When it comes to creating concrete stairs, it’s important to ensure that the necessary steps are taken beforehand to result in a high-performing build. This includes crucial steps such as designing, assessing the foundation, and most of all, formwork. The formwork is what’s going to form your concrete into the structural shape that stairs need to be. It’s one of the most important elements of creating concrete stairs.
But what’s involved in designing a formwork for concrete stairs and how can you ensure that everything is done correctly? Stick around for everything you need to know.
The Importance of Designing a Formwork for Concrete Stairs
The formwork for your stair projects is used to form concrete into stairs for your building. The inside of the formwork is usually coated with a specialized plastic or oil to prevent the concrete from adhering to the mold.
Formwork for concrete stairs helps create the overall shape and size you’re looking for and holds it in place until the concrete sets. Concrete tends to be runny and messy, and applying the correct formwork helps create an even shape without the extra hassle.
How to Design a Formwork for Concrete Stairs
It’s important to understand that creating concrete stairs requires expert engineers and professionals. This is because the overall task is considered difficult and requires skilled laborers to complete it to perfection.
Before designing the formwork, an extensive site survey will be needed to find out more about the space you’re working with. This includes analyzing key factors such as the height of the floor, ceiling information and more.
Once the site survey has been completed, it’s then recommended to discuss expectations. What will these stairs be used for? What is their anticipated load? How wide and thick should the stairs be to accomplish your vision? What angles need to be considered? These are all important elements of designing a formwork for concrete stairs.
Before being able to build the formwork for concrete stairs, it’s important to ensure that the dimensions of the thread and riser are properly assessed. If the concrete stairs are going to be fixed to a wall, the line of flight needs to be documented to ensure a coherent build.
Design experts will then be able to consult on how thick the boards need to be and how they should be supported. This is usually done through posts. Wooden boards are then used to outline the steps and are then fastened with screws to create the overall formwork.
Get in Touch
If you’re looking to work with the number one provider of concrete construction services in Fairfax, get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help. We specialize in concrete formwork design and installation and have over 25 years of experience delivering concrete staircases that go above and beyond client expectations. Get in touch to find out more!
