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by Answerbag Staff on August 24th, 2010

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How do I make a concrete sidewalk with molds?

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  • by Karie Fay on August 24th, 2010

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    Digging the Area

    Use 2x4 boards for straight sidewalks, but choose 12-inch hardboard siding--sometimes called Masonite--to create curved shapes for sidewalk molds--called forms. Cut the hardboard in half lengthwise to create two equal strips.



    Dig out the sidewalk area at least 6 inches, preferably deeper, to pour 3 or 4 inches of gravel on the bottom of the sidewalk bed to make your sidewalk last longer.

    Creating the Form

    Drive stakes every 3 feet down the length of your desired sidewalk. Position the stakes on the opposite side by making a homemade gauge board. Mark a board for the desired width, and use it to measure stake placement.



    Nail or screw 2x4s or hardboard siding to the stakes, bending the form where desired to create graceful curves. Ensure the stake is a little lower than the form. Place a level across the forms, using the gauge board, to ensure they are level lengthwise; check level width-wise as well. Slope the sidewalk where drainage is poor and water may sit; drop the forms 1/4 inch for every foot of sidewalk, width-wise or lengthwise.

    Finishing the Sidewalk

    Unroll steel mesh for concrete, and cut it to length. Place a few rocks to hold it up about halfway over the sidewalk bed. Pour concrete directly over the mesh to create strength. Heap the concrete slightly higher than your forms, then level with your gauge board. Float and finish, cutting control joints across the width every 10 feet using your trowel. Allow to cure for the recommended time, and remove the wooden molds.

    References:

    The Family Handyman: How to Pour a Concrete Sidewalk

    Do It Yourself: Pouring a Concrete Walkway 2--Preparation

    Resources:

    Ask the Builder: Install Concrete With Control Joints

    Ask the Builder: Pouring Concrete Sidewalks

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