How to Level a Cement Sidewalk

Nothing ruins a game of marbles faster than an uneven concrete sidewalk. Sidewalks often get this way due to settling or heaving of the ground underneath or from an uneven original pour. If your sidewalk is made of precast slabs of concrete, you must pry up the slabs and level the ground underneath. However, if the sidewalk is made of poured concrete, you can level it easily with self-leveling concrete compound.

Stiff-bristled broom
Garden sprayer
Scrub brush
Concrete degreaser
Carpenter's level
Chalk
Self-leveling concrete compound
Drill with a paddle mixing attachment
Trowel or piece of wood
Stakes
Rope or caution tape

Instructions

- 1
  Clean off the sidewalk of any dirt or debris with a stiff-bristled broom. This includes removing any broken pieces of cement.
- 2
  Spray the sidewalk with a degreaser from a garden hose spray attachment. Let the degreaser sit for several minutes on the sidewalk then brush away any stains with a scrub brush.
- 3
  Rinse the sidewalk off completely with the garden hose then let the area dry out before continuing.
- 4
  Place a carpenter's level on the sidewalk in different places and determine which areas are uneven. Mark these with chalk if you need to level these areas separately -- at different ends of the sidewalk, for example.
- 5
  Determine how many cubic feet or yards of leveling compound you will need to make the sidewalk level.
- 6
  Mix up the self-leveling compound, adding enough water to form a thick paste to the consistency of porridge. The exact proportions will be detailed on the instructions for the brand you choose. Use a drill equipped with a paddle mixing attachment to mix the compound well.
- 7
  Pour the batter-like compound over the area that needs to be leveled. Use a trowel or piece of lumber to smooth it out and allow the compound to fill the areas. The compound works with gravity, moving to the lower areas. No finish troweling is required.
- 8
  Position stakes at the sidewalk's corners then wrap rope or caution tape around them to let people know to stay off of the area during the curing period.
- 9
  Allow the compound to level itself and cure for at least two days before using the sidewalk.

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