Can I set bricks with mortar on a new concrete stoop before it cures?

Question

I'm pouring a new stoop, and I'd like to finish the corners with a brick that's used elsewhere on the house, so everything ties in.

I'm planning on pouring the stoop with a channel for the brick, so it looks like

      _______ 
 ____|       |____
|                 |

Instead of

 _________________
|                 |

I was wondering if I can strip the form after a couple hours and set the brick with mortar while the concrete is still curing or if I need to wait a few days for the concrete to cure.

Again, nothing structural here, just wanting to adhere the brick to the stoop.

Answer 1

You can, as long as the concrete will support the weight. A few hours in it'll still be very fragile, especially if your weather is cool. You'll have to feel it out and make a judgement call. Plenty of times we've built basement walls on a new slab the next morning. If we're talking about a single row of brick it should be fine.

Concrete shrinks very slightly as it cures, but I doubt that'll be an issue for you here.