Awesome! You deff took the time in the last video to do the job right! Nice work! I thought about concrete steps for my front entrance way but didnt wanna take on that large of a challenge so I stuck with conventional PT stringers with composite decking but these came out awesome!
Some helpfully add-ons.... 1 snap a chalk line along the lower front face of the top step so you can trowel the top step level where it meets the floor. 2. Rip the bottom edge of the top riser at 45 degrees so you can trowel the first step into the base of the riser. 3 spray or brush cooking or vegeable oil on the inside face of your form boards. 4. If you start toweling, and it immediately draws water to the surface, it is not dry enough to trowel. Drawing the water to the surface removes it from the mix, and weakens the Crete. All these, and more tips are learned as you do more work with concrete. Nice work...
Thank you for the video from Georgia! It was super helpful and I appreciate the math on how you calculated the concrete! I am in need of some steps off my patio and I'm looking at several different ways to do it. Pavers, stone, cinder block, etc. Your video makes me want to do concrete! Thanks again!
I'm a third generation Plumber/Pipefitter.. Came here in hope of learning how to make some steps for my mother-in-law, looks like she is out of luck! Well, if this was a bad video anyways, I feel confident about it now! Thank you!
Thanks for the video. Looking at some comments it’s a wonder anyone posts videos of anything. A DIYer does things to save some money and are not trying to do what the 30 year professionals do. I found your video interesting and appreciate your effort. Ready Mix drivers watch professionals all day everyday so it is easy to find fault with your work being a non professional!
Great video!!! I need exactly two concrete steps on my front porch to be replaced any ideas on how much it would cost to hire an independent contractor to replace two concrete steps?
Nice commentary, seems longer steps add multiple complications with insuring the steps are straight across. One item I might do different is using a non rusting tie-back screw to anchor the steps to the porch pad.
Thanks Steve. Growing up they told us we had to learn the metric system cause we're switching over. Never happened, I guess we're all too set in our ways! 😄
Really great job. Nice work. I noticed you were also wetting the concrete with a hose while you were finishing. Can you explain why you do this? Thank you.
Thanks for the comment. If the concrete starts getting too dry too quickly, you can give it just a little squirt of water which really helps to work up enough cream to finish it nicely.
Hey nice diy project you got the major points down! Your edges will come out more uniform if you let the concrete set just a tad more and you won’t have to work it as much which will make it less prone to surface cracks and spalling. But I get that it’s scary when the concrete starts setting up. The concrete was mixed a little too wet which will increase the likelihood of cracks as well. For the next one if you’re nervous about working with more dry concrete get some retarder and wet your tools it will buy you some time without having to add as much water in the mix. A magnesium float will also help bring up cream if it’s setting on you may not need to use a steel trowel if your going to broom. And make sure to oil your form boards so you don’t pull out pieces of concrete and have to fix it. for the home owner cooking spray works and won’t leave a color like motor oil. But good stuff man!
Bag mix just bleeds a lot, then he sealed it up too soon and over worked it. Also buying premium bag mix (like a quickcrete 5000 etc.) Would have been worth the extra few bucks in my opinion. (I am a career Mason). Could have also hit it with a fan for a while or even worked a little powdered mix into the bleed water
Hey, great job. I thought you slowed down and explained when necessary, and know when to time lapse to show process, but not burn too much time. Also, great camera angles.
Wow you got some rebar in there too, it might be an over kill. I would just dowel into the the foundation the rest of it can be wire mesh unless you're going to have some serious weight going onto that step, weight like 1000 pounds or more.
You have made the cement far to wet. You're mould was fine, you should have made mix of 3 sand 1 cement.. and put up front of mould, then 1 and half sand 1 and half gravel and 1 cement and put in mould then steel, banged it down then scratched it, 1st mix in top, screave it and wooden float it, then do same for top step, then polish it up with steel float. That way it won't sag or dip or be uneven. I have been doing this for my job for last 30 year's.
