How to make formwork for a concrete staircase with your own hands – step-by-step instructions

Although building a concrete staircase might seem like a difficult project, you can make a strong and fashionable staircase in your own home if you have the right tools and a little perseverance. The formwork, or the framework that forms and supports the concrete until it hardens, is essential to the success of a concrete staircase. With clear, step-by-step instructions, we’ll take you through the process of creating formwork for a concrete staircase in this guide.

We’ll start by going over the fundamentals of formwork, such as what supplies you’ll need and how to set up your workspace. We will also assist you in measuring and cutting the formwork so that your staircase is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. You can build a strong framework that will help your concrete staircase turn out exactly how you’ve imagined it by following these simple steps.

This guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to take on the project yourself, regardless of whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or simply want to save money on construction costs. You’ll be able to construct a concrete staircase that not only fits your needs but also raises the curb appeal and market value of your house with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful advice.

Although it may seem difficult, you can create the formwork for a concrete staircase on your own if you follow the right procedures and do a little planning beforehand. This tutorial will lead you through every step of the process, from material measurement and cutting to formwork assembly and concrete retention assurance. You can construct a strong and well-shaped staircase formwork that prepares the way for a successful concrete pour by following these simple instructions.

Types of formwork

Stair formwork comes in a variety of forms:

1. Mobile. Provides for multiple use of standard molds for casting concrete and is used to install stairs in country houses with a typical design.
2. With a film overlap. It is a universal product with a PVC coating. It can be adjusted to the number of steps.
3. Plank. This option is effective in implementing individual projects, since it allows you to change the sessions of the span, width and other characteristics of the structure.

General design

Formwork for a concrete staircase should be built by hand. Before beginning, you should familiarize yourself with the design features of the structure, perform several calculations, prepare a variety of materials and related makeshift tools.

Formwork can be constructed at home in the form of a prefabricated solid frame or assembled from multiple separate sections.

Markings are made on the surface if the interfloor transition is to be fixed in a span with a wall or between two walls. Applying it with a thick marker and being mindful of the pre-stretched twine is advised. This will prevent errors and incoherence.

It is customary to use boards and plywood for assembling the formwork, with each step clearly marked. Support beams are positioned all the way along the span to increase the structure’s strength. A 100 x 100 mm cross section is theirs. Wood elements are installed using profiled fasteners and self-tapping screws. Securing the wooden base is the first step in the reinforcement procedure.

DIY device

You’ll need to have some carpentry and concrete actions skills in order to independently design and install formwork. To create a sturdy and attractive structure, accurate calculation and material preparation are also essential.

Necessary materials and tools

You will need the following supplies to complete the formwork project:

1. Edged board 30-40 mm thick.
2. Plywood 20 mm thick.
3. Ribbed reinforcement. Its cross-section can vary from 10 to 16 mm.
4. Bar with a cross-section of 100×100 mm.
5. Self-tapping screws for wood.

Additionally, you must locate several tools, such as:

1. Construction plumb line and level.
2. Saw or hacksaw.
3. Screwdriver.
4. Hammer.

Calculations

You should use a value of 30 degrees when determining the span’s slope. This is particularly crucial when setting up a porch or stairway at the entrance. Up to 40–45 degrees of deviation is permitted in order to preserve interior space. Use a steeper slope if you need to set up a staircase to a basement or attic.

The number of steps is decided based on the chosen slope. They measure between 100 and 200 mm in height and at least 200 mm in width.

The number of steps is determined by a simple formula: the rise height is divided by the height of the step. If you want to apply a finishing layer, you will need to pay attention to the thickness of the adhesive base and finishing material.

Manufacturing and assembly

You can move on to the major phases of formwork installation for a reinforced concrete staircase using the computations as a guide. Prior to anything else, you should set up a plank frame with side stops, stiffeners, and formwork. Plywood lines the lower portion of the structure.

With a specific stencil, bars, boards, and plywood are used to cut out the shape of the steps. All of the parts are connected using self-tapping screws. It will be easy to dismantle the structure with their assistance. Metal corners are suggested in order to improve the strength of the fastener.

It is imperative to guarantee adequate insulation to prevent solution leakage during the part fitting process. Foam fills in any crevices and fractures. Its remnants are severed.

Reinforcement

Ensuring adequate reinforcement is crucial in fortifying the staircase’s design. Using welding equipment, a ribbed rod is turned into a mesh. Along the span, it is typically positioned two to three centimeters above the formwork. Plastic inserts are used for this purpose, or the edges of the rods are bent.

Reinforcing bars ought to be inserted into holes or attached to embedded components, if at all feasible. Heavy reinforcement cannot be used to overburden the weight of the formwork; in private construction, a metal frame is not necessary.

Concreting procedure

It is imperative to guarantee that horizontal and vertical structures align throughout the entire concreting process. Building levels are used to check the first ones, and plumb lines are used to check the second ones. The installation of frames and reinforcing mesh is then required to guarantee that a protective layer is present.

Embedded parts, which are used to attach balusters or racks, are connected to the frame at specific points. The following ingredients must be used in order to prepare the concrete mixture:

1. Sand without clay.
2. Crushed stone.

Concrete is poured into one opening to fill the staircase. The process involves gradually pouring the prepared solution into the formwork from the bottom up. Crushed stone is added to the mixture to dilute it and make sure the structure’s strength properties are high and viscous enough.

During the concreting process, voids are kept from forming with the use of vibrating equipment. After pouring is finished, the layer is leveled and smoothed.

PVC film is placed over the monolith to prevent drying out or cracking of the outer surface until the solution reaches the ideal strength. This process guarantees that the solution hardens uniformly.

The formwork is removed once the concrete layer has hardened completely, which could take up to 28 days. It is acceptable to disassemble the structure earlier if the design does not call for the inclusion of a heavy ladder.

Disassembly will be simpler if self-tapping screws and angles were utilized instead of nails as fastening components.

Formwork installation for a spiral staircase

In order to autonomously set up the formwork for a spiral staircase, each component must be built one at a time. Plywood that has been specially treated serves as the foundation for winder steps. The material is cut into trapezoidal elements with the ideal width and rotational angle.

Plywood and boards make up the side surface. A 100×100 mm beam is positioned beneath the base to increase the stability of the construction. There is a 40–60 cm gap between every component.

It is only possible to remove the formwork once the concrete mixture has solidified. This process typically takes a maximum of one month. When railings are installed, mounting holes or embedded components must exist on the steps.

Formwork creation for a concrete staircase may seem difficult, but it is absolutely doable with the correct supplies and a well-thought-out plan. You now know how to construct a strong formwork system that will hold your concrete in place until it sets properly. Just follow the steps listed. For a smooth and well-structured staircase, every step—from measuring and cutting the wood to assembling the form and making sure it’s securely braced—is essential.

Recall that accuracy in the first arrangement yields better results. Make sure your formwork is level and adequately supported to prevent any problems with the alignment or finish of the staircase. It’s important to take your time and carefully follow every step to make sure your staircase will look great and withstand regular use.

With these guidelines in hand, you’re prepared to confidently tackle this do-it-yourself project. Formwork for a concrete staircase doesn’t have to be difficult, and if you put in a little time and pay attention to the little things, the outcome will be fantastic.

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