Tips for Laying Concrete Walkways

Design Plan

• You pour concrete over the walkway foundation in a semi-liquid state so the edges will form into the curves or angles of the form you build. Creating a design plan prior to breaking ground insures the result will reflect your vision. Use graph paper to draw a simple sketch of your yard with trees, fences and other features. Draw multiple paths for the walkway to compare if you prefer a winding garden path or a simple, direct path. If you intend it to serve as a primary walkway, measure the space as it should be a minimum of 4 feet wide to accommodate wheelchairs.

Compact the Subsoil

• The first step you can take to increase the stability of a concrete walkway is to compact the subsoil. Once you dig out the foundation, air pockets and loose dirt at the bottom can shift over time. Use a manual tamper or a compactor machine to pack down the dirt until it feels hard. Depending on your soil, you may need to go over it three times to make it as firm as possible.

Strong Base

• The gravel base aids drainage, prevents frost-heave damage and supports the concrete so it doesn't sink or crack over time. For a walkway, the depth of the gravel base should be 4 to 6 inches. Once the gravel is spread evenly over the surface you'll need to compact it. While there's a variety of gravel available for landscaping, 3/4-inch gravel provides a strong base once tamped. Unlike the smooth rounded stones in pea gravel, the irregularly-shapes pieces in 3/4-inch gravel stabilize when you wedge them together.

Slow Dry and Seal

• Wet concrete walkways take four to seven days to dry. Draping a damp, breathable material over the top, like straw, burlap or canvas, is one way to prevent the new concrete from drying out too fast. Keep the material continuously wet and the concrete will absorb the additional moisture. Once the walkway sets, seal the concrete with a penetrating sealant. Sealant protects concrete from weather damage, and should be reapplied every other year for best results.