How to Lay a Concrete Sidewalk

Set sidewalk forms in place. The standard width is three to four feet for main walks and two feet for service walks.

Set forms running parallel and at a height that is level with existing walks or at a level very close to that of the ground surface level for easy yard maintenance.

Place a movable bulkhead at the working end so that you can pour amounts of concrete that are comfortable for you to work with. This technique works great when ready-mix concrete is used because it usually results in very little wasted concrete.

Prep the walk area carefully by removing all sod and loose dirt to the depth of the walk plus approximately two inches for a sub-base of sand or crushed rock. Make sure that any loose or spring-y soil is carefully compacted to avoid sinking, tilting or excess cracking later on in the sidewalk's lifespan.

Get some extra help from friends if the planned pour is a large one. Concrete work is heavy and tiring. There can never be too much help.

Use a cross slope of one-eighth of an inch per foot in width away from any nearby structures to help with drainage.

Use asphalt-impregnated joint material at points where the walk comes in contact with a structure or another large body of concrete (a driveway edge, patio edge, etc.)

Be sure to cut control joints every 4 to 5 feet along the length of the walk. These run across the surface and are made with a groover.