How to Make Concrete: Make your own staircase, pool and countertop

After all, how to make concrete? The material can be used for multiple purposes, taking on structural functions or even being used to make decorative objects. decoration.

As well as being very versatile, concrete is also very economical to produce. But you have to follow the right instructions step by step to be able to build a ladder, a swimming pool or a bench Kitchen with this material. Check it out below!

Discover the step by step guide to making concrete

Most people who want to know how to make concrete don’t have a concrete mixer at home. Therefore, in our step by step guide, this article is 100% superfluous. First, check the necessary materials:

• cement;
• sand;
• gravel or gravel;
• waterfall;
• mixing box or cart;
• shovel or hoe.

As for the type of cement, you can use type 1, more for general use, or type 2, for structures in contact with water, in soils that contain a moderate amount of sulfates or when there is a problem of heating.

Even sand, on the other hand, does not have a defined typology. To follow our step by step guide on how to make concrete, you can use the coarse material, subtle or even another type of sand, such as white sand.

Now that you know the necessary materials, let’s see step by step how to make concrete at home. Follow:

1. Start by preparing the dry mixture: spread the sand forming a uniform layer of about 15 cm and, on top, add the cement.
2. Use the shovel or hoe to mix the cement and sand well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
3. Spread this dry mixture, forming a new layer of approximately 15 – 20 cm.
4. On this layer add the gravel and mix again.
5. Form a mound with the mixture and create a hole in the center. This shape is known as a “tail”.
6. Slowly add water into the hole, stirring until you reach the desired consistency. The mixture must be homogeneous and maintain its shape, but still be workable.

Remember to adjust the proportions of cement, sand and gravel depending on the type of work to be carried out. The proportions vary depending on the need for strength and durability of the concrete.

For common applications, a starting point is a ratio of one part cement, two parts sand and three parts crushed stone. However, the quantity of water must be adequate to guarantee the right consistency, avoiding both excesses and deficiencies, which can damage the quality of the concrete.

Precision in the dosage of materials and careful mixing are essential to ensure the strength and durability of the concrete. The ideal concrete mix should be neither too dry nor too wet.

Find out how to make a concrete staircase

Now that you know how to make it happen, let’s move on to more daring projects. To know how to make a concrete staircase, it is essential to think about safety and comfort.

Therefore, the first step for those who want to know how to make a concrete staircase is to define the measurements and quantities of the steps and the number of steps.

To understand step measurements, it’s important to know two terms: the “step,” which is the horizontal surface you walk on, and the “mirror,” which refers to the vertical height of each step.

The minimum recommended width for the “step” (horizontal part on which we step) is 25 centimeters, while the minimum height for the “mirror” (vertical part of each step) is 19 centimeters.

To calculate the number of steps on a staircase you need to divide the desired total height of the staircase by the height of the riser. Let’s go step by step on how to make a straight concrete staircase, which is the simplest:

1. Create a wooden shape and place it in the place where you will build the stairs;
2. Place reinforcement to ensure that the ladder has sufficient strength to support the movement of people;
3. Make sure the shape is well aligned and blocked and then moisten it;
4. Then pour the concrete into the form;
5. Finally, wait for the concrete to harden and remove the shape and, if desired, apply the coverings and accessories.

Find out how to build a concrete swimming pool

For this project it is interesting to have the help of professionals at least sometimes.

If built properly, a concrete pool can last for years without maintenance or repairs. Therefore, pay attention to the following steps:

1. Mark the area where you will build the pool;
2. Dig as deep as you want with an additional 23-31 cm;
3. Install plumbing;
4. Place the frame and make the waterproofing;
5. Pour the cement;
6. Soak the concrete for five days to facilitate the curing process;
7. Add the desired finish.

Find out how to make a concrete kitchen countertop

This project of Bruno Ortega shows how industrial style is super trendy and, if you’re looking to update the look of yours Kitchen, it might be a good idea to learn how to make a concrete countertop. Find out how to do it:

1. Determine the size of the bench;
2. Cut the base and the pieces that will be used on the sides to form the mold;
3. Join the sides to the base by screwing them;
4. Glue and seal the mold joints;
5. Place the foam inside the mold to reduce the final weight of the top and the amount of cement needed;
6. Assemble the frame;
7. Pour the concrete and distribute it evenly;
8. Remove excess cement;
9. Eliminate air bubbles by shaking the mold;
10. Even out the surface using a trowel or trowel;
11. Cover with plastic and wait for the concrete to dry almost completely;
12. When the bench is rigid enough not to deform, remove the sides of the mold and lift the piece to remove the base;
13. Clean the work surface with a 10:1 solution of water and hydrochloric acid;
14. Sand the surface and remove dust with cloth and water;
15. Seal, wax and finally install in your chosen location.

Ready. You already know how to make concrete! Remember that for more complex projects it is worth consulting a professional architect or engineer.

And when you buy the best materials for making concrete, count on Viva Decora shop!

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.