Pour and Screed Concrete

What happens in this clip

Carefully pour the mixed concrete into the formwork, filling each section. As you pour, use a shovel or trowel to work the concrete into all the tight corners and edges of the formwork, ensuring there are no voids. Once the formwork is filled, use a screed (a straight edge, such as a piece of lumber or a specialized concrete screed) to level the top surface of the concrete. Drag the screed across the formwork in a sawing motion to remove excess concrete and achieve a perfectly flat and smooth surface. The goal is to match the height of the formwork, ensuring a uniform finish.

Goal: Pour the freshly mixed concrete into the prepared formwork and then screed it level to create a smooth, even surface for the landing.

What's used

Tools

• Safety gloves
• Screed
• Shovel

Materials

• Mixed Concrete

About the full video

This project details the installation of composite decking to create a seamless transition between an existing deck, a retaining wall, and the surrounding landscape. It involves building a new landing and stairs with structural integrity and a modern aesthetic, ensuring all edges are flush and visually appealing. The process covers framing, concrete pouring for stable foundations, and precise installation of composite deck boards with hidden fasteners.

Step 5 of 10: Mix and Pour Concrete

Using a concrete mixer or mixing the concrete in batches with a shovel and wheelbarrow, combine the concrete mix with water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Aim for a workable consistency that is not too wet or too dry. Carefully pour the mixed concrete into the formwork, spreading it evenly with a shovel or rake to fill the entire space.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 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