Step Four: Pouring Concrete for Your New Sidewalk

The final video in our four-part series explains how to finish the job by explaining how to pour the concrete when replacing a sidewalk.

Some of the tools for pouring concrete look similar, but each has a different, specialized purpose. You'll need:

• Shovel
• Rake
• Concrete float
• Hand float
• Finish trowel
• Hand trowel
• Concrete edger
• Concrete cutter for seams
• A 2x4" stud a couple of feet wider than the sidewalk, to use as a leveling screed. This must be very straight.
• A very straight 2x6" plank a couple of feet longer than the width of the forms
• Good stiff push broom for brushed surface
• Oh yes--order the concrete. The supplier will figure the amount based on your measurements.

The truck has arrived. Jump into action!

1. Quickly shovel the first cement flow against the near end expansion joints, being careful not go over the top or to get concrete behind the expansion joint boards.
2. Work with the rake's backside to help spread the concrete evenly.
3. Pause the pour every few feet to pull the screed across the cement so it's level edge to edge. Keep both ends of the screed firmly on top of the forms as you work to keep the forms filled to the top.
4. Once the concrete is poured, push and pull the float across the poured concrete to get it as smooth as possible.
5. Without using any pressure, run the edge tool along the perimeter of the entire sidewalk.
6. With the finish towel, run back and forth across the concrete to further smooth it.
7. Put on the knee pads. Working with the hand trowel and edger, smooth any rough surfaces along the edges or elsewhere.
8. Lay the very straight 2x6" plank across the concrete, resting on the forms. Mark the wood forms every 3 or 4' feet. Put the 2x6" against the marks. Kneeling on the plank and using it for your guide, draw the seam cutting tool across the concrete to make seams.
9. As the surface starts to set up, use the finishing tool to smooth any rough areas.
10. Using the brooms, draw it across the still damp surface to create a rough texture to prevent people slipping.
11. Put up barriers to keep animals or people off the drying sidewalk. You may want to put your hand print or signature and/or date on the wet concrete.

Now stand back and admire your work in replacing a sidewalk. See you in future videos!

• Step One: Breaking Up a Sidewalk Starts With Getting the Right Tools
• Step Two: Preparing the Soil for Replacing A Sidewalk
• Step Three: Building the Sidewalk Forms and Pouring In the Fill Materials

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