Thanks for comment Stefan, I appreciate the professional advice. That's a great method for a professional, but for the average homeowner it's a bit complicated. This video is intended to show an easy DIY method that provides acceptable results. The other couple steps I've poured this way many years ago are still looking great and holding up fine. The other nice thing about this is costs just over $100 for the concrete and to rent the mixer.
Thanks for the question Eric, the rebar is basically just laying in the concrete. I used a long piece in each step with curved connectors joining them together every two feet. As we poured the concrete I pulled the rebar up into the center of the step. I also added Tap-Cons in the side of the patio to allow the steps to "grip" onto and prevent the gap from opening up between the steps and the patio. I think you can see some of the that in the first video: ua-cam.com/video/pX4qVHCg_bk/v-deo.html
I learned a bit watching your video. I have a radius step to make and wasn't sure about how but you gave me some interesting ideas. The finish work is what makes me nervous. Good job on your steps.
How's she goin'? Great job Corey!!! I am nervous around concrete as you only get one try and it's hard to remove it if it doesn't turn out for ya. But your steps turned out very nice.
For a home project that’s ok, but you stripped too soon and got some sagging and next time use a mag float to work it before you start troweling and work it a little less so it can dry. Concrete is all about timing😉
Thanks Joe, my original plans for the lean-to was storage for my tractors, but we've been using this area for parties and just relaxing. I have a feeling I'll be hanging out back here quite often.
Hi. I have a couple questions, did you end up using all the bags you bought, and roughly... what was the time elapse between when you poured and you took the first board away. Thanks for the video
Thanks for the comment LC. If I remember correctly I had one bag left. From when I started mixing to removing the form board was probably only an hour and half to two hours, but that could vary based on temp and humidity and how dry the substrate is.
Its better to edge before stripping boards, helps keep edge straight and flat throughout with no rolled edges 🤙🏼 Awesome demonstration though, loved that you showed ppl that you can make a quick paste and fill in your voids “honeycombs” on the face. Good stuff brotha 👍🏼
What I'm seeing is that you took the time to smooth everything. Also, you tapped the sides to settle the concrete. The bottom step seam is connected to the ground also. Our new steps are not smooth nor sealed at the bottom and seem very pitted and honeycombed. Small pieces of concrete are already cracking off from the bottom side. I don't trust our landscapers who did the concrete steps. From watching your video, I think there's a real skill involved from getting the steps to be structurally sound and to look nice.
Wouldn't an expansion joint leave the steps free floating, allowing it to settle or pull away from the foundation? I'm asking because I don't really know.
Thanks for the comment Jake. I don't remember for sure but it wasn't too long after finishing the pour. Maybe 30 minutes or so. It will depend on a lot of factors such as the ambient temperature and humidity, water content of the mix, and whether it's on sand or plastic. When you can push on it with a trowel and it feels pretty stiff then it's almost time. Good luck with your project.
This was great. Definitely will subscribe. I have to add a bottom step to small concrete staircase. Struggles with how to attach it. Using masonry screws is brilliant. Thank you.
I am looking for a video on how to create stairs with railings. Was sent here. Where are the railings? Plus I want a "rolled edge" on the stairs, not exactly what this video shows.
I am a Ready Mix Driver, i deal with concrete finishers all day everyday and i've got to tell you this was the most painful thing to watch of my entire life. . .at least it didn't look half bad upon completion but yeah it's insulting when an obvious amateur is trying to pass himself off as some kind of mentor on youtube.
End result speaks for itself. Not every homeowner has a crew of guys that do concrete work everyday at their disposal. I've poured more concrete than your typical homeowner and from my finished results I'd say I'm a level above an amateur. I never said I was a professional. Maybe you're not familiar with UA-cam but it's filled with amateurs giving advice. Especially in the comments.
30 year finisher here, I appreciate that you’re not passing yourself off as a concrete professional. You’re a guy sharing his experience with others, i think that’s great. Albeit you made many mistakes that will in all probability cause premature failure of the steps. I do applaud you for not passing yourself off as a know it all concrete guy. Concrete is the least “DIY” friendly thing a person can do. The risers don’t look half bad, good job!
