concrete sidewalk

Making a concrete cordon

Concrete is often used in different applications of the home, like steps, patios, basement slabs, and shower floors. Cordons, or cords, are commonly used in bathrooms, where they form a barrier between the shower floor and the rest of the bathroom and are designed to be coated with a finishing material. There are different ways to construct a cord, one of which is poured concrete. To do this, you must first build a mold to hold the concrete in place until it dries.

Instructions

  1. Measure the width of the shower opening or the place where you want to install the cord. Determine whether you will need the cord to be 4 inches (10 cm) or 6 inches (15 cm) and use appropriately sized wood. Brand two pieces of 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10 cm) or 2 x 6 inch (5 x 10 cm), which will shape the front and back of the cord structure.
  2. Cut the pieces of wood with a miter saw. Place a piece of wood inside the miter saw and hold it flush against the back of the tray and firmly press it against the back. Hold it with one hand and using the other hand to operate the saw, pull the handle of the blade down and cut along the marked wood. Repeat with the second piece.
  3. Determine the width of the cord and place the two pieces of wood at a distance corresponding to the width, lifting the edge so that the walls (parts of the front and back) reach a height of 4 to 6 inches (10 or 15 cm).
  4. Connect the two parts of the specific width with two or three crosspieces nailed on top. With a miter saw, cut strips of wood to fit the width of the top. Screw them on the back of the frame to prop the ends and in the central part. Use a carpenter’s square and a level to make sure your walls are aligned and level with each other.
  5. Place the cord in the place where concrete will be poured. Screws inserted along the bottom edge, orienting and directing from the outer side through the bottom of the wood to the outside of the structure. This will hold the structure in place while the concrete is poured. Then pour concrete into the mold and wait 24 to 72 hours. Remove the structure.

Tips & Warnings

  • Few cords exceed 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Unless you are a person who is inclined to the upper heights, the most common way to build a frame is with 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10 cm) pieces of wood on the sides. If you prefer a higher cord, use pieces of 2 x 6 inches (5 x 15 cm).
  • The ends of the cord will be blocked by the walls of the shower or the entry in which you install it. No need to cut wood to form the ends of the cord, since the walls and structures of the opening of the shower will serve as building blocks while waiting for the concrete to dry.
  • Use safety equipment when working with power tools.