DIY Sidewalks

You can make your own sidewalk and save money.

If you need a sidewalk, you should consider doing it yourself to save money. You should be able to do the job with the help of some friends and some borrowed or rented concrete tools.

Setting Forms

The ground area for the sidewalk should be level and the soil should be compacted. Place 2-by-4-inch boards to form the outline of the sidewalk. Metal stakes should be placed every couple of feet to secure the forms.

Pouring Concrete

You can mix your own concrete or have it delivered by a truck. Place the concrete between the forms and level it out.

Finishing

Use a magnesium float to smooth out the concrete. The concrete also needs to be finished with a steel trowel. You may have to wait awhile for the concrete to set up before you can trowel.

Concrete

Concrete should be rated at a minimum of 4,000 pounds per square inch. Concrete cures faster in warmer weather. Pouring the sidewalk on a cooler day will give you more time to work with the concrete and make the job easier.

Codes

The codes and regulations governing concrete work vary between cities and counties. Contact the local building department to before performing any work.

References

• Ask the Builder: Pouring Concrete Sidewalks
• Outdoor Devotion: Pouring a Do It Yourself Sidewalk
• Chesterfield Township: Building Department and Zoning Enforcement

Resources

• Free-Build-It-Info: Concrete Sidewalk