Awesome! You deff took the time in the last video to do the job right! Nice work! I thought about concrete steps for my front entrance way but didnt wanna take on that large of a challenge so I stuck with conventional PT stringers with composite decking but these came out awesome!
Thank you!
Some helpfully add-ons....
1 snap a chalk line along the lower front face of the top step so you can trowel the top step level where it meets the floor. 2. Rip the bottom edge of the top riser at 45 degrees so you can trowel the first step into the base of the riser. 3 spray or brush cooking or vegeable oil on the inside face of your form boards. 4. If you start toweling, and it immediately draws water to the surface, it is not dry enough to trowel. Drawing the water to the surface removes it from the mix, and weakens the Crete. All these, and more tips are learned as you do more work with concrete. Nice work...
Thank you for the video from Georgia! It was super helpful and I appreciate the math on how you calculated the concrete! I am in need of some steps off my patio and I'm looking at several different ways to do it. Pavers, stone, cinder block, etc. Your video makes me want to do concrete! Thanks again!
Nice work dude.
Greatings from Holland.
I especially enjoyed your instructional video because you show each step unlike many others would only show the end of each step.
I'm a third generation Plumber/Pipefitter.. Came here in hope of learning how to make some steps for my mother-in-law, looks like she is out of luck! Well, if this was a bad video anyways, I feel confident about it now! Thank you!
Great video explaining every step! (No pun intended)
Hey, it looks pretty good. Definitely a step above an amateur. Good job!!
Thank you!
Thanks for the video. Looking at some comments it’s a wonder anyone posts videos of anything. A DIYer does things to save some money and are not trying to do what the 30 year professionals do. I found your video interesting and appreciate your effort. Ready Mix drivers watch professionals all day everyday so it is easy to find fault with your work being a non professional!
Thanks Gene! I appreciate the comment.
Good job bro
Great video!!! I need exactly two concrete steps on my front porch to be replaced any ideas on how much it would cost to hire an independent contractor to replace two concrete steps?
Nicely done!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱
Good video. I would have made the brush finish going the other way, horizontal .
That works both ways, the way he did it will shed water quicker, but might cause a slip.
Nice commentary, seems longer steps add multiple complications with insuring the steps are straight across. One item I might do different is using a non rusting tie-back screw to anchor the steps to the porch pad.
Thank you for the video - great to see your working out. Makes me glad that we (in Australia) use metric measurements tho!
Thanks Steve. Growing up they told us we had to learn the metric system cause we're switching over. Never happened, I guess we're all too set in our ways! 😄
@@CountryFamily Ronald Reagon stopped the switch at the last moment during his first term.
Great video. I did not see when you installed the rebar(?), or what you used to brace that bottom step. Can you fill me in?
great video, really useful and informative.
Thanks.
Thanks heaps for this, great video.
How long to wait to remove the boards but clean it up is “too long,”… approximately… ???
Good job 👏
Really great job. Nice work. I noticed you were also wetting the concrete with a hose while you were finishing. Can you explain why you do this? Thank you.
Thanks for the comment. If the concrete starts getting too dry too quickly, you can give it just a little squirt of water which really helps to work up enough cream to finish it nicely.
Thanks for the great video. Lots of good info
how to install the rebar, would you please explain that? Thanks.
Hey nice diy project you got the major points down! Your edges will come out more uniform if you let the concrete set just a tad more and you won’t have to work it as much which will make it less prone to surface cracks and spalling. But I get that it’s scary when the concrete starts setting up. The concrete was mixed a little too wet which will increase the likelihood of cracks as well. For the next one if you’re nervous about working with more dry concrete get some retarder and wet your tools it will buy you some time without having to add as much water in the mix. A magnesium float will also help bring up cream if it’s setting on you may not need to use a steel trowel if your going to broom. And make sure to oil your form boards so you don’t pull out pieces of concrete and have to fix it. for the home owner cooking spray works and won’t leave a color like motor oil. But good stuff man!
