How can I build a concrete sidewalk?

Creating a poured sidewalk is a relatively simple task, well within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers. However, it is a hard work and some tasks are sensitive. Strong helpers make work manageable. Pouring the concrete to unprepared soil will lead to the sidewalk, which is uneven and probably burst and breaks. The more freezing and defrosting cycles is located every year, which is more likely to break the concrete sidewalk. The correct preparation of the place is particularly important in places with cold winters. Make the bottom as much as possible. Fill the area of ​​about 4 inches (10.2 cm) of crushed gravel. Create gravel down until it's hard.

Then create molds around the edge of the area using 2 x 4s on the edge and hold on the stakes. The upper edge of the boards should be the height you want the concrete to be finished - usually even with the ground or slightly above the ground. They should be completely at the level.

CustomsThe place of pouring should be prepared before the concrete arrives, because pouring concrete is a quick job. Ask the truck driver to pour as strange as possible along the entire length of the concrete pavement and raced concrete as quickly as possible. Then color the concrete by moving another board, called the giant along the surface. The Czech should stretch through the sidewalk and rest on the boards on both sides. Pull it back and forth through the concrete and attract it from one end of the sidewalk to the other to smooth out all the uneven places.

Allow the concrete to sit for a while until some water is raised to the surface and starts to evaporate. The weather will dictate the length needed for it, but it usually takes about an hour. The concrete mixture should be solid but still pliable. Then smooth the surface. If you want a beveled edges on the concrete, press the edges in. Ask the line of about 1/2 inches (1.3 cm) deep in concrete about every three or four feet (0.9 - 1.2 m) along the concrete. This will facilitate concrete for download and expansion during the cycLes freezing and melting and reducing cracking.

Cut the concrete by keeping it for about three days. If the weather conditions are favorable, this can be achieved by fogging a new concrete pavement several times a day. If the weather is dry or windy, place a wet bag on the sidewalk to keep it evenly damp. If frost is expected, add a layer of straw that insulates a concrete pavement while healing. After four days, you can remove the forms and walk on a new concrete pavement, but the concrete will continue to cure for about a month.