How to Build a Concrete Sidewalk

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Plan your sidewalk.

   Do you want to make a curved sidewalk or straight? maybe you want to put in a ramp, whatever the case may be, know what you plan to do before you begin.
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   Step 2: Lay out the area.

   Mark out a start and end point, as well as layout your potential sidewalk. , You would be surprised how many utilities are buried less than 4 inches (10.2 cm) underground. , For most sidewalks, the use if a sting line and line level are sufficient enough.
   
   If you wish to be more technical and precise, you may use a laser or transit to establish grades. , Dig to your sub-grade, roughly 5–7 inches (12.7–17.8 cm) below your established finish grade. , Form your sidewalk using a rigid, yet flexible piece(s) of material.
   
   Thin plywood 1/2" to 3/4" is best to use due to its flexibility.
   
   Strip plywood into 4" wide sheets , The string should also serve as a guide for the form to follow. , Begin by driving the pin or wood into the ground so the material is not able to easily move.
   
   Then nail the face of the form to the pin or wood while at the same time following the string.
   
   The top of the form should just touch the string. , Use a straight blade rake to level out the ground.
   
   If possible, compact the ground after fine grading by using a hand tamper or motorized compactor. , The temperature of the concrete should be between 50°F and 90°F during placement.
   
   This can be checked with a standard thermometer.
   
   If you purchase ready-mix concrete, be sure to request an air-entrainment additive.
   
   You should look for air-entrainment to be between 4-8%.
   
   This will insure that your concrete is able to withstand colder temperatures. , Use a screed (Straight edge)to remove excess concrete as well as level off the surface. screed in a sliding motion, pulling the screed back and fourth while at the same time moving it along the form. , This pushes the aggregate in the mix down while at the same time raises the cream used to finish the concrete. , Push the float over the concrete, to the form then pull it back to you.
   
   The slower you do this the better. , This will put an extremely smooth surface on the concrete, making it easier to finish. , Push the tools through the concrete while keeping the outside edges of the tools level with the concrete.
   
   Concrete likes to crack in squares.
   
   Be sure to put score marks or dummy joints in your sidewalk.
   
   These should be spaced apart equal to the length. e.g. 4' wide = Dummy Joints should be spaced every 4"/ 5'=5".
   
   Dummy joints should not be spaced more than 6'.
   
   Use a fiberboard expansion material where your concrete meets other structures and every 25' in in your sidewalk. , If you wish to broom finish the concrete, let the mix set up until is becomes tough to float (magnesium float).
   
   Pull a horsehair brush lightly across the surface so the stride marks are perpendicular to your form.
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   Step 3: CALL DIG-SAFE (811).

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   Step 4: Establish a finish grade for your sidewalk this will serve as a start point as well as finish point.

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   Step 5: Begin your excavation.

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   Step 6: Form your sidewalk.

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   Step 7: Set a string line to your finish grade.

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   Step 8: Set the forms by using either form pins or scrap wood.

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   Step 9: Fine grade your excavation.

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    Step 10: Apply it at the right temperature.

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    Step 11: Pour the concrete to your finish grade.

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    Step 12: Roll the concrete using a concrete roller.

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    Step 13: Bull float the concrete.

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    Step 14: Use a fresno float to float over what you just bull floated.

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    Step 15: Cut your edges and center joints using an edger and center joint.

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    Step 16: Use a magnesium float to remove the score marks left behind by the hand tools you used earlier

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    Step 17: if desired.

Detailed Guide

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