Contents
- 1 How thick should a concrete walkway be?
- 2 Do you need wire mesh in concrete sidewalk?
- 3 Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?
- 4 How much does it cost for a concrete walkway?
- 5 Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?
- 6 Do you need gravel under concrete?
- 7 Is wire mesh better than rebar?
- 8 What is the best base for a concrete sidewalk?
- 9 Can I use chicken wire to reinforce concrete?
- 10 Should I put plastic under concrete?
- 11 Is sand a good base for concrete?
- 12 How do you prepare the ground before pouring concrete?
- 13 Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?
- 14 How much does it cost to pour a 12×12 concrete slab?
- 15 How much does a 12×12 concrete patio cost?
How thick should a concrete walkway be?
The optimal thickness for a general use concrete sidewalk is four inches. The purpose of your sidewalk is the main determining factor of the thickness you need. Typical sidewalks provide a smooth solid surface for foot traffic and light-weight wheel traffic like bicycles and hand carts.
Do you need wire mesh in concrete sidewalk?
It’s a heavy, heavy wire. But if you have reinforcing steel bars that go through it or the wire mesh, that makes it a lot stronger. Now in a sidewalk, typically they don’t put metal mesh in; they don’t put the mesh in there. But if it was like a driveway or a patio, they would.
Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?
Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.
How much does it cost for a concrete walkway?
The cost of a concrete walkway can vary widely depending on its size and finish. Most U.S. homeowners pay between $6 and $12 per square foot for installation of a new concrete walkway.
Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?
No, you do not need rebar for a 4–inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4–inch-thick slab cast on the ground and in permanent contact with it will float and rebar is not required. Rebar is recommended on concrete measuring 5 – 6 inches thick.
Do you need gravel under concrete?
Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn’t drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains.
Is wire mesh better than rebar?
In summary, rebar vs wire mesh can have costly differences. Rebar remains stronger and ensures consistent contact in the soil where as wire mesh is unpredictable and often results in a week concrete foundation.
What is the best base for a concrete sidewalk?
A firm, well-drained base is the key to crack-free concrete. The best plan for a solid base usually includes compacted soil followed by several inches of a base material such as gravel. But the best base depends on climate and soil conditions.
Can I use chicken wire to reinforce concrete?
Concrete reinforced with chicken wire or hardware cloth yields ferrocement, a versatile construction material. It can also be used to make the armature for a papier-mâché sculpture, when relatively high strength is needed.
Should I put plastic under concrete?
Recently, though, research has shown that the old traditional layer of 6-mil Visqueen (polyethylene plastic) under the slab is seldom effective for two main reasons: Although it may seem water-tight, this grade of material allows a lot of water vapor to pass through.
Is sand a good base for concrete?
Pour concrete over a solid, well-drained base
of sand or gravel over clay and other poorly draining soils to provide even support.
How do you prepare the ground before pouring concrete?
Preparation is the most important aspect of pouring a concrete slab.
- Dig the ground down to the proper depth.
- Smooth out the ground with the flat side of a rake so that you have a level surface.
- Tamp the ground with a hand tamper or mechanical tamper.
- Pour 2 inches of small, rounded gravel for additional drainage needs.
Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
How much does it cost to pour a 12×12 concrete slab?
How much does a 12×12 concrete slab cost? The average cost to pour a 12×12 concrete slab that is 4” thick is between $888 and $1,584, with professional labor and materials included.
How much does a 12×12 concrete patio cost?
Cost to Install Concrete Patio by Size
| Size in Feet | Square Footage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 | $900 – $2,600 |
| 12×12 | 144 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| 12×14 | 168 | $1,400 – $4,000 |
| 15×15 | 225 | $1,800 – $5,500 |