Rebuild concrete steps leading to basement

gruntman

I found a link that I think will help me build this.
http://www.handymanclub.com/Projects/Project.aspx?id=42638

Based on this article, I can measure and cut some braces that fit between the walls and then fill them in. I have a couple of things to figure out. Sorry if these are stupid questions.

1) the floor where the drain is located at the bottom of the steps feels loose. If tap it with a hammer it feels like it is cracked and thin. Should I just replace the whole thing while Im at it and make a new floor?

2) how thick do I need to make the concrete in the steps? Do I fill some in with dirt and rocks first?

Willie T

Here's what it will look like. Easiest form job you'll ever do. The top one is beveled on the bottom edge so you can get a trowel in there to finish the bottom step. Yes, you can fill some of it up with dirt to save on concrete. Throw some rebar in to tie top and bottom together.

I deliberately used a brick background so you could follow the step surface lines as they relate to one another.

Start pouring from the bottom, up. Use very stiff mud. It will set a bit and support the second step a lot better than it looks like it would.

If you decide to make a new floor, do it a few days before you put the forms in for the steps.

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Willie T

gruntman

Thanks!- that diagram makes it very clear. I'll do it and post the pictures when Im done.

gruntman

I took out the blocks - I pulled them out by hand. Below the highest set of blocks I found dirt and rocks. Below the lower set of blocks I found a row of different shaped blocks that had been buried.

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gruntman

How do you attach the form boards to the walls securely so that they dont move when you pour the concrete?

handy man88

Concrete anchors....basically tapered nails.

gruntman

Thanks - got them.

Started on the floor - found that chipmunks had dug under it. The drain led to a big rock just a few inches below the surface. The walls of the drain were broken cinderblock (no wonder it didnt drain). Can anyone tell me how to build one of these drains? I imagine I need to build that first and then do my floor.

Ron6519

The only option you really have is a drywell under the drain unless you're going to trench down 2-3 feet and lay pipe to a drywell away from the house.
Might be easier to put a canopy over the door to minimize water in the landing. You might enclose the whole staircase if wind driven rain would be an issue.
Ron

gruntman

To make the drain I dug a hole about 2 feet wide and 3 feet deep, filled the bottom with crushed rock, took a HD bucket and cut a hole in the botton and drilled holes in the sides. Placed the bucket in the hole and then filled in around it with more crushed rock. Threw a bunch of bigger rocks in, finished the floor off with concrete and made an opening for my drain right over the bucket.

I made my stairs and they came out nice except for one thing - I have a few air pockets next to the risers and there are some craters Can I trowel in some concrete mix to fill those spaces?

jomama45

Yes, use the same concrete as you poured the steps with & just sift some of the fines to patch in. The sooner you do it (when the steps are still green & clean) the better it will last & look.

gma2rjc

Would he need to use a bonding agent in the airpockets before filling them with cement?

gruntman

This is how it came out. Thanks to everyone who helped me with this project!

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gma2rjc

Nice job, it looks great.

Scuba_Dave

That was a quick year, nice job
Did you sign & date it?
I always date my concrete work

gruntman

Thanks, wow that took me a year you are right! Yes, signed and dated it on the bottom step.