Why do we choose concrete?
The concrete steps have a lot of advantages over other staircases:
- They are manufactured directly during the construction phase, while the wooden ones are installed after finishing all the finishing work. In addition, a concrete ladder can be used during construction and carry the necessary materials on it.
- The design of the ladder is not loosened during operation, you can use any finish coating, make unusual lighting, add different decorative elements.
- The cost of such a staircase is quite small, as the material costs only require materials, and the work can be done independently.
- The concrete ladder is not afraid of moisture, and the steel reinforcement, which is embedded inside, is well hidden from corrosion.
- It significantly increases the strength of the building structure.
Choose the design of the
staircase Before you make a staircase of concrete, you need to decide on the appearance. In addition, it is better to draw a drawing of the future ladder and make calculations. First you need to find out the height of the steps. They should be convenient for a step. The classical height usually fluctuates around 17 cm, but do not forget about the finish of the steps. The width of the steps is better to do at least 80-90 cm.
Important! The opening for the stairs should be left at the construction stage of the house. Even in advance, think about how the ladder will be protected to make the mortgage details.
Before filling the stairs, install a strong and rigid formwork, so that it turns out not only high-quality, but also beautiful. Formwork should not have cracks and gaps. To ensure that the filled cement milk does not flow out, when making the formwork it is necessary to use a 20 mm waterproof plywood. Apply it together with boards that are fitted to each other. This will simplify the subsequent finishing work.
The boards are best used from softwood. Formwork can be done for each step separately or for the entire staircase at once. The first option is convenient for the steps to be ideal in height and size.
So, you can make the formwork only for one step of concrete, and then move it to others. To ensure that the structure does not fall apart during the pouring of mortar, you need to install pegs on the sides.
What do I need to know for a reliable design?
To increase the stiffness and strength of the ladder, make a frame of reinforced mesh. To do this, weld a grid of metal rods. Further, this design is placed in the formwork in the direction of the ladder. At the bottom of the formwork is put a drainage layer of crushed brick and gravel.
If voids are formed, fill them with sand. It is necessary to minimize this layer as much as possible so that it becomes lower than the formwork. Then it needs to be moistened. In the concrete mixer, fill the gravel, cement and sand in a proportion of 3: 1: 3 and mix the solution. Further, the prepared mass is poured into the corners of the structure.
The height of the concrete layer should be at least 10 cm. Then it is necessary to level the layer well before the water is released. Concrete freezes for several days. After that you can clean the formwork. Finish the lining of the stairs from tiles, stone or wood. To make the steps not slippery, you can glue them with corrugated tiles. And for security, you need to install a railing.