Introduction

Form and pour a new concrete sidewalk; the perfect first concrete project for the beginner. Replace that ugly, cracked walk with a flat, smooth new one. We show you how to build forms and then place and smooth the wet concrete, all with first class results. You save big money too.

Planning and Tools

If the thought of pouring a concrete sidewalk scares the bejeebers out of you, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. This story will teach you the basics of pouring a concrete sidewalk, so you’ll be confident and ready to go when the concrete truck pulls up to the curb. And you’ll save the concrete walkway cost of hiring concrete pros to boot.

A giant ready-mix truck driving up to your house can be intimidating. I always get butterflies when I hear the diesel roaring a half mile away. But being prepared with solid forms, good equipment, a couple of strong helpers and a well-planned wheelbarrow route will help calm the nerves. Once you dump the first few wheelbarrow loads and get the hang of moving the wet mud around, you’ll feel in complete control.

Concrete might be the cheapest building material on the planet. It’s hard to imagine a material that gives more bang for the buck than concrete for the cost of sidewalk. What other material yields a permanent, finished, durable, maintenance-free outside surface at a low cost and a day’s work? Around these parts, many contractors won’t put down a gravel base or even use steel reinforcing. Bonus: Your sidewalk will be stronger and last longer than many professionally poured concrete sidewalks. In addition to the concrete walkway cost, suppliers usually add a ‘short load’ charge for small orders (generally under 3 yds.). This 4-ft. wide by 60-ft. long and 4-in.-thick walk required just over 4 yards of concrete.

Plus, if you have a concrete walkway that needs to be redone, check out our expert tips, tools and planning advice to guide you through concrete demolition that will save you big bucks.