What Are The Steps To Creating A Concrete Wall?

Concrete walls are a great way to protect your property. They can be used for exterior or interior purposes, and they provide security against intruders. Concrete is an excellent building material because it lasts long and is durable. But, how do you go about creating this type of wall?

Do you have plans to construct a new concrete wall? Maybe you are looking to replace an old, outdated wall with something more modern. You may not know what the steps are in creating a concrete wall, but this article will go over everything that is needed!

Why Use Concrete?

Concrete is one of the most sanitary and adaptable wall materials available. You may create a wall to serve as a property marker, a support structure, or to hold back dirt or water by using forms, which are wood frames. To be sturdy, a concrete wall must be erected on top of a concrete footer. Then, to shape your wall, set the forms and pour the concrete. Because building a wall is a huge job, you should seek expert assistance or guidance to guarantee a solid foundation. The benefits of creating a concrete wall are:

  • Concrete is the most sanitary and adaptable wall material
  • It is easy to use 
  • It creates a sturdy foundation
  • Protects the environment by being a lightweight, natural material. 
  • Helps construct beautiful buildings out of inexpensive material 
  • Costs less than other types of wall materials in terms of long-term maintenance
  • Won’t compromise quality since expert assistance/guidance is recommended to build sturdy foundations

What Are The Steps To Creating A Concrete Wall?

1. Create A Wall Footer

    • Before you start building, make sure that the materials are all set
    • Concrete walls can be constructed using a variety of different types and their construction requires appropriate regulations as outlined in ACI 318-14. Some of the most common materials you’ll be needing are cement, sand, aggregates, steel reinforcements, admixtures, materials for formwork like timber, wood, foam insulations, aluminum, and steel
    • Determine how long and broad you want your wall to be before measuring and tracing the area for it.
    • Depending on the width of your walls, you might need to remove topsoil and dirt.
    • Check the soil level and compactness with a tamper tool.
    • To strengthen the concrete, use rebar that is around 0.85 cm in diameter to make sure you get all of your project’s desired results 
    • Purchase enough concrete to fill the pit, then combine all of the ingredients in a large mixer with a pouring ramp.
    • Allow at least 7 days for the footer to cure.

2. Build Your Formwork

      • Use stacked wood boards to create frames.
      • Bind the boards together using nails
      • Use wales to reinforce the walls.
      • Over the rear of the wales, place a bracing board.
      • With more boards and stakes, finish the rest of the bracing.

    3. Set Up The Formwork

      • Place the shapes on plywood planks near the wall you want to create.
      • Drill holes on both sides of each stud that are 0.32 cm in diameter.
      • Wires should be run through the holes and tied to the wales. When pouring concrete, the wires keep the forms together. You’ll be staring at a concrete mess instead of a solid wall if the forms fall out of place.
      • Using a stick or another tool, tighten the wire tie.
      • Place wooden spacers next to each wire. You’ll need as many woodblocks for your wall, which you can purchase at any home improvement store.
      • Drill a hole through the spreaders and connect them with wire. Make a hole in the center of each spreader using a 0.32 cm drill bit. After you’ve finished drilling, run a wire gauge through all of them.
    Pleasant Hill Remodel Stamped Concrete Project

    4. Concrete Pouring and Curing

      • Mix enough concrete to finish the wall in one go. Purchase concrete mix and pour it into a mixer using a hose or a ramp. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for adding water and stirring the concrete. The consistency of good concrete is gray and consistent.
      • Starting at the end of the wall, pour the concrete into layers. Using a chute or hose linked to the mixer, pour the concrete straight into the wood form. Move back and forth from one end of the wall to the other until the concrete is as high as you want the wall to be.
      • As you work, remove the spacers to prevent cracks from forming in your project. Allowing them to remain will result in holes between layers of concrete that could weaken its stability over time!
      • Using a screed or similar tool, smooth out the concrete. Climb a ladder and use the top of the form you constructed to level out the concrete. Use a float or a trowel if you can’t get a screed up there.
      • The last step is to cover the concrete and allow it time for curing. Use water-resistant materials like burlap or straw; these will help protect your project from rain.
      • To remove the forms, you’ll need to cut them and then pull these shapes away from your concrete. Be careful when removing wire ties because it has not yet hardened!
      • Cover the wall and leave it to cure for up to another 24 days.

    In the construction industry, it’s crucial to have a strong understanding of what materials are needed to create a concrete wall. If this sounds like something that would be beneficial in your own home or business, call us today! We can help you get started on building an aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound concrete wall.

    Are You Looking for a Company to Build a Foundation for Your New Home? 

    Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top foundation builders for over 30 years.  We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.

    To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and the surrounding areas.