NEVER SEEN BEFORE TECHNIQUE TO BUILD STAIRS

Here we are building two sets of stairs on a new house out of chimney blocks. This is quite labor intensive but quite easy to lay out the step height because the blocks are 7-1/2" tall and they are big enough to make a comfortable stair tread. I am sure you have never seen stairs built like this before but the customer wanted something cost effective and unique for their new home.

[@wingman8447]

Those stairs will be there until the end of time. Nice work as usual

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks

[@dawnmitchell8213]

I used to work for a concrete company 30 years ago and we built stairs like that all the time so I’ve definitely seen stairs built like that before.

[@bondobuilt386]

Did you use chimney blocks?

[@johnparkhurst825]

For the type of concrete work that you do I don't see how it could be done any better. Well done as usual!👍👍👍 I hope these Lake elites tip well 😁

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks John.

[@kdubs3]

Nice work. Chimney block was a smart idea - looks great.

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks.

[@Kate-turbokateproducts]

What a great job guys I was wondering what kind of sealer you were using on those some stairs if you wouldn't mind sharing. Those stairs look absolutely fantastic

[@Ps119]

You did a great job. Hold up that wall as well.

[@bondobuilt386]

LOL that wall is not going anywhere either.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Salute to the chat

[@bondobuilt386]

What's that mean buddy? LOL

[@davidturner8689]

I think quicker than i can type. Staggered!!

[@bondobuilt386]

😀

[@thomasbordi8726]

The best I've seen. WOW.😁.

[@adambradley8645]

Great work as always 🙂👍👍atb

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks

[@joehrlein847]

Nice job on the stairs. What's the purpose of the sealer? Should a sealer be used on all new concrete stairs?

[@RJM1011]

Nice. 👍

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks Jim.

[@nikkikiska]

So many things done poorly here, and I just skimmed through the video. For starters, these guys dropped a couple pieces of rebar into the steps and tamped them down to about 1/4 inch below the surface. Good chance that rebar will spall and bust up the concrete in a few years. Also, that foam board isn't doing anything for frost heave, but you've succeeded in making your slab less stable and more likely to crack. And that parge job is awful.

[@Youtubsucks5]

And the front of the slab doesn't have the overhang to match stairs,I would be pissed if I was paying for that half ass staircase!

[@nikkikiska]

yeah, good point. Also notice how jagged the undersides of the stairs are. That vibrator was conpletely unnecessary; if they had taken a hammer and just tapped all around the bottom of each form, it would have conpacted the concrete and given a much better finish at the bottoms. I also like how they sealed it before the parge was even dry, much less cured, and then left all the excess to just pool and sit there; makes for a nice inconsistent and plasticky finish in those spots.

[@ripperwrestling6587]

With editing and cutting you can't know for sure they didn't push the rebar down to the lower 3rd, here in Michigan engineers have been designing foam under exterior steps and slabs since I went through my apprenticeship in the early 90's that I know of and having done several like that at Dow Chemical that I still see today in great condition.

[@nikkikiska]

@ripperwrestling there is no editing and cutting. they show the entire pour and floating of the steps in fast forward from 30:30-33:30. You can literally see the rebar sitting on top of the concrete of the middle two steps when they float it. I said 1/4" amd that was being generous. And if you can explain to me how foam board under those steps mitigates frost heave or any other potential benefit, I'm all ears. If laid properly, it definitely wont hurt, amd if laid improperly like in this video (just tossed on uneven ground) it may not hurt either, but it might, and it definitely isn't going to help...

[@TashaOneal-l8h]

​@@nikkikiska go find a job hater

[@psidvicious]

Why didn’t you just lay the block on the 2 sides and then fill the middle with dirt/stone? Those chimney block are kind of expensive fill.

[@bondobuilt386]

This is much stronger I would think the stone would push the blocks out to compact it properly.

