If you’re planning to pour a concrete public sidewalk and want to ensure a smooth and professional outcome, this guide is for you! Recently, we completed a project in Beaverton, Oregon, pouring approximately 30 linear feet of sidewalk. Follow our detailed process to achieve great results for your next DIY concrete project.
Step 1: Gather Materials and Prepare the Area
For this project, we used 4,000 PSI concrete mix, ideal for sