How to Pour a Concrete Sidewalk

Do you have to walk in the mud or wet grass when it rains just to get into your house? Below you will find a simple way to solve the problem by building a concrete sidewalk. Your mother or significant other will not be yelling for tracking the mud all through the house anymore.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete Mixer/Mix
• Level
• Water
• 2 by 4 Boards
• Bucket
• Hoe or shovel
• 2 by 8 Planks
• Straight edge

Instructions

Preparing

1. Level the ground out with the width and length that you would like form of the sidewalk.

2. Measure the area you plan to cover for the sidewalk so you can determine the amount and length of 2 by 4 boards and 2 by 8 planks you will need to purchase.

3. Place the 2 by 4 boards, whether you choose to do it above the ground or under, in the form that you want the mix to become solid in.

Building

1. Pour your dry concrete mix and all the water into your machine following its directions, and mix it up

2. Once the mix has been stirred, slowly pour it onto the ground where your form is set up. By using a hoe or shovel, it will help to level all the mix into place.

3. Level the poured concrete with one person on each side of the straight edge and shift it back and forth.

4. Once the concrete has started to set up, make sure you create space with a 2 by 8 plank, building a joint throughout the sidewalk so that it will have room to expand and not crack.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not walk on the freshly poured concrete until it has had time to harden - unless you want permanent footprints!

• You can write a date, message, or anything else with a stick before it settles if you would like a permanent something etched into it.

• Make sure it is leveled so that no one will trip and fall over a hump.

• Make sure it is not going to be a rainy day before you begin.

• Use the proper clothing and gloves to protect your skin.