How to Reuse Concrete Pieces in Pathways

Concrete has been a construction staple since the days of the Roman emperors, and it's ubiquitous in modern landscapes. Despite its long history, concrete doesn't last forever, and broken concrete surrounds most demolition sites. When you pass by a demolition site littered with chunks of concrete or discover your neighbor is tearing out a backyard patio, look at the possibilities; you can recycle pieces of concrete -- or urbanite -- into a durable, attractive pathway.

Concrete pieces
Gloves
Spray paint
Shovel
Tamper or compressor
Rake
Gravel
Sand
Rubber mallet
Level
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  
  Always ask permission from a site manager before entering a demolition site.
  
  Select concrete pieces 6 to 18 inches wide. The pieces need a smooth surface, such as remnants from patios, sidewalks or other concrete demolition projects, and should be roughly the same thickness. Ask your local waste management agency if they have specific sites for construction debris or ask local contractors for access to their sites.
- 2
  
  Soften edges with a hammer to create a weathered appearance.
  
  Outline your pathway with spray paint. Walk down the potential pathway, checking for ease of use; sharp angles and narrow widths aren't inviting.
- 3
  Dig the outlined area 3 to 4 inches deeper than the thickness of the concrete pieces. Compress the remaining soil with a hand held tamper.
- 4
  Spread 2 inches of gravel over the pathway bed, raking it until the gravel is even. Spread 1 inch of sand over the gravel and wet the sand with a fine spray to settle it.
- 5
  
  Remember that you'll need to mow or maintain pathway plantings.
  
  Set the concrete pieces in the sand. Leave no more than 1 inch between the concrete pieces for a tighter appearance or no more than 3 inches if you plan to grow grass, thyme or another groundcover between the concrete. Check the level often as you build the pathway.
- 6
  Spread sand, soil or gravel on the concrete and sweep it into the joints. Water the pathway to settle the sand or other filler.

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