Concrete sidewalks are durable and perfect for high-traffic areas. They enhance your property’s curb appeal while providing a non-slip surface that will withstand harsh temperatures. When constructing a concrete sidewalk, you need specific tools and materials.
These will protect the surface’s lifespan, preventing premature wear and safety risks. Read on for a detailed guide on concrete sidewalk construction.
The Materials Needed for Concrete Sidewalk
Concrete pavements can consist of different materials mixed with Portland cement. The main ingredients used for the mixture are water and aggregates like crushed gravel or stone, soil, and fibers. Contractors can sometimes add chemical admixtures and supplementary cementitious mixtures.
Mixing concrete constituents requires different tools and equipment. If you have a small project, you can use a tub or a bucket and a mortar hoe for mixing. Constructing an extensive sidewalk will require a handheld power mixer or an electric cement mixer.
Other materials needed for concrete sidewalk construction and their functions include:
- Isolation boards- Separating the new concrete from existing walls or pavements
- Wire mesh or tie wire- Preventing your concrete sidewalk from shifting and cracking
- Floats and trowels- Spreading and flattering a concrete mix
If you pour fresh concrete on your sidewalk instead of using precasts, you need forms. These will hold the mixture in place and frame the edges of your pavement.
Design Considerations for Concrete Sidewalk
A concrete sidewalk must follow particular specifications for better functionality. If you are constructing a residential walkway, it can be a primary or auxiliary one. A primary walkway is one linking the driveway to a front entrance. On the other hand, an auxiliary one will connect a side door entrance and a driveway.
The ideal width for a primary concrete sidewalk is 48 inches. This measurement can comfortably accommodate a wheelchair or two people walking side by side. You can always construct a wider concrete pavement to match your driveway if you have a large property.
The ideal width for an auxiliary concrete sidewalk is at least 24 inches. While this may seem narrow, the path only needs to fit one person at a time.
The slope of a primary concrete sidewalk shouldn’t be more than 2% unless you design it for wheelchair access. Exceeding this percentage can lead to drainage issues and increase the risk of tripping. The recommended slope for an auxiliary sidewalk is below 5%.
How to Construct a Concrete Sidewalk
The first step when constructing a concrete sidewalk is preparing the area. Clear debris, grass, and other materials from the surface until you expose the raw earth. After that, prepare the subbase and press it with a plate compactor or hand tamper.
The next step is to prepare a form while ensuring it has the proper slope. Place the wire mesh or rebar in the form and pour mixed concrete. You can then follow these steps:
- Flatten the wet concrete
- Compact the concrete
- Use a groover to create control joints
- Allow the sidewalk to dry
Get Professional Concrete Sidewalk Services
Constructing a durable walkway requires precision and experience. Georgia Wildcat Paving will oversee the planning, construction, and cleanup processes. Our experts can recommend the best materials and pavement maintenance practices. Get a free concrete sidewalk quote now.
