Adjustable Precast Stair System – Scissor Type
Scissor Stair
Reusable Adjustable Precast Stair Formwork System
Reduce Stair Forming Labor & Reset Time on
Repetitive High-Rise Projects
Field-tested and proven on two real Victoria BC
high-rise projects:
— Parc Residences Victoria — half flights with
mid-landing configuration
— The Falls Victoria — twin 14-story scissor
stair configuration
The same reusable system handled both configurations.
This field-tested adjustable double-flight stair
formwork method was developed and reused across
multiple multi-story concrete projects. Designed
specifically for repetitive high-rise construction,
this system allows rapid floor-to-floor adjustments
by swapping pre-cut rise/run inserts between reusable
nosing units — eliminating the need to rebuild stair
forms from scratch when floor heights change.
UNIQUE ADVANTAGE — DOUBLE FLIGHT SIMULTANEOUS CAST:
Both flights are cast simultaneously in a single
reusable setup. No other site-built system does this.
KEY SCHEDULING ADVANTAGE:
Stairs are installed into the deck formwork before
the slab is poured — giving all trades immediate
access to the floor above. Rebar crews walk up the
precast stairs during their own work. Landings and
upper floor are poured in a single pour — locking
the stairs permanently into the structure.
No temporary stair systems. No waiting. No second pour.
What Problem This Solves
Traditional stair forming on high-rise projects
often means:
- Rebuilding forms for each floor
- Time lost adjusting for minor height differences
- Labour-intensive layout
- Limited reuse across projects
- Temporary stair systems needed throughout structure
This adjustable system allows:
- Double-flight pours in a single reusable setup
- Fast rise/run adjustment using saved insert pieces
- Repeatable, controlled workflow
- Practical reuse from project to project
- All trades access upper floor before slab is poured
System Overview
This method demonstrates:
- Reusable double-flight stair form configuration
- Interchangeable rise/run filler insert system
- Efficient reset workflow between pours
- Field-proven jobsite setup used on real high-rise
projects in Victoria BC
Reusable Core Components (Long-Term Advantage)
Primary components that carry forward from job to job:
- Reusable nosing units (plastic or steel)
- Saved rise/run insert sets
Remaining formwork components (side forms, bulkheads,
platform framing) can be adapted to suit each project.
This makes the system scalable and economical —
without requiring expensive factory mould systems.
What's Included
Video 1 – Adjustable Nosing & Insert Installation
- Center nosing layout
- Insert fitting method
- Adjustment process
- Material recommendations
Video 2 – Complete Double-Flight Form Ready for Pour
- Full assembled configuration
- Adjustable components installed
- Typical pour-ready setup
Printable PDF Quick Reference
- Component checklist
- Reset procedure summary
- Field implementation notes
Material Recommendations
Nosings: Powder-coated steel or heavy-duty molded
plastic (Plastic preferred long-term for stripping
and durability.)
Rise/Run Inserts: Custom-cut reusable plastic filler
boards saved and reused throughout the project.
Who This Is Designed For
- High-rise concrete contractors
- Formwork companies
- Precast stair producers
- Construction managers looking to improve cycle
efficiency
Not intended for small residential stair forming.
Developed by Brian Gillett — 45 years in high-rise
concrete and formwork across BC, Alberta and Ontario.
Former superintendent, formwork contractor, and
Construction Manager on major high-rise residential
projects from excavation through to occupancy.
Important
This is a field-proven method and training reference.
It is not stamped engineered documentation.
Final application must be reviewed by the project
engineer.
If you are forming repetitive stairs on a high-rise —
what would faster floor-to-floor reset be worth
to you?
Questions before purchasing?
Contact: [your email]