Table of Contents
- 1Cover
- 2Preface
- 3Introduction
- 4About the measurements, Materials you will need and Informative notes
- 5Materials continued and cutting list for the form
- 6The plans - dimensions
- 7The form plans - schematic
- 8Step 1.1 Cutting and assembling the frame pieces of the seat form
- 9Step 1.2 Cutting the plywood, the plastic, and assembling the seat form
- 10Step 1.3 Cutting the form pieces for the legs
- 11Step 1.4 Assembling the forms for the legs
- 12Step 1.5 Aligning and bolting the leg forms to the seat form
- 13Steps 2.1 to 2.3 Cutting, shaping and tying the mesh
- 14Concrete mix information
- 15Steps 3.1 to 3.2 Dry and wet mix
- 16Steps 4.1 to 4.3 Applying the release agent, half filling the seat form and placing the reinforcing
- 17Steps 4.4 to 4.5 Topping up the seat form and attach the leg forms to the seat form
- 18Step 4.6 Topping up the leg forms
- 19Step 4.7 Releasing the leg forms
- 20Step 4.8 Releasing the seat form
- 21Appendage: Easier options
Part 4. Casting the concrete
Steps 4.1 to 4.3 Applying the release agent, half filling the seat form and placing the reinforcing
Lay all the form pieces out on a flat work surface.
Step 4.1 Applying the release agent
Apply ample *release agent to all the form pieces on all sides with a paint brush.
Wipe off any excess with a rag.
*Note: A release agent is a substance that is applied to surfaces to prevent them from sticking, in this case so that the concrete does not stick to the form. You can purchase form release agents from some building supply stores, often in handy little spray bottles. You can also make your own for a fraction of the cost out of an even mixture of used car oil and diesel, and apply it with a paintbrush or a rag. That’s what we do.
Step 4.2 Half filling the seat form
Pack the seat form an inch or two up off the work surface so that you are able to get a hand under the ends. This is so you can lift an end up slightly and drop it multiple times in quick succession to vibrate and settle the concrete to help eliminate air pockets and make a smooth surface.
A little under half-fill the seat form with concrete and vibrate the form to settle the concrete. Do this by tamping and poking the concrete with a broad thin stick, say ⅛” (3mm) thick x 1½” (38mm) wide, also by using the rapid drop method as mentioned above, and also by tapping around the edge of the form with a hammer. The more vibrating the better.
Step 4.3 Placing the reinforcing
Sit the reinforcing on top of the settled concrete, in the center of the seat form. Remember, the seat form is a little under half full at this stage.
The legs on my concrete bench crumbled. do you know where I could purchase just the legs?