[va3hij]

Hi I need to form steps for concrete. I am in need of some help to form 3 steps for a front porch then I would pour with concrete. Can anyone help me?

[21boat]

Slope for a step is min 1/4" I would say 1/2" for a Diyer simply because it's a bit tricky to trowel the step treads. Basic riser for a step is 7". Put the odd step at the bottom. Lay it out from the top down. Use 3/4 plywood to form up the sides. When cutting the 2x8 riser bevel cut the bottom of the riser at a 45 degree angel. This allows your magnesium and steel finish trowel trowel to get under the bottom of the 1 1/2" width riser board from step to step. Not sure how wide the steps are. If over 3' then a 2x4 needs to be added to stiffen the riser so it doesn't bend in the pour.

For a floating step dig down 7" below grade on the sides. Put 3/4 crushed limestone in those areas 3" deep. Cut 3/4 ply about 28" high by 40" wide. Set the 3/4" ply on the crushed stone and use 2x4s to make mini studs and screw ply into the 2bys. This stiffens the ply to stop bowing. After rough setting the side now you can physically draw out the step on the inside of the set forms for riser and tread layouts. Cut the 2x8s the height and width you need. Before setting them add a short 5" 5" 2by at the ends of the riser on the face to wards you. Now set the riser between the ply forms. The scab added gives you more surface to screw to through the ply to keep the ply from spreading and ripping out the 4 screws holding the riser in. Now that all is set there are two ways to fill the inside. One is draw out the steps on the ply sides and build a Ply box form on the inside that allows 4" of concrete under the poured thread's. Angle that form keeping in mind all the Crete needs to be 4" thick from all outer pour locations. Top/sides/treads/riser fronts. OR use concrete block laid on there sides for inside filler and same rule applies of the 4". Use diesel fuel or kerosene to wet the inside of all the forms right before you pour. This allows the forms to be pulled easily. Pour Crete in the morning. Finish off treads. I use a horse hair brush for the final finish in non skid texture. After it sets up enough gently pull risers fronts off and rub the finish up with a orange concrete sponge. After it sets up even more gently pull sides and rub the sides up like the risers were.

Sorry for the long post but it gets involved.