At the summer cottage, we have a long stone staircase leading down to the lake. About 3 meters of the slope is too steep for an ordinary stone staircase, so there is a cast concrete staircase. This part was made sometime during the 2nd World War, and the passage of time (and probably poor quality of the concrete) has left it completely dilapidated. The rest of the staircase blends in very well with nature, while the cast part feels "artificial," so when it needs to be redone now, I want to make it as natural as possible.
My idea is to lay a stone staircase but reinforce it with concrete to keep the stones in place.
1. What kind of concrete should be used?
2. There is solid rock under the staircase – can you cast directly on the rock, or do you need to secure the staircase in some way?
3. Anything else to keep in mind?
My idea is to lay a stone staircase but reinforce it with concrete to keep the stones in place.
1. What kind of concrete should be used?
2. There is solid rock under the staircase – can you cast directly on the rock, or do you need to secure the staircase in some way?
3. Anything else to keep in mind?
It is possible to cast directly against the rock, but in your case, I would drill in some reinforcement bars for the concrete to adhere to. Ask in the specialty store for the right concrete, so you get it right, as I assume you mean pre-mixed dry concrete... You can buy reinforcement bars pre-cut to suitable lengths at the same place. A good rotary hammer might also be available for rent there. Not everyone has it, but they know where you should turn instead.
At the same time, take the opportunity to drill away old, bad concrete. If you can't remove it..., well, then it's not bad, so just let it stay..., unless it's in the way, of course.
Try to cast when it's not directly sunny and hot because then you must water to prevent the concrete from curing too fast, which leads to cracks. In any case, you should keep the concrete moist for a few days after casting, which only makes it stronger.. Sprinkling a little water now and then will suffice..
magentis.
At the same time, take the opportunity to drill away old, bad concrete. If you can't remove it..., well, then it's not bad, so just let it stay..., unless it's in the way, of course.
Try to cast when it's not directly sunny and hot because then you must water to prevent the concrete from curing too fast, which leads to cracks. In any case, you should keep the concrete moist for a few days after casting, which only makes it stronger.. Sprinkling a little water now and then will suffice..
magentis.
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