Thanks Jeremy, I appreciate those tips.
Bag mix just bleeds a lot, then he sealed it up too soon and over worked it. Also buying premium bag mix (like a quickcrete 5000 etc.) Would have been worth the extra few bucks in my opinion. (I am a career Mason). Could have also hit it with a fan for a while or even worked a little powdered mix into the bleed water
Hey, great job. I thought you slowed down and explained when necessary, and know when to time lapse to show process, but not burn too much time. Also, great camera angles.
Thanks for that
Wow you got some rebar in there too, it might be an over kill. I would just dowel into the the foundation the rest of it can be wire mesh unless you're going to have some serious weight going onto that step, weight like 1000 pounds or more.
You have made the cement far to wet. You're mould was fine, you should have made mix of 3 sand 1 cement.. and put up front of mould, then 1 and half sand 1 and half gravel and 1 cement and put in mould then steel, banged it down then scratched it, 1st mix in top, screave it and wooden float it, then do same for top step, then polish it up with steel float. That way it won't sag or dip or be uneven. I have been doing this for my job for last 30 year's.
Stefan Godfrey also should have broo Ed it the other way
Thanks for comment Stefan, I appreciate the professional advice. That's a great method for a professional, but for the average homeowner it's a bit complicated. This video is intended to show an easy DIY method that provides acceptable results. The other couple steps I've poured this way many years ago are still looking great and holding up fine. The other nice thing about this is costs just over $100 for the concrete and to rent the mixer.
Not sure why you'd want to trap water in grooves during freezing weather. I broomed it this way to allow the water to drain off.
@@CountryFamily You have done a good job and it looks fine.
Did you just lay in the rebar for the concrete to grip onto or did you "install" it some how? And how much did you use in your steps?
Thanks for the question Eric, the rebar is basically just laying in the concrete. I used a long piece in each step with curved connectors joining them together every two feet. As we poured the concrete I pulled the rebar up into the center of the step. I also added Tap-Cons in the side of the patio to allow the steps to "grip" onto and prevent the gap from opening up between the steps and the patio. I think you can see some of the that in the first video:
ua-cam.com/video/pX4qVHCg_bk/v-deo.html
I learned a bit watching your video. I have a radius step to make and wasn't sure about how but you gave me some interesting ideas.
The finish work is what makes me nervous. Good job on your steps.
Thank you. Good luck with your project.
How's she goin'? Great job Corey!!! I am nervous around concrete as you only get one try and it's hard to remove it if it doesn't turn out for ya. But your steps turned out very nice.
Thanks Mike.
For a home project that’s ok, but you stripped too soon and got some sagging and next time use a mag float to work it before you start troweling and work it a little less so it can dry. Concrete is all about timing😉
Hi great vid how long did it take to dry completely? Thank you
You can walk on it the next day.
Молодец, в этом году попробую так же! Привет из России )
Why doesn't they concrete over flow out of the lower step boards?
Great job! It turns really nice! I like your setup with the concrete pad and the patio chairs / flowers.
Thanks Joe, my original plans for the lean-to was storage for my tractors, but we've been using this area for parties and just relaxing. I have a feeling I'll be hanging out back here quite often.
Should have cut that top board with a 45 along the bottom makes it easier to get under it
This was great! We plan on doing this at some point so really appreciate the share :-)
You are welcome, good luck with your project. Thanks for watching.
Country Family Homestead thanks!
What kind of concrete is that? Don't see any aggregate in it.
Why you didn't add aggregates on the concrete mix??
It's ready to use. Aggregate is already in the bag.
Do you need a permit to do this
Depends on your local jurisdiction
@@CountryFamily Ah ok
Thanks for your video
Thanks for watching Jake!
Hi. I have a couple questions, did you end up using all the bags you bought, and roughly... what was the time elapse between when you poured and you took the first board away. Thanks for the video
Thanks for the comment LC. If I remember correctly I had one bag left. From when I started mixing to removing the form board was probably only an hour and half to two hours, but that could vary based on temp and humidity and how dry the substrate is.
