Table of Contents
Pouring the concrete
Step 8. Fix the back form cover
Screw the back cover (piece of plywood) to the form sides as shown in the picture.
Ensure that the reinforcing steel is pretty much central in the cavity.
The steel should not be within 1 1/2″ of the form at any place. In other words, ensure that there will always be ample concrete covering all parts of the reinforcing.
Step 9. Mix and pour some concrete
Start mixing and pouring.
You can fill up to the top of the seat part as shown in the picture.
You can make mix your own concrete using cement, sand and gravel. For information about how to mix concrete click here.
Alternatively you can buy bags of cement, gravel and sand (or similar type of aggregate) already mixed, which only require the addition of water to make concrete. I used seven 80 lb bags. You will use more or less depending on the size of the footing hole.
Vibrate the form as you go to ensure a smooth finish and that there will be no air pockets in the concrete.
This can be done by continually tapping around the form with a hammer.
You will see the concrete settle as you vibrate.
Step 10. More back cover and more concrete
You can now screw the rest of the cover in place and top up with concrete.
Ensure the cover is well secured with screws and clamps so that it will withstand the fair amount of vibration which is necessary to settle the concrete and remove the air pockets.
You can now forget about it for a couple of weeks to allow the concrete to get nice and hard.
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