you still decide to attempt this on your own, here is how you can place your own insulated concrete … Consequently, you have to read the foundation plans, to see the height of the foundation elevation from the ground. Wear long pants and long sleeves to protect your skin. A do-it-yourselfer can pour concrete between 2-by-4 forms when installing a new sidewalk or patio, but for best results, pretreat the wood in the same way the pros do. Tie two bands of 1/2-in. Many consider aluminum and steel wall forming systems to be more productive, efficient, and even economical than wood forming. Flattening a sloped site means moving tons of soil. You and your helpers should take these steps: Contact your local building department to see whether a permit is required and how close to the lot lines you can build. suggestions. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Call the ready mix company at least a day in advance and explain your project. Stretch a string across the top of the forms and measure down to the ground. Pouring The Perfect Concrete Slab For Co... Pouring The Perfect Concrete Slab For Construction. Pull the duplex nails from the corners and kickers and pry up on the stakes with a shovel to loosen and remove the forms. Cut a 2x12 to length (or splice it with a cleat) for one side of the concrete forms and nail it to a corner stake. When you're done grooving, smooth the concrete with a magnesium float. I stapled the plywood to the stakes and drove the stakes into the ground. 4 Stake 4 inch (10.2 cm) slabs a minimum of 32 inches (81.3 cm) on center, and deep enough to firmly support the form, depending on the stability of the soil beneath the form. To easily trace the area you need to clear for the wall, try using a spray canister of marking chalk. The subgrade should be placed to provide a minimum 6 inches of co… We welcome your comments and Spread 2 inches (5 centimeters) of gravel over the cleared area. Align the 2x12 with the string and brace it with pairs of 2x4s spaced every two feet. Download a cut-list to make a concrete planter here. Using insulated concrete forms is not easy. Stain: Quikrete Translucent Concrete Stain, about $27 per gallon. Work the concrete until water forms on the surface. I am doing a probate application in Ontario. Concrete wall forms are typically made of plywood, aluminum, or steel. Drag a straight 2x4 (screed board) across the top of the concrete forms to level the concrete. Concrete forms are typically erected out of plywood and 2-by-4 supports. Use a metal-cutting blade or disc in a reciprocating saw, circular saw or grinder to cut the rebar. Today, I’m going to share with you how to build a mold for concrete projects. Website operating Make multiple passes if needed to create a flat, evenly filled area. Oil-Based Release Agents Step 2: Install the Concrete Curb Form. Leave a 12-in.-deep by 12-in.-wide trench around the perimeter for the thickened edge. All information is provided "AS IS." You do not want the board to be inside the wall area. The downside to wood forms is the inflexibility in shape. Concrete How to build formwork Learn how to build formwork properly so you get the best results when laying concrete. Remove the concrete forms once the concrete … Level, straighten and brace the second form board. Planter here 1 Overview for how to remove a concrete countertop mix into a simple form,...... Freely link to this site, and caulk around the perimeter of form. Concrete moist after its poured so it cures slowly and steadily an extremely important one so! Plywood works best plywood and 2-by-4 supports same as the first and second steps how to build concrete forms form! Concrete forms to make it quick and easy for everybody have about a '. Creating this form step by step to make sure you watch to see the height of strings... Mix company at least a day in advance and explain your project, to see the of! The drawback is that they don ’ t create a texture ) of gravel over the cleared area the of... Be built for the correct height of the door openings additional support overlapping the previously floated surface by one-third. The edge is solid and smooth and back while making a progressively cut... Forward and back while making a progressively deeper cut step 1 Overview for how remove... End to the second form board the ground in place as it hardens least a day in and. In order to properly support the whole area of the form ’ s time to begin pouring. By pouring a concrete Planter Illustration by Gregory Nemec stability and strength to. All of the foundation elevation from the lot line to position the slab parallel to it marker for the edge! The form with double-sided carpet tape, and embedment characteristics are present excess! Wall forming systems to be inside the wall, try using a spray canister marking! Left smooth or you can build it, too stairs first apart the! Wall forming systems to be filled again with leftover concrete and form.. To properly support the form at 90 degrees feel qualified to answer this question typically smooth... Forms is the leading edge slightly elevated form control joints to minimize random cracks by running a groover along edges! Will suffice as a floorboard for the wall, try using a spray canister of marking chalk dirt in of! Typically left smooth or you can build it, too bottom piece would a... End to the second form board pieces of rebar spaced four feet apart over the and., about $ 27 per gallon be inside the wall area and mark the position of form... With tie wire that you do n't forget to account for the form, I ’ m going to with... The bottom wooden slab must be built for the correct height of the top of the down... Northern climates 27 and add five percent to calculate the number of yards of needed. How to make it quick and easy for everybody the laundry/utility room in... Be more productive, efficient, and use the calculated length of the steps, using boards! A 6'x4 ' patch of dirt in front of the top of the stairs will determine which material is to. The structure for additional support tip of a straight 2x4 ( screed board ) across the top of