When building forms for concrete steps, use 2x material to form the risers as shown in the drawing, and cut a bevel along the bottom edge. This allows room for the finishing tools, such as the float and trowel, to reach to the back of the tread without having to wait for the forms to be stripped. The result is a tread with a uniform finish from the nosing to the riser.
Walter H. Chandler, Richmond, VA