How to Pour a Concrete Cistern Lid
- 1). Measure the dimension requirements for the cistern lid with a tape measure. Account for openings in the lid to access the cistern when taking the measurements.
- 2). Cut 2 by 6 pieces of lumber to the needed length with a table or skill saw to build the frame and the forms for pouring concrete.
- 3). Measure the plywood to the desired size for the concrete form with a tape measure and then cut the plywood to those measurements.
- 4). Nail the frame and form together with the hammer and nails. Construct the frame as a floor joist for added support and attach it to the plywood. Allow for hatches to access the cistern when constructing the frame and form for the concrete.
- 5). Place plastic sheeting over the plywood to prevent the concrete from sticking to the plywood forms.
- 6). Measure the hatch openings. The openings should be larger at the top, angling down to a slightly smaller opening at the bottom to secure the hatch lids. Construct a form out of the plywood to pour the lids for the hatches using the measurements of the hatch openings. Place plastic sheeting over the top of the plywood form to keep the concrete from sticking to the form.
- 7). Pour the concrete for the lid using a trowel to level the concrete.
- 8). Pour the concrete for the hatch lid, placing a piece of rebar steel on top of the hatch to provide a handle for the hatch lid. If measured precisely, the hatch lid should fit very snugly over the hatch openings.
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