| Finishing the Steps |
| Finishing the Steps |
From "Hardscapes"
episode DHSC-102 |
|
|
With the step framework completed, it's time to pour in the concrete....
- Filling the frames with concrete is easy. Once you mix up the concrete, shovel it into the bottom step (figure A), filling it to the top of the frame. Then go over it lightly with a rake, just enough to release any air bubbles (figure B) -- but go easy: you don't want to disturb the gravel below. Now take a scrap 2x4 and drag it across the surface until the concrete is smooth. (This process is known as screeding.)
Once the surface has turned dull, run a concrete edging tool along the cracks between the concrete and timbers for a clean, slightly rounded edge. Edge each step before moving on to the next one.
| 
)
)
)
)
