Formwork Installation

What happens in this clip

Construct and install wooden forms around the perimeter of the excavated area. These forms typically consist of 2x4s or similar lumber, securely held in place by stakes driven into the ground. Ensure the forms are level and set to the desired height of the finished concrete pad, as they will serve as guides for pouring and leveling the concrete. Check measurements carefully for accuracy.

Goal: Create the structural outline for the concrete pad.

What's used

Tools

• Hammer or Mallet
• Lumber (2x4s or similar)
• Measuring Tape
• Spirit Level
• Wooden Stakes

About the full video

This project details the process of installing a concrete pad for a hot tub, starting from site excavation and preparation, through formwork setup, gravel base installation, concrete pouring, and various finishing techniques including screeding, edging, floating, troweling, and applying a curing compound. While the video does not explicitly show the operation of a plate compactor, such a tool is visible on site, implying its use for compacting the gravel base, which is a crucial step for a robust foundation.

Step 2 of 10: Install Formwork

Cut two pieces of 2x6 lumber to 3 feet in length and two pieces to 2 feet in length. Assemble these pieces into a rectangular frame using screws, ensuring the corners are square. This frame will serve as the mold for the concrete, and its interior dimensions should match the desired final size of the landing pad.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Pour a Concrete Landing Pad for Deck Stairs

1. Step 1: Excavate Area

   • 13:17–15:33 Prepare Stair Base and Pour Concrete Pad
   • 0:04–0:15 Site Preparation and Trench Digging
   • 4:20–8:36 Prepare & Pour Concrete Pad

2. Step 2: Install Formwork

   • 2:04–2:33 Build and Position Concrete Form
   • 0:33–0:47 Formwork Installation (this video)
   • 0:00–0:34 Lay Out and Assemble Initial Form Boards

3. Step 3: Add and Compact Gravel Base

   • 2:21–2:33 Add & Compact Basecourse
   • 3:15–4:05 Lay and Compact Gravel Base
   • 0:20–0:38 Prepare Gravel Base

4. Step 4: Place Rebar or Wire Mesh

   • 2:45–3:06 Add Steel Reinforcement (Rebar)
   • 1:30–1:40 Add Wire Mesh Reinforcement
   • 5:41–6:46 Rebar Placement for Reinforcement

5. Step 5: Mix and Pour Concrete

   • 0:30–0:42 Pour and Level Concrete
   • 3:10–3:41 Pour and Screed Concrete
   • 1:58–2:31 Mix and Pour Concrete

6. Step 6: Screed the Concrete

   • 0:04–0:13 Screed the Concrete
   • 0:24–1:01 Screed the Concrete Surface
   • 0:17–0:45 Screed the Concrete Surface

7. Step 7: Float the Concrete

   • 0:16–0:25 Float the Concrete Surface
   • 0:44–0:46 Hand Float Concrete Surface
   • 1:15–1:29 Float Concrete

8. Step 8: Finish the Concrete

   • 0:07–0:11 Trowel for Smooth Concrete Finish
   • 10:04–11:22 Final Troweling and Finishing
   • 3:30–4:49 Concrete Floating and Troweling

9. Step 9: Cure the Concrete

   • 2:08–2:39 Cure Concrete
   • 0:57–0:59 Cure Concrete and Remove Forms
   • 5:50–6:12 Cure the Concrete

10. Step 10: Remove Formwork

    • 8:43–10:04 Remove Form and Backfill
    • 4:03–4:08 Remove Formwork
    • 0:52–0:54 Remove Formwork