Quick Answer: How To Install A Concrete Sidewalk?

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.

Do you need gravel under concrete sidewalk?

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.

How thick should a concrete sidewalk be?

Sidewalks should be at least 4″ (100mm) in thickness. Simple slabs for small foundations, bases, etc., normally 4″ to 6″ (100mm to150mm) thick, depending on the load they must bear. Slope the walk away from buildings to provide proper drainage.

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

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.

How do you prepare a concrete ground for a sidewalk?

1. use a rake to smooth the surface of gravel. Determine Path Placement and Begin Excavation. Plot out the course of the path using stakes and strings.
2. match and attach ends of boards to stakes. Build the Formwork.
3. prev. screed the concrete before it gets too hard.
4. prev. control joint scribing tool creates joints.

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 stone under concrete?

Because concrete is a very porous material, it will absorb any moisture that it contacts. This can cause pooling. Without crushed stone, pooling water will settle under it and erode your slab. Adding a layer of crushed stone will add proper drainage, as well as create a barrier between your slab and the ground.

Can I use pea gravel under concrete?

If you use pea gravel beneath a patio, take a few simple steps to ensure the stability of the base before setting your surface stones, pavers or bricks. Click to see full answer. It should be ok to pour concrete over your gravel walk although you might want to give the concrete a little more depth along the sides.

Will concrete crack without rebar?

Without rebar reinforcement, concrete is highly prone to cracks due to tension forces. Rebar helps prevent cracks from growing wider largely by preventing cracked slabs from moving apart.

Should sidewalk be higher than lawn?

The slope of the ground should be sloped away from the house and about an inch lower than surrounding sidewalks to allow for grass growth and to prevent it from growing over the top of the sidewalk. Also have the lawn as level as possible to prevent puddles from forming.

How many bags of concrete makes a yard?

On average, it will take 90 40lb bags, 60 60lb bags, or 45 80lb bags to fill one cubic yard of concrete.

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.

Is Clay a good base for concrete?

The clay can compress under the weight of the concrete, causing the slab to shift or sink over time. It also can leach moisture from the concrete itself, resulting in uneven curing and a brittle base. With proper preparation, however, it’s possible to pour a slab on clay soil without encountering these problems.