How to Build a Cement Patio/Walkway
Moderate/Hard
Introduction
Building a cement patio/walkway takes a strong back and some hard work. Bags of cement are heavy and the digging to prepare for the pour can be cumbersome. Concrete is one of the most durable surfaces know to man, and with a little creativity it can be one of the best looking as well! Concrete has been used for centuries to build everything from walk ways to sky scrapers,coliseum's to cathedrals. Whatever your need, concrete can most likely handle the job! Be sure to watch click on our issue on stamping concrete. If you are looking for a custom job, you will be interested in the concrete stamping edition! Well now, if you are eager and ready, we can guide you through the process of laying out and completing your patio/walkway! You will need some specific tools, and the right information from The DIY Home Pro. We have rounded a few resources that will send you on your way, but first; look over all of the information we have provided carefully, and then use what is most applicable to your specific project. Remember: We have searched everywhere to bring you the very best information available so that your project will be a complete success! Always check with The DIY Home Pro first for all of your projects!
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What You’ll Need
Building a cement patio/ walk way will require some specific tools to complete the job. We have recommended some tools and materials below that will get you through the job. No matter what the size of the project these tools will get the job done!
The Tools You’ll Need
Automatic Cement Mixer
This tool is not required but it is very helpful! You can always have the cement delivered but if you choose to do that, you will need to work on the cement company's schedule. In many cases the money you save by mixing the cement yourself can cover the cost of the cement mixer. Either way the cement will need to be mixed and ready for the pour. This is one option.
Garden Shovel
This tool will be used in several applications throughout this project; digging the surface to prepare for the concrete, spreading the base material and finally installing concrete. A good shovel will be required to complete the job!
Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel #9668
Garden Hose
A garden hose will be needed to wet the area before the cement is poured. This will aid in maintaining the moisture in the cement during the pour. If the base is too dry it can draw moisture from the mixed cement causing it to dry prematurely. You will also need the garden hose to clean the equipment after the pour.
Gilmour 20 Series Platinum 8 Ply Flexogen Hose 5/8 Inch x 100 Feet #20-58100 Platinum
Trowel/Edger
A trowel will be used to finish off the edges of the cement whether it is a patio, a drive way or a walk way. By doing so the edges will have a rounded shape which will help to stop chipping and premature erosion of the surface.
Goggles
Goggles will protect your eyes from splatting material. It is always a very good idea to protect your eyes when working on any type of project! Dewalt DPG82-11C Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle
Line Level
A level will be needed to insure that the surface is flat and water will not puddle in unwanted areas. By leveling the prepared surface you will have a surface that looks and functions properly.
Straight Line Level.
Rubber Boots
When pouring the cement you will encounter times that you may need to step in the mix during the pouring process. Rubber boots will protect your shoes from the cement as they are easily washed.
OnGuard 86606-9 Economy Black PVC Rubber Steel Toe 16
The Materials You’ll Need
Pre-mixed Concrete
Pre-mixed concrete is sold at your local home improvement store. The concrete is sold in bags, all you have to do is add water and mix thoroughly. The cost varies according to the type and size of the bag.
2"x4" Boards
These boards are to be used as forms, they can be purchased by the lineal foot at your local home improvement store. The length will depend on the project dimensions.
Stakes
Stakes will be used to hold the forms securely in place while pouring the cement. They are usually purchased in bundles for just a few bucks a bundle, be sure to use plenty!
Re-bar
Re-bar will be used as a base grid to bond the cement and prevent it from cracking. This can be substituted by a heavy wire mesh for small walkways. It is not mandatory to use re-bar or mesh, but it will reduce the chance of unwanted cracks in the future!
The Technique
Pouring concrete is a task that entails many steps for preparation and completion. We have selected the next four videos that will cover each step of the process one step at a time. This way you will be able to review each step as you complete the job! Enjoy!
Setting up the forms
Preparing and building the forms are made easy with the following video. In this video you will learn how to square the project up, how to build and secure the forms, how to level the forms and finally how to prepare for the base material. This video will ensure that you have everything ready for the next step in creating the perfect patio or walkway!
Base Fill Material
Putting in the base fill material is a step that can either make or break your project. If the surface is uneven or not compact enough you will have problems with the finished material. This video explains how to level and compact the fill material and prepare the job for the pour.
Pouring the Cement
Pouring the cement is heavy work however; much time and work can be saved by having the right equipment and help available. Pay close attention to this video before you start your pour, you will need to make sure you are ready, your help is there and you have checked over all of the details. Once you start pouring you need to keep moving until the finish work is complete. This video will prepare you for the task.
Finishing
Ah! the finish work. Here is a great video which covers finishing the cement once you get it poured. There is a trick to the "Bull float" keep it tipped back when you push so it does not dig into the cement and tipped up when pulling towards you. Overlapping strokes will help to keep it moving. Be sure to change directions to keep the surface flat! Enjoy!
Step by Step Article
Here is a great link that provides you with a calculator for estimating materials as well as a step by step directions to build forms, prepare the ground, mix the cement and finish the cement. If you need something you can print off and take to the job site with you this is the article you will need! Good Luck! View the Article >>>
Books and DVDs
How to Build Walks, Walls and Patio Floors
There is a very detailed step-by-step process in figuring out the materials, designing and laying out your patio or walk way floor and finally finishing it, this book will help you with all of those as well as several other hard surface materials.
Walks, Walls & Patios
This is a great book and very informative. If you want to plan, design and build any of these, this is the book you will need. The author takes you through many necessary steps in each process of preparation for this task. Make sure you have this book on hand before you start!
Hire A Professional Contractor
Not convinced you want to go it alone? Renovation Experts is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.
Questions & Comments
