Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Cement Steps/porch
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ThomasEdgar
09-01-04, 10:19 AM
Building cement porch for the back door... I need some feedback on the foundation for the porch. Planned to build a cinder block frame and fill the middle with sand, gravel and concrete. Planned to add brick overlay to the steps and parge sides of cinder block fram for a nice finish.
Any ideas are much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Do I need to dig out and pour a 3 1/2ft trench of concrete all around, with some cross trenchs in the center as the foundation?
Or can I use some strategically placed footers? If I can use footers, how can I connect them to provide a level surface for building the cinderblock frame?
Are you aware of any websites where a do-it yourselfer can get some better ideas on this type of project?
Thanks again...
TE.
Any ideas are much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Do I need to dig out and pour a 3 1/2ft trench of concrete all around, with some cross trenchs in the center as the foundation?
Or can I use some strategically placed footers? If I can use footers, how can I connect them to provide a level surface for building the cinderblock frame?
Are you aware of any websites where a do-it yourselfer can get some better ideas on this type of project?
Thanks again...
TE.
Homebuilt44
09-03-04, 06:52 PM
Tom
You have a great plan!!! Make sure you have a stable foundation!
You dont have to fill the center of the void with concrete it will make your steps weigh a 20 ton. Sand and gravel mixed will work even busted block, rip rap anything that fills the void and isn't leaving little voids. Make the top and steps 3" to 4" thick and use #6 mesh in the top it will be nice and solid. then do the brick overlay this will make a 7 inch step.
Beware making steps out of 8"x16" block will make the step taller than 7 and 3/4 inches tall which is the maximum height in most area building codes. you may have to cut them down to fit.
You should do a footer. Block realy needs a stable base. Run a band footer 24" wide 8" or 12" thick band all the way around the mid line of your block you wont be sorry you did it. Level the concrete with grade stakes drive them down a couple inches after you get the concrete level to hide there tops and float the mud. Use rebar #4 or #5 is the best. Two runs around 4" off the bottom of the footer use pieces of cinder block for chairs to hold the rebar up or wire chairs. You can get them at most building supply stores.
Also make some L shape bars or buy them stab these in the center line to go up through the holes in the block 4" out from the wall should be the first hole in the block the 16" apart after. You can lay this out by laying the block out on the ground next to the trench before you pour.the uprights will make the block sides sturdy. Cut them of before you put on the top. Now you have tied the footer to the top and the block. Solid as a rock.
This is quite a bit of work your doing its best to start off with a solid base so it wont fail. Post again if you have any more questions. I'll try to get you on the path so to speak.
Good Luck!!
As always Happy building!! :)
You have a great plan!!! Make sure you have a stable foundation!
You dont have to fill the center of the void with concrete it will make your steps weigh a 20 ton. Sand and gravel mixed will work even busted block, rip rap anything that fills the void and isn't leaving little voids. Make the top and steps 3" to 4" thick and use #6 mesh in the top it will be nice and solid. then do the brick overlay this will make a 7 inch step.
Beware making steps out of 8"x16" block will make the step taller than 7 and 3/4 inches tall which is the maximum height in most area building codes. you may have to cut them down to fit.
You should do a footer. Block realy needs a stable base. Run a band footer 24" wide 8" or 12" thick band all the way around the mid line of your block you wont be sorry you did it. Level the concrete with grade stakes drive them down a couple inches after you get the concrete level to hide there tops and float the mud. Use rebar #4 or #5 is the best. Two runs around 4" off the bottom of the footer use pieces of cinder block for chairs to hold the rebar up or wire chairs. You can get them at most building supply stores.
Also make some L shape bars or buy them stab these in the center line to go up through the holes in the block 4" out from the wall should be the first hole in the block the 16" apart after. You can lay this out by laying the block out on the ground next to the trench before you pour.the uprights will make the block sides sturdy. Cut them of before you put on the top. Now you have tied the footer to the top and the block. Solid as a rock.
This is quite a bit of work your doing its best to start off with a solid base so it wont fail. Post again if you have any more questions. I'll try to get you on the path so to speak.
Good Luck!!
As always Happy building!! :)