[@psidvicious]

@@bondobuilt386 Compaction isn’t necessary. Stronger? Maybe, but remember they’re non-load bearing, only supporting themselves. Treat it as any other free-standing concrete stairway with a single bottom mat of #4 rebar (temp steel). Even heavy gauge W.W.F. would suffice. If your municipality will allow it, form up the underside with the cheapest material possible or preferably, some of those old scraps and cut-offs you’ve been thinking about trashing anyway and just abandon it underneath. There are a couple ways to defeat any potentially problematic outward forces, if they were a real concern. 1) Fill the cells of the chimney block on the outsides with concrete first (a piece of vertical #5 in the cells, doweled into the foundation) 2) Run 2-3 bands of steel 3/4” strapping all the way through from side to side, coming through the side walls at the block joints. Considering the above approach, wall footings on each side would be sufficient and save at least 4 yards of foundation concrete. These stairs are done of course but just some ideas to save some money, next time you come across something similar.

[@GOLDENWATERDOG]

Bottom edges on the cantilever steps look HORRENDOUS! Jagged and chipped up looking!! Really draws the eye to it. my wife even spotted the bottom edges...... and before I zoomed in up close. Why didn't you strip the face and edge the bottom edges to clean it up, Or at least try to fix bottom edge before you sealed it?

[@bondobuilt386]

dude its concrete not tile. The customer was super happy and they are picky. Can't please all you internet trolls though. LOL

[@DT-jz3wn]

Great videos. Please let me know if my thinking is correct. Is the foam to thermally decouple the stairs from the warm ground so that all of the concrete gets cold?

[@ripperwrestling6587]

It's to prevent frost from getting under the steps.

[@bondobuilt386]

Yup thanks. @@ripperwrestling6587

[@bondobuilt386]

to to protect from the frost getting under them

[@micahwatson9017]

Why did you hand wheel when you’ve got the Bobcat sitting there?

[@bondobuilt386]

We had 3 wheel barrels and they each hold 2 bobcat scoops.

[@brucecotnoir9135]

is ROW a snoodle

[@bondobuilt386]

Row is a labradoodle

[@bugtusslealien3931]

You didn't tie your rebar? 😂😂😂.

[@bondobuilt386]

Shame on me. lol 😂

[@robertnash2446]

Why dont you guys buy a motorized concrete power buggy and give your crew a break from wheel barreling it.

[@jasonbond1666]

We have one but it was being fixed when we did this job. We actually don’t mind wheeling anyways it’s a good workout and the Brentwood wheelbarrow make it much easier than a normal wheelbarrow Big biscuit

[@Musclecar1972]

Fulton Spring Works 👍, and the slow shift into gear is probably a sticky air servo, sometimes you can clean them up, sometimes just replace them, might be electric too, but yours sounds like an air servo.

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks for the info on the truck.

[@Musclecar1972]

@@bondobuilt386 Been there, done that! 😉 By the way, a lot of armchair quarterbacks in here today, I think you should take everything they say very seriously! And to make sure you don’t forget, write it down on some Charmin, or Angel Soft, using some brown ink, of sorts! 😂🤣

[@bondobuilt386]

Ya buddy this video has brang them out of the woodwork. LOL@@Musclecar1972

[@russellgilson4072]

Bondo you are a good instructor, your level of experience speaks for itself! Interesting frost protection work and step construction. Good looking steps made with chimney blocks!

[@bondobuilt386]

Thank you.

[@mikevoss77]

If you value your back do not get rid of the air ride!!

[@Musclecar1972]

Air suspension seat and he can haul as much as he needs with regular HD springs, air bags are problematic.

[@bondobuilt386]

LOL ok.

[@gjones5153]

If your property is on the water the front is always the water side if the house!

[@bondobuilt386]

That is a good point Greg.

[@oby-1607]

Better give the gopher a raise. He did good in front of all of the 7 subscribers. I wonder if the air bags in your truck can be increased in size for more weight capacity. I have never had a problem with the air bags in my Kenworth.

[@bondobuilt386]

Ya he is getting a raise 👍🏻

[@joer4595]

Beautiful job boys !👍

[@JonathonJenkins-h5e]

They look great I’d worry about the sides cracking and chipping away but awesome work fuys

[@bondobuilt386]

That definetly will not happen.

[@WeekleyRehabFishingCharters]

Make sure your axle can handle, i would just look into airbag helpers. The air ride system is safer and smoother ride. That truck can only take so much. In long run if you need more weight capacity you may need a dual axle bigger truck

[@bondobuilt386]

Ya I think you are right

[@Jbisson140]

I think you need a little more sealer on those stairs😂

[@bondobuilt386]

lol 😂

[@kat2641]

1.2 watching the bull floating 😁😁 is he nervous now??🤣🤣🤣 nice pore

[@bondobuilt386]

His first time. lol 😂

[@aaronbrown3573]

Legit work, you always produce high quality work, seeing that cut Block in the middle of the run on the steps, obviously because of the predetermined width of the steps , got me wondering , why not run those half bond or running bond. ? Then as I'm typing it hit me. There all getting core filled and it prolly fills more complete without the bond.

[@bondobuilt386]

You are correct my friend. 😀 Thanks.

[@criticalevent]

What's the reason for the layer of gravel between the foam and the concrete?

[@bondobuilt386]

I wanted to line the foam up with the foam that was around the house slab but I did not want the slab to be 16” thick so we added 6” of gravel so slab was 10” thick. The house slab was 16” thick on the edge.

[@cnettrouer]

@12:24 "The whole world is watching...." except for the dog. The poor dog couldn't stand watching someone other than Big Biscuit doing the bull floating.

[@jasonbond1666]

😂I can’t do it all the time or gopher will never be able to learn Big biscuit

[@AndyFromm]

Return of the Bobkitten I thought maybe you got rid of that little feller

[@bondobuilt386]

No we use the little guy when we can.

[@stevelink7541]

only thing i learned from bondo is how to say "here comes the mud!".

[@bondobuilt386]

ya buddy

[@stevelink7541]

enjoy the videos. keep em coming !@@bondobuilt386

[@approots]

So close to perfect, but no nosing on bottom step, top step looks like a lower rise, and bead of caulk on forms for bottom of nosings could have made a smoother finish.

[@bondobuilt386]

the bottom is the slab and it will be backfilled to the surface so no need in making nosing.

[@robertp4716]

Not sure how that frost protection works. Is the foam board there to take up the heave expansion, sparing the concrete?

[@bondobuilt386]

The foam stops the ground from freezing under the slab and lifting it up.

[@trhodes1707]

I have a parged basement from 2007 in Maryland that has chipping spots any repair products you’d recommend

[@bondobuilt386]

The comproco we used in this video. Chip off all the loose and fill the low spots then let dry and re parge the entire wall. Wet the blocks if it is dry out.

[@thefulchman]

I’m curious about something - when you are laying your blocks down, wouldn’t it be more stable if you used your half block at the end of alternating rows so you don’t always have the edges in the same spot? I know nothing about out this type of construction. That was just the first thought I had when watching it.

[@bondobuilt386]

We line the cells here so we can fill it with the stone and that helps lock it together.

[@thefulchman]

Cool. I love your videos. The big Fox Blocks videos were really interesting.

[@condor4679123]

I am embarking on a home build and I have found your videos on concrete work both educational and entertaining. Wish you were located in Wisconsin!

[@bondobuilt386]

Thank you I appreciate that.

[@leew3084]

I'm curious about how you formed that overhang

[@bondobuilt386]

We used 2x3 and tap con fasteners

[@ronbaker8007]

I just caught this one; very interesting deserves a patent. btw, before I enlisted in the Coast Guard in 68, I worked for a summer at Rail City, (sadly, for the guy who nailed the cofin in Dr.Groman's dream). I noticed this is another job you did on Sandy Pond.

[@bondobuilt386]

Yes we work there a few times a year it seems ike.

[@leoguzman1021]

2 Words POWER BUGGY

[@Mymusickb]

Looks like a beautiful house. Some day I'll have to take a motorcycle ride around the pond see if I can find it lol....

[@bondobuilt386]

That would be a nice ride I do it sometimes myself.

[@jasoncanmore5838]

Hey Ron, How many sf does a 50lb bag of Conproco cover?

[@bondobuilt386]

50 square feet at 1/8" thick.

[@brucecotnoir9135]

looks just like my dog MAGOO, GREAT JOB AS ALWAYS...........2 THUMBS UP

[@PeNGuiNZoMbiEUYA]

The foam doesn’t get crushed from all the weight?

[@bondobuilt386]

No definitely not.

[@Yorkie285]

Sure is a lot of work for stairs, your guys are good workers.

[@bondobuilt386]

Ya a big project if you see it from the start.

[@thegrantdanielsband]

Wow in Ontario they would make you do underpinning? Just saying!!! What's with the lady helper wheelbarrows??Why not just form it and pour it? Also why does the last step not match the rest of the steps? And Also, the first step? Damn I have a lot of Questions EH???🙂

[@thomasbordi8726]

Did you forget to spray the "day one" under the front space under the front and back steps in FULL COVERAGE TILL they are totally WHITEWASHED 😮😂 L . )? y ..$#Jun h&b,eB

[@terencemerritt]

Looks awesome. I think I’d want the bottom step to match the rest tho 🤷🏼‍♂️. Kinda looks odd like that

[@bondobuilt386]

The dirt is going to the top of bottom step after backfill.

[@jimanderson4495]

Beautiful. They ain’t goin anywhere. What’s the rise & run?

[@bondobuilt386]

Uncle JIM. 😀The rise was 7-1/2" I think the runway like 18" maybe? LOL

[@vinceromano8245]

Great informative videos. You mentioned that the step caps have a slight pitch to them. I don’t understand how the pitch can be formed when the concrete is in a fluid state. How can the pitch stay put until the concrete hardens? Just trying to understand this. Thanks again for the effort that you put into making and publishing these videos.

[@elijahduran80]

What’s being sprayed on at the end?

[@bondobuilt386]

it is a water based cure and seal.

[@williamcivalier6411]

Bisquit dont move so fast😅

[@bondobuilt386]

Hard to keep the camera on that boy. lol

[@jaxsonhugh9334]

That is a seriously motivated worker 😂😂😂😂😂

[@bondobuilt386]

He would surprise you how he works. @@jaxsonhugh9334

[@bryanprehoda]

It’s definitely not a piece meal job

[@jeannankeefe845]

If you've ever done this work slow and steady wins the race. Especially when it's hot and sticky out. I've watched a ton of these and biscuit works his butt off.

[@polarlab113]

Aren’t you supposed to tie the rebar together?

[@bondobuilt386]

You can. sometimes we pour out a slab then drop them where we want them.

[@chipmiller9074]

What a beautiful job you have created!😊 Them some nicest stepers I've ever seen built!!

[@bondobuilt386]

Thank you.

[@Youtubsucks5]

Too bad the front of the slab doesn't match the steps ,if I was paying for that we would have a problem

[@bondobuilt386]

No idea what you are talking about?@@Youtubsucks5

[@rickallen9382]

What is he trying to say

[@bondobuilt386]

The bottom step looks different but it is not even backfilled up to finally grade so after that it will look the same. Don't pay much attention to a hater who KZbin name is KZbinsucks5 LMAO @@rickallen9382

[@richardscarlett7942]

I need some help. I hope you have time to answer my question. Awesome video as usual. Love watching your videos. I learn a lot from them. Things have definitely changed since i worked with my Grandfather (concrete mason,crew leader) 35 years ago. I need to build a house, my40 year old mobil home is coming down around me. I want to pour a slab but don't have the money for a monolithic pour. Here's my question: Can you pour footers and footers for beams, build stem walls and beams for loadbearing walls with concrete blocks, and pour concrete inside to top of concrete blocks for a fished slab?

[@bondobuilt386]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKiwYZmAhsSritksi=6U_qggyI_oE4FEuQ Here is a video where we did blocks on a footer and then poured a cap on top.

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Need to get a power buggy for those long pushes

[@bondobuilt386]

I have one but we like the wheel barrows actually

[@joehuinker7009]

Teaching and preaching Bondo

[@bondobuilt386]

I try. 😀

[@donaldhilton731]

Definitely know where you are on this project, my brother had a house down the street, good to see the old stomping grounds.

[@bondobuilt386]

Awesome it's a small world.

[@billmadle1235]

Interesting those steps are the strongest thinking steps I’ve ever seen put together those things will last forever!😊

[@bondobuilt386]

I hope they last a long time.

[@vince9486]

When I was a youngster some 50 years ago, we would lay at that time the 'cinder block' and fill with sand and pour steps over. Sometime later maybe 70s the precast stairs took over.

[@bondobuilt386]

Yes I have made steps from regular blocks as well.

[@diamoneglass2136]

"Whats your slump" "Why".....🤦🏽‍♂️IK DAMN WELL HE AINT SAY WHY🫵🏾

[@bondobuilt386]

LOL

[@BettyClemson]

If they put salt for ice control it will kill those chimney block they. Will fall a part

[@ernieforrest7218]

So i suppose that the theory is that frost wont penetrate the foam. Therefore the ground wont heave due to the frozen ground. And the steps wont be damaged as a result. Stay tuned, because only time will tell how good the theory is.

[@ripperwrestling6587]

I remember back in the early 90's when I was on my 1st job like that with the foam under the entrance slab/steps - all of us were like "well this is different" Trust me it works and those slabs are still there today. I know it's not common but many professional jobs are engineered that way and have been for decades.

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks it sounds like you know about it too. 😀@@ripperwrestling6587

[@bondobuilt386]

Frost protected foundations have been in use for decades in colder climates. It is no longer a theory.

[@TeeJay10664]

Great instructional video...thank you. I am sure you also do traditional concrete stairs all the time. Would be real interesting if you had or could make a video with the same level of detail as this one. Especially interested in the overlapping forms, rebar structure, stair caps that overhang...just think it would be really instructional. Really enjoy your channel. Thanks again.

[@bondobuilt386]

Thank you. We only build stairs once in a while but I will video next time we do.

[@KayDurrant]

Well if its only 8 watching I'm gonna make it 9. Subscribing now ❤ yalls personality and workmanship

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks Kay

[@JonathonJenkins-h5e]

Can I ask why u went through all that instead of just forming steps I’m not saying it wrong I’m just cirious

[@bondobuilt386]

The homeowner wanted the steps to look just like the concrete porch.

[@DavidProulx-wf4pr]

What a great idea using chimney block it gives me an idea thank you you guys are amazing

[@bondobuilt386]

Awesome glad to help.

[@saidtheblueknight]

What's the difference between filling the cores of the blocks with stone rather than filling them up with concrete as you're pouring the caps?

[@ripperwrestling6587]

Personally I would prefer the stone in the cores for moisture control during the freeze thaw cycle.

[@bondobuilt386]

the stone is to let water drain out as I stated in the video.

[@mikedalton4697]

I hit the liked button. Lol Good job as always.

[@bondobuilt386]

thanks Mike.

[@Saki630]

nice stairs. I wonder if there are 'light weight' blocks you could have used instead of those 120lb behemoths.

[@bondobuilt386]

I find light weight blocks to be junk. But I do not think so.

[@deanvandress4693]

Why are there never any women doing this type of work?

[@bondobuilt386]

I used to have one helping me

[@KuptisOriginal]

Y'all could've moved the plants so they wouldn't have gotten coated with sealer.

[@Youtubsucks5]

Yeah just lazy

[@bondobuilt386]

Ya we are just lazy LMAO @@Youtubsucks5

[@bondobuilt386]

its water based it will not hurt the plants.

[@Musclecar1972]

@@bondobuilt386 Those plants identify as concrete! There, problem solved!

[@bondobuilt386]

Ya good one Kurt. LMAO@@Musclecar1972

[@garybarkley2286]

Nice job guys it sets the whole front of the house off the main focus point

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks.

[@scotthultin7769]

5 👍's up BB thank you for sharing 😅

[@bondobuilt386]

Thank you.

[@Praterphil]

Another beautiful job, looks like it should hold anything they want to haul up them!

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks 😊

[@Casmige]

Should’ve staggered the seams on the foam board…..And why is the big guy in the orange sleeveless shirt keep tugging at his shirt like he’s trying to cover up something?, Brohemoth needs to go keto bro like 20 years ago…

[@bondobuilt386]

Don't worry about him he can outwork most of his skinny counterparts. And like staggering the seams on the foam would change anything in this job? Explain the benefit and maybe I would take that comment serious.

[@vaulmoremack3072]

Those block are huge ! what size are those?

[@bondobuilt386]

There chimney blocks with an 8x12 flue

[@vaulmoremack3072]

What are the external dimensions of the block. I'm from the Caribbean we don't use chimneys.

[@yotajeff68]

What kind of insulation and where do you get it?

[@TN-oo5mx]

How do you haul 70 grenades 45 minutes to the job with NO load securment....35 years driving truck here...thats not legal...sorry

[@JoeMarvino-xx6lm]

Sounds like a male Karen remark to me. Why not 36 years? 40? What happened? You was transporting a pallet of oranges and used 55 tie downs?

[@bondobuilt386]

LOL thanks. @@JoeMarvino-xx6lm

[@romainehall1698]

Just a little tip the edge underneath i know is hard so i would have placed a half inch pipe at the 90 degrees angle there to give it that indented look. Edges would be looking better. Job well done though

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks for the tip. I will have to try that.

[@romainehall1698]

Your welcome sir

[@curtisharlan9230]

Super nice

[@bondobuilt386]

thanks.

[@joehuinker7009]

Excellent job Bondo as usual

[@bondobuilt386]

thanks Joe.

[@vincegarza3701]

How much for those 2 set of steps??

[@bondobuilt386]

Not cheap.

[@robertnash2446]

Those concrete stairs are fricken gorgeous!

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks Robert

[@barrypierce9100]

Nice job friends..😊😊😊

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks 😊

[@KingSobieski]

quit teachin him sh*t im about give him a dang raise :lol: classic

[@bondobuilt386]

Ya I'm gonna go broke. LOL

[@michaeldavid2320]

You don't use the Bob Kitten for hauling the mud on occasion?

[@bondobuilt386]

No the wheel barrows are much faster.

[@thomasbordi8726]

Is that ,lake Superior?? 😮

[@palladini9718]

On Lake Ontario, in about a month we will be living in the house we purchased in ST Thomas Ontario. I would love to have one of the t-shirts you guys wear. I know I am in Canada, but it would be a great advertisement for you guys

[@matthewjay6736]

No railings? Inspection or not, builder shouldve insisted.

[@bondobuilt386]

They built temporary railings they are in the video and they ordered iron railings to be installed later.

[@andreycham4797]

Very soon Golfer will be promoted to Big Golfer

[@bondobuilt386]

Maybe this year. LOL

[@jeremyl8637]

my dad is the opposite with getting old and teaching, he has 0 patience lol, fellow concrete finisher here. good job!!

[@Ned-p1y]

Are the neighbors still pissed off with this guys house built way up having all the run off going on there properties

[@bondobuilt386]

We did put drains around it for water and to catch the gutters but the neibors house is so much lower that I still think it is a problem.

[@janeblogs324]

They made it illegal to let eater run off in my country, divert it all to the road

[@josephrottina1901]

Turned out great brother.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bondobuilt386]

Thanks Joe.

[@johnguice5049]

ya but what about that wire lol

[@davidturner8689]

Rebat not fixed!

[@bondobuilt386]

W The concrete will keep it where I want it when it dries try and move it. LOL

[@brucecotnoir9135]

i think row should be driving,

[@bondobuilt386]

LOL

[@rickwatson1000]

Great work looks fantastic ! Has Biscuit thought about modeling ? LOL

[@jasonbond1666]

I’ve thought about it but I’m too busy pouring concrete 😂 Big biscuit

[@bondobuilt386]

LOL Good one Jason. @@jasonbond1666

[@bondobuilt386]

A good winter gig. LOL