This is exactly why you hire a professional finisher.
Great attempt. I would not have done a better job lol
Great project Sir !!! This is also well built and very strong !!! Cheers !!!
Thanks Dave.
Good work. You must have done this before.
Thanks, I've done a lot of concrete work over the years, but this is only my second set of steps.
Its better to edge before stripping boards, helps keep edge straight and flat throughout with no rolled edges 🤙🏼
Awesome demonstration though, loved that you showed ppl that you can make a quick paste and fill in your voids “honeycombs” on the face. Good stuff brotha 👍🏼
Thanks Jose
cut bottom of framing at 45 degree angle.
Great tip! Thanks. Ripping an angle on the bottom of the form board will make it easier to finish up to the next step.
You didn’t use a leveler throughout the whole project, that’s why the steps are uneven
Yeah top step has a big hollow in middle
great
What I'm seeing is that you took the time to smooth everything. Also, you tapped the sides to settle the concrete. The bottom step seam is connected to the ground also. Our new steps are not smooth nor sealed at the bottom and seem very pitted and honeycombed. Small pieces of concrete are already cracking off from the bottom side. I don't trust our landscapers who did the concrete steps. From watching your video, I think there's a real skill involved from getting the steps to be structurally sound and to look nice.
You took those front boards off too soon,just saying,&needs expansion joint against the foundation
Wouldn't an expansion joint leave the steps free floating, allowing it to settle or pull away from the foundation? I'm asking because I don't really know.
About how many minutes did you have to wait before pulling the forms off?
Thanks for the comment Jake. I don't remember for sure but it wasn't too long after finishing the pour. Maybe 30 minutes or so. It will depend on a lot of factors such as the ambient temperature and humidity, water content of the mix, and whether it's on sand or plastic. When you can push on it with a trowel and it feels pretty stiff then it's almost time. Good luck with your project.
This was great. Definitely will subscribe. I have to add a bottom step to small concrete staircase. Struggles with how to attach it. Using masonry screws is brilliant. Thank you.
I am looking for a video on how to create stairs with railings. Was sent here. Where are the railings? Plus I want a "rolled edge" on the stairs, not exactly what this video shows.
Sorry to disappoint you. Sometimes UA-cam recommends videos that aren't exactly the right thing. I hope you find what you're looking for.
Stevorific1 🖕🏼
Didn’t cover the rebar support recommended...main reason I tried watching. Ugh.
Ugh like omg
Brushed the wrong direction
That's bleed water
Why do we say concrete when it's actually cement
When you add aggregate, sand and water to cement it becomes concrete.
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I am a Ready Mix Driver, i deal with concrete finishers all day everyday and i've got to tell you this was the most painful thing to watch of my entire life. . .at least it didn't look half bad upon completion but yeah it's insulting when an obvious amateur is trying to pass himself off as some kind of mentor on youtube.
End result speaks for itself. Not every homeowner has a crew of guys that do concrete work everyday at their disposal. I've poured more concrete than your typical homeowner and from my finished results I'd say I'm a level above an amateur. I never said I was a professional. Maybe you're not familiar with UA-cam but it's filled with amateurs giving advice. Especially in the comments.
Chrasaun Johnson get off your high horse
That's why you're a driver and not a finisher.
And this one time, in band camp........
30 year finisher here, I appreciate that you’re not passing yourself off as a concrete professional. You’re a guy sharing his experience with others, i think that’s great. Albeit you made many mistakes that will in all probability cause premature failure of the steps. I do applaud you for not passing yourself off as a know it all concrete guy. Concrete is the least “DIY” friendly thing a person can do. The risers don’t look half bad, good job!
Zv
Step isn’t even level
That also the wrong way to broom steps lmfao
💋💩💋
Lose .e at the math.
Bevel your edge 45 bottom of board.& Agree removed forms to soon.
WOW