Quick and Easy Concrete Steps

[@Bobcat1950]

Great project! I normally do not give tips, but I would have put painters tape on each side of of the compass lines leaving space between. Caulk, tool, and remove the tape before the caulk skins over. Should give you the straight lines your looking for. You are very creative and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@somedude0505]

Hey Michael, thanks to your videos I was able to make concrete coutertops on my outdoor BBQ kitchen and even did my indoor kitchen. Just want to say thank you for sharing you knowledge and experience. Im very happy and proud of how they came out. I wish I could share pics, but I dont have Intagram or facebook (i know, crazy) anyways, thank you. Next project will be livingroom table tops with metal legs.

[@MichaelBuilds]

That’s what I’m talkin about! 💪🏻😊

[@inspiringbuilds]

That is awesome! Content creators love hearing this type of feedback. 👍🏼

[@somedude0505]

@@inspiringbuilds most of my DIYs have been thanks to content creators like Michael and yourself. I made cabinets for my garage following another you tuber, and tile backsplash for my kitchen, and many other projects. I have saved a lot of money, and invested in new tools thanks to the savings. And not to mention the awesome sence of acomplishment when you stand back, grab a beer and look at what you have done. Thank you guys for what you do, and that wine barrel fire pit you did, looks sick!!! Maybe a future project for me.

[@inspiringbuilds]

@@somedude0505 That is awesome and smart to do with saving your money and building your tool collection slowly over time. We have a very supportive community. 👍🏼

[@inspiringbuilds]

Great build! Spraying WD-40 and using a reciprocating saw without the blade are a couple of my go to‘s with these concrete projects. Be safe and use a respirator. 👍🏼

[@edpoletto8048]

Nice work!

[@paulmaxwell8851]

I get really, really tired of the safety police giving us unwanted advice. But you are absolutely right: always wear a respirator when working with concrete, drywall sanding, cleaning out the chicken house etc. Your lungs are not easily replaced!

[@inspiringbuilds]

@Tetianaoutdoors Sorry to hear that, safety is key and life is too short so I try to learn from other’s mistakes and help others.

[@customizedtrainingservices2079]

Weaver Barns are absolutely the best!!! Purchased one several years ago and it still looks like new. Unbelievable quality!!!

[@vladidol2245]

Great video. An other Michael build succes. Only one thing. Michael can you cut the background noise down. Some would call it music. The noise is louder than your words. Very disturbing. If you can take care of it...thanks

[@Asti.sayAhstee]

If you’re talking about the beginning of the video I’m pretty sure that was intentional. What he was saying was revealed later. Michael’s too good of an editor for it to not be on purpose.

[@emagee7864]

I like your concrete videos which inspired me to pour a bar top for my new tiki bar. I poured a large slab using the high-strength Quikrete (4 bags) and plasticizer (flow control). I molded it so the finish side was facing upwards meaning I had to finish trowel the top and bull-nose the edges. I also put in foam to hollow out the interior to reduce weight. Lessons learned: I forgot to seal the foam to the form but it turned out okay. I also forgot to spray a release agent (you use WD-40) but this turned out okay as well. My biggest problem was the concrete going off all at once. There is a fine line between waiting for the bleed water to reduce and finishing a large slab that goes off quickly. It was like boom, the concrete became unworkable and set up. I like that the plasticizer makes the mix more liquid and increases the strength but it causes the concrete to go off very fast. I was also able to vibrate out most of the tiny bubbles. I barely made the bull-nose and finished the top but it wasn't perfect. Luckily it's a tiki bar so it can be a little rustic. No one notices the small imperfections. All in all, it was a successful pour and I mounted the bar top and put on a finish sealer. Everyone was impressed. I think for jobs where you have the finish side facing down or small jobs facing up, the flow control is great. If time is a factor, the flow control helps get to strength faster thereby accelerating the project. For large slabs that require fine finishing the flow control may not work.

[@cmsbeth]

I LOVE the compass AND my steps are crumbling. Can't wait to build this!!

[@stoneboss979]

Great ideas with the silicone , I never tried that but was impressed how well that worked . Great Job!!

[@jckdnls9292]

No,it's terrible didn't u see? Wiggly lines ... U want long straight sturdy sticks glued to the mold

[@szim2584]

Absolutely beautiful and SO creative!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@PureMagma]

OMG... Where have I been all summer! (oh yeah, working...) This is such a "WOW!!! Project!" I'm on my way to buy your plans because I've been wanting to do something similar to my front steps for years. Hopefully I can figure out how to modify your dimensions to fit my project. No matter what, keep up the great projects so that I can BINGE watch all of your work whenever I have some spare time!

[@MichaelBuilds]

I just got a notification that I made an Etsy sale! Lol 😂 Thank you so much!!! Wait till you see the next project…

[@Ohsage1111]

I just adore your vibes, dude. Thanks for the vids.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Why THANK YOU! I like your vibe too!😊

[@FeralGypsy8]

OH MY GOODNESS YOU ARE SO CLEVER! I LOVED THIS VIDEO! AND THEY TURNED OUT BEAUTIFULLY! THANK YOU:)))

[@MichaelBuilds]

Why thank you Ava! ☺️

[@Ricardorgp21]

Best of the best bro so many ideas just by watching your videos

[@MichaelBuilds]

That’s what I’m talking about! Thank you so much!

[@stanleylosh1899]

Steps look great, but, you missed one of the golden rules of star building. The rise is not the same on all three. Especially important with no handrail. You feel really bad when your aging mother or grandmother takes that first step down and then falls and breaks a hip because they couldn't tell that the next step was a lot higher.

[@hollyhasegawa6095]

Great steps, they turned out so beautiful, I love the look of them so much. Thanks for sharing this video. 😊

[@qwq203]

I just love your channel.

[@MichaelBuilds]

THANK YOU! 🙏☺️

[@joecorey3779]

Good job as always. Like the silicone idea.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much!

[@im58woody]

Love the steps! So inspiring! I love all things concrete

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you! 😊

[@inspiringbuilds]

I agree with you and inspiring is always the goal! 👍🏼

[@quadsquadracingable]

Nice challenger plaque on your work bench! Great video btw!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much! “She will be mine some day… oh yes… she will be mine” lol

[@quadsquadracingable]

@@MichaelBuilds I'm always looking for ya! I just recently got a dakota rt. She's a bad little ride!

[@kmh997]

I don't need a shed, but my shed needs a step! ✌️ Nice video!

[@DougChristenson]

Love your videos Michael. You inspired me to make a concrete vanity top. So easy and everyone loves the custom look. One thing in this build that I noticed is the varying step heights. May be a trip hazard and I don't think it would pass code in my area. Not a criticism, just an observation. KEEP BUILDING.

[@StuffTested]

This reminding me you should do a video of how your other projects are doing over time. To see what rapidset or other products are doing over time.

[@honeybee9161]

Beautiful steps. Made by a beautiful man. 😉 Yeah ok, made by a smart man. 😂😂 Thanks for another great video. I really do enjoy all the tips.

[@jasonabram7413]

You read my mind! I was planning to do a set of stairs like that in the next couple weekends and you just made my life easier by doing this already your builds have all been awesome so far!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Brother!

[@patrickossowski5632]

i like the insulation inside the building great

[@robturner7853]

Nice job !!! Didnt get mine done yet....busy busy lol.....I plan to add Welcome - Ish slogan with the silicone..fingers crossed , may use a concrete coloring powder...keep it rollin brother , love the out of the box mind set!!!🤯

[@1designm923]

Thank you for the instruction.... will go for these curve steps on my porch!!!!

[@ofcv1238]

2:02 best part of all that work was that shrapnel capture.

[@compubyte2010]

Thank you.. now I see how to do steps this way ! excellent !!

[@DrLoveQc]

Very cool ideas as always! the silicone groove should be explored even more, maybe with epoxy or another color accent filling the grooves,etc.. Just one "complain" as a unofficial youtube safety expert, the steps doesnt seems equally talls, this can be a safety issue to miss a step or fall. I understand that the blocks arent available in many height sizes and the concrete needs to be a certain height to be strong. Keep the good work! always great to see new video from your channel.

[@jaredmorris9108]

Looks killer man but I do a lot of finish work and a lot of siliconing and I drill a hole in the back of my caulk tub were it goes in my gun and it keeps the stuff from pouring out after you let the handle go but great job dude always nice seeing you kicking some butt with some concrete

[@williamwoods2547]

A nice inventive solution, well executed. Looks good. The only issue I can see is that the top riser appears to be considerably shorter in height than the two bottom risers. I have no idea what your building code says about the allowable variation in riser heights, and perhaps it says nothing about exterior stairs with a short run of three risers. It would have been a bit more work to cut down the height of the concrete blocks used to make the risers, but the diamond blade on the grinder would have made that part of the project go fairly quickly, and there weren't that many to cut down. You shared some good ideas in your video. Thanks.

[@renadahanes9655]

Nice would love to learn more about concrete

[@Average-Joe]

It's called Melamine, NOT Malemine! Also use a pad sander (without the sandpaper on it) to vibrate the sides to get the air bubbles out. And add a little dry mix on the slick Melamine surface to add some texture and a light dusting all over so it won't look like glass and be slicker than snot when wet!

[@marielynn5234]

Hey Michael! Tell those old steps to "STEP OFF!" Haha! That was awful! 😆 But truly, Your skills are exceptional even when you make mistakes! Lol I love your work and all of your videos!!!💕

[@MichaelBuilds]

Lol 😂 I like that hahaha

[@sapelesteve]

Very nice work as usual Michael! Those steps turned out great! 👍👍

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much!

[@Patricia-zr9vx]

What alternative would you recommend if I don’t have such tools for the mold nice job by the way

[@scotter_dotter]

Like the compass. Have you or can you use a Circuit to make a compass temple? I can not free hand. Thanks

[@MichaelBuilds]

I don’t see why not

[@BornOfAsh]

Do you have a video on the brown concrete porch behind the steps?

[@frankn5216]

Turned out great! nice work

[@donnawest5183]

It really came out nice ❤

[@stoneboss979]

Hi Michael nice Job, but I do a lot of cement work and just wanted to share with you if that's ok. Your platform that the steps you made went against had open joints that you should mortar to avoid future water damage before adding the steps you made, which I thought was a very nice Job as always. Great Job really, close those joints and it will last way longer.

[@craigschray4486]

I wonder if some kind of material to give more grip. That looks really smooth and could be slippery.

[@oscargutierrez7750]

If I want to do bigger rectangle steps type of deal and do a wood trim on three sides. Do I have to separate the wood from the concrete with something or can they be together?

[@gary8033]

Outstanding steps! Following Zoe and sent her a message, 👍👍✌️

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much!!!

[@ranjanty]

Hey Michael, great video! Did you also build the porch the steps go up to? Did you make a video of that process? I want to do the same. Thanks 👍

[@digital303s]

Great job bro

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you!

[@stevealldred4424]

Can you or would you be able to do these steps with rapid set? And if you can, can you also add color to the entire step?

[@tonyray4565]

Hey Michael. I was wondering if you could use the mortar mix instead of concrete mix for this project.

[@petecunnien5368]

Nice work!! Love it

[@nitawilkinson]

Thank you for making and posting this video ! I am making concrete house numbers. My first attempt did not work out. (* made them too large~ A story of its own ) only three numbers 1 2 9, but making the curves ....

[@rogermccaslin5963]

Looks like waiting a little bit of time...okay, three days...is the tradeoff for the difference in price. $5/50lbs of Quikrete 5000 vs. $18/55lbs of Rapid Set Mortar Mix. For some, that might be the difference between actually doing a project and just watching a video of Michael doing a project. Also, I really like the silicone idea to add a little something to an otherwise plain top.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thanks Roger!

[@billmongiello4885]

interesting video but how long before someone catches their toes on that overhang while walking up the steps or catches their heel while walking down the steps

[@jmax5105]

Love this idea! Would you be able to get the same strength / durability using the 1 hour mortar mix you've used in other videos?

[@OscarPerez-uq7zt]

Love the cast steps great idea with the silicone..but the steps all have to be the same height all risesers have to be equal

[@mr_4point681]

Says who??

[@Preciousmiller1]

Thanks for sharing 👍 Happy 4th July 🇱🇷🎇🇱🇷

[@bebo653]

Looks sharp.

[@nikolaoszacharis1302]

hi michael i m new to the channel. i was wondering what you can do to avoid craters from forming on the top side of the steps. i know its from air bubbles and I've seen people knock on the mold so all the cement settles in nicely but it doesn't seem to do the trick entirely. what other methods are there to avoid this??

[@ccitza]

This is absolutely extraordinary. Would definitely like to know if its lifespan is as amazing!

[@xringeagle]

That really looks awesome! What was the mesh you used in the middle of the concrete, between the first pour and second pour?

[@lynnclark4208]

Out of curiosity, can you purchase a coloring to put in the cement to lighten it? Make it a much lighter Grey, green, blue or whatever?

[@charmancollins6864]

Have you ever tried a dry pour mold???

[@TheMike941]

5000 psi takes longer to cure all the way to 5000… not black, still green!!! Love your videos , always watch to the end

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much man!

[@d.c.8710]

Definitely gonna do this! Thank you.

[@joejackson73]

Love the steps!

[@ShnVle]

I want to make a dry stack retaining wall out of concrete blocks that I made. Can you do a video?

[@lukensage]

Not sure if anyone commented about the thumb and finger grip along the INSIDE of the table saw blade at around 4:26 ... one slip and that could have ended badly 🥶

[@towertalkTV]

Another awesome video as usual! Funny thing I was trying to make a table with a round edge where did you get that flexible plastic thingy to do your round edge on the step thanks a lot for your awesome work appreciate you.

[@robertm348]

Nice project! Thanks!

[@samuelhenry9959]

I like it the slaped look good 😊

[@garybarrier4193]

Do you think you can dry pour a driveway extension ie 14x20

[@EvaM003]

I saw a video where they made the mold out of foam board. It looked easier to cut and glue but it was for a smaller capstone. Could it work for this project?

[@tiffanyvang1085]

Look great. Thank you for sharing.😍

[@kelso72]

it's been a year, has it been holding up?

[@dalespringerwilson4233]

I got a question if I built a large concrete planter or flower pot out of rapid set cement mix and then I wanted to add decoration to the outside will more rapid set cement mix adhere to the outside without flaking off or cracking off eventually ? With the surface need any preparation before I added the decorative features ?

[@LW12345]

Why do you use cement all instead of regular concrete mix? I like making things with cement (stepping stones, small tables, little things); however, it's so heavy. Any suggestions?

[@christiansaines]

Very nice work; However you should use a respirator. Silica dust is very bad for your lungs.

[@johnlong1100]

Thank you for letting others know. My grandfather died of silicosis. Simply put, no amount is healthy

[@mlm0039]

Hey Michael about to move forward with some outdoor countertops, will have a section with a cutout for a built in ice chest. Will have some thin sections that I am going to put some rebar in what is the best material/size to use for that? 2 inch deep counters. Thanks

[@MichaelBuilds]

1/2” rebar

[@SaiaArt]

11 months later. Fellow Michigander here wondering how those retaining blocks held up through winter freeze with ice etc. Any shift of heaving? I'd like to do something similar with a non slip surface.

[@TheVadger]

Hey Mike I made my first counter tops over the last couple weeks for my outdoor grill island. I used the silicone edge mold but have had a hell of a time cleaning the 3M double sided tape off from your earlier videos after the fact. I see now you are using the Gorilla tape. Do you find that easier to remove after removing the molds?

[@MichaelBuilds]

Oh hell yes! I totally forgot to mention that in the video! I’m so sorry. It’s cheaper too!

[@TheVadger]

Great I will try that tape this weekend! Keep up the good content my neighbors and I are all in on a bunch of concrete projects thanks to you!

[@OldePhart]

Michael - have you experimented with concrete color stains for some project ? The kind they put on stamped concrete. I wonder if it would work as well with the 1 hour set time stuff.

[@Bwh-rm3py]

Think I’ll try that

[@johnhamilton9229]

Dude, you rock👊

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much man! 💪🏻😊

[@JaimeDrewatWoodenU]

If you did it again I think it would be easier to cut a notch in a tool and scrape the silicone off with that. That way you could use a straight edge easier.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Agreed

[@aaronbrunson2179]

Mike, that 5000psi is my go to for steps R&R...good stuff my friend! If this works, im gonna flip my wig (bald head)®️✅💯 Ps its never that dark, did it brighten over time?

[@maribetslilangels]

Really awesome Thank you!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much!

[@Bdady74]

Another awesome Vid! (Edited for autocorrect being on crack!)

[@Bunefoo401]

Love these steps ❤️

[@jameshorrocks2939]

Try that plastisizer in the dry mix first. It's kinda neat how it softens the mix.

[@Bl00DmixedWithPoison]

Im from southeast Michigan haha, im in allen park ❤

[@jwill9877]

Are you worried about it being slippery when it gets water or snow on it? I know you can use clear laquer and sand

[@liveoak7838]

step height is uneven for the top step which affects the comfort of the stair but otherwise cool idea

[@markvandebrake9104]

Your edges in front on the final product had more of a ‘rough hewn’ look. How did you achieve that on a poured edge? Great video, gonna try it myself.

[@ccitza]

he put sort of sponge tape at the curved mold before pouring the concrete

[@bootmenow]

Melamine board is 45$ a sheet. Any cheaper solutions? Thanks

[@nickbrutanna9973]

What is your opinion of aircrete?

[@bumstudios8817]

Nice 👍

[@thecontroversialcontrarian5063]

Bruh. That’s sweet

[@inavasmorales]

Freaking awesome!!!

[@mikeg66]

Michael just wondering how much water you used when mixing your concrete? We just finished one and our mix was no where near as wet as yours looked.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Not sure exactly. Mixed it by eye. I wanna say between 3 and 4 quarts. Then of course the Flow Control makes it even wetter

[@KismetBP]

Awesome ❤🤘