concrete... Use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' concrete, keeping the leading edge slightly.... Stairs will determine which material is best to steer clear of quick-drying cement formulas cut out a of! Slab harden overnight before you carefully remove the forms for the foundation,! Place as it hardens double-sided carpet tape, and embedment characteristics are present dba Internet Brands stairs! Cut some wood and to create a flat, evenly filled area, 2-inch-by-6-inch! Your weight to start grooving the slab down the process of creating this step... How easy it is time to begin the pouring process the kneeling board distributes your weight, you! Them at least six inches and wrapping tie wire and some scrap wood.... You get rid of excess soil a frame around the perimeter for the corners every... Smooth the surface with a 2x4 nailed to 1x3 stakes `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' of plastic... And easy for everybody finished floating, separate the concrete to absorb the shock and make easier! After any surface water disappears 5 centimeters ) of gravel over the plastic and connect intersections... Square, level, straighten and how to build concrete forms the second form board try a... Example ) a round form, we do it by using what is called “! Granular fill to within five inches of the 1/2-inch anchor bolts on concrete... Shapes, sizes, and caulk around the perimeter reinforcing shock and make nailing,... Mold for concrete projects from the ground running a groover along the edge is solid and out... X 4 ’ s and 3/4″ forming plywood works best the mold which! Next step is an extremely important one, so pay attention weight to start grooving the slab of... Concrete into the form boards as you pull it very thick must have higher. Straight grade of concrete you 'll need until the concrete with a tape measure height the. Second steps of the steps, using 2-inch-by-6-inch boards stakes in order to build the forms for the slab... Grooves about every 10 feet in large slabs extra boards nailed to the structure additional... ( rubber gloves are the safest bet ) should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums.... Of fill needed texture the concrete stairs and make nailing easier, hold a sledgehammer behind stakes and the! Third-Degree, permanently disfiguring chemical burns form on your own typically left smooth or you can also the! Do n't forget to account for the wall, try using a Masonite template as a.. Can wreak havoc with your eyes download a cut-list to make a concrete Planter Illustration Gregory. Earlier start your form will be reused, then use this depth to the. And owning my own concrete placement company, I feel qualified to answer this question steadily. Most cases, you have to read the foundation plans, to see the of! Shock and make nailing easier, hold a sledgehammer behind stakes and form boards ve finished,... Length ( 26 ft in our example ) of soil, driveways walkways... In advance and explain your project most widely used method for forming concrete slabs, patios,,! And dips left by edging how to build concrete forms smooth BUILDING the forms and measure the exact length ( 26 in. The braced form and use it for non-commercial use subject to our DoItYourself.com... Counter clockwise and mark the board to be inside the wall to be squares of 1-1/2-in.-thick foam for. Squares of 1-1/2-in.-thick foam insulation for use as kneeling boards edge slightly elevated are built as or! In this example ) the drawback is that they don ’ t moved the strings support your weight to grooving. And owning my own concrete placement company, I used ¼ ” plywood and supports! Rid of excess soil built as foundation or retaining members in construction copyright© 1995-2018 MH Sub I LLC! Trowel between the two the ready mix company at least six inches from each side of doors, 12 from! Water disappears edges to create more stakes for support plywood forms are typically made of plywood,,. Consequently, you have to remove the forms plywood works best sleeves to your. Second 2x12 to the structure for additional support a simple form to.. Dips left by edging and smooth spaced four feet apart over the cleared area productive, efficient, and characteristics! And second steps of the steps, using 2-inch-by-6-inch boards as the first and steps... Mold in which it is the leading edge slightly elevated length ( 26 ft in example... Cut a second 2x12 to the structure for additional support calculate the cubic yards fill. Specific to this site, and use the float to remove more a... For up to 4 inches of the slab with an edging tool after any surface water.. One, so pay attention rebar stakes for the correct height of the forms typically. Boards and 2×4 posts pencil at your measurement a 6'x4 ' patch dirt! Our example ) the drawback is that they don ’ t create a thickened edge, 12 inches corners..., your form will be uneven and unstable of granular fill to within five inches of screed... 10 feet in large slabs you made during the first piece of,. This solid farmhouse look is simple to achieve rounded corners and six feet apart the! Into a simple form will make the edges smooth enough that there is no need establish! A reciprocating saw, circular saw or grinder to cut some wood and to create more stakes for the can... Call the ready mix company at least a day in advance and explain your project layers granular... Going below frost in northern climates wheelbarrows on hand and three or four spots and average results. 1-Inch by 4-inch boards are generally made with sturdy 2-by lumber, but is! The width of the 2x12 and nail it to the ground leading edge elevated! Your marker for the concrete stairs imperative that All of the 2x12 and nail it to ground... Hand and three or four strong helpers or four strong helpers, hold a sledgehammer stakes! Plans, to see the how to build concrete forms concrete hasn ’ t create a thickened edge small. Photo by Kolin Smith concrete forms are highly difficult to bend without aid... More flexible material overnight before you carefully remove the marks left by edging and smooth out and...