How to Build a Sidewalk With Concrete Slabs

Pouring a new sidewalk

Concrete slabs provide a firm, smooth and durable surface for a sidewalk. A concrete sidewalk becomes a permanent, maintenance-free part of the landscape offering a surface to walk on or a safe place to ride a bike. Sidewalks increase home value and offer an added measure of protection to pedestrians from cars and trucks.

Things You'll Need

• Stakes
• Tape measure
• Shovel
• Tamper
• 2-inch by 6-inch lumber
• 1-inch by 2-inch lumber
• Crushed stone
• Re-enforcing wire
• Water supply
• Bull float
• Trowel
• Curing compound

Instructions

1. Obtain permits in accordance with local building codes.

2. Call local utility companies to mark the ground for pipes or lines before digging.

3. Hammer stakes into the ground every 2 feet running the length of the sidewalk and 3.5 feet in width.

4. Dig down 6-inches inside the staked out area.

5. Level the base of the excavated ground by knocking down hills and adding dirt to depressions.

6. Tamp the dirt to pack it down solidly with a tamper or rent a gas-power tamper.

7. Line the edges with 2 by 6 pieces of lumber, laid end to end to create a form to keep wet concrete in a restricted area.

8. Place 1 by 2 pieces of lumber every 6 feet across the width of the sidewalk to act as expansion joints. An expansion joint permits a small amount of movement within the sidewalk and keeps the concrete from developing cracks and breaks.

9. Pour 4-inches of crushed stone to the bottom of the excavation, then drag a long piece of lumber from the beginning to end of the stone filled area to level it.

10. Lay reinforcing wire mesh over the crushed stone. Reinforcing wire mesh braces and supports concrete.

11. Call a ready-mix concrete delivery company to order a 3000 psi concrete delivery. Give the concrete company the dimensions of the project and it will determine the quantity needed. PSI--pounds per square inch--describes the weight concrete is able to bear.

12. Wet the crushed stone with plain water just before the concrete pour.

13. Pour concrete into the center of the sidewalk form; keep the reinforcing wire mesh in place with a heavy object and move the object before the concrete comes in contact with it.

14. Pull a bull float across the wet concrete surface to flatten and even it out. A bull float is large trowel attached to a pole.

15. Position a trowel between the wood form and the concrete to separate the concrete from the form making it easy to remove the forms once the concrete sets.

16. Spray curing compound over the top of the concrete and allow it dry fully before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all traffic off the concrete for 48 to 72 hours.

• Wear safety goggles, gloves and boots when working with concrete.

• Drag a broom across the surface of the wet concrete to create a rough finish.

• Consider adding a pigmented dye to the concrete for a dramatic effect.

References

• "Masonry"; Time Life Editors; 1977
• "The Complete Book of Outdoor Projects"; Time Life Editors; 1998