Nail a DIY Concrete Walkway

What Does It Take To Nail A DIY Concrete Walkway

Concrete walkways are a useful addition for homeowners looking to achieve a modern and elegant look in their outdoor living spaces. While DIY project ideas are endless, concrete work is a time-consuming process that requires the right equipment and knowledge. Take a look at this blog to learn the pros and cons of installing a DIY concrete walkway, what goes into proper installation, and why we usually recommend hiring a professional.

The good and the bad

DIY concrete walkways can be a really rewarding project when done right. To be able to look at your new walkway knowing you installed it on your own will leave you with a huge sense of accomplishment. It will also help save you money on your initial investment. So, what could go wrong? Concrete can be a difficult material to master. From mixing to the right consistency to properly curing, there is a lot of knowledge and experience involved in order to get it just right. Without proper installation, your walkway will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. So before you start buying tools and materials, it’s important to educate yourself on the process and decide if you are really prepared for a project of this magnitude.

Installing a DIY concrete walkway

The process of installing a concrete walkway is fairly easy to understand and can be simplified into steps.

Prepare the area: Remove the top layer of grass and soil from the planned walkway path.
Add a base layer: Depending on what your concrete requires, you will need to add a layer of gravel or sand then level and compact it down.
Mix the concrete: It’s important to follow the directions on your specific concrete brand carefully and precisely to guarantee proper consistency and curing times.
Pour the concrete: Depending on which method you’re using, pour the concrete and allow it to level or smooth into concrete molds.
Allow to cure: Follow the manufacturer’s directions for your concrete product to make sure you allow the proper amount of time to cure.

Why you should consider hiring a professional instead

While concrete is an amazing material for DIY crafting, we usually recommend hiring a professional for larger projects. There are a lot of reasons for this but the main one is that walkways are a structural addition to your landscape and they have specific requirements that need to be met if you plan to use them for more than a few years. Without proper installation and curing, you could be looking at removal and replacement after just one winter. When you hire a contractor, you are paying for more than just the labor. Concrete contractors have years of experience and knowledge that will help ensure your new walkway lasts for decades rather than just a few years. Most professional contractors will also include warranties on their work which means if something does start to crack or crumble, it will be covered.

If you feel like you’re up to the task of completing your own DIY concrete walkway, the next step is to start researching information on concrete brands, tools, materials, and designs, but if you’re feeling unsure, it never hurts to reach out for a quote. While we love encouraging people to use concrete for their smaller decorative projects, hiring a contractor for at least a consultation is always recommended when taking on large home-improvement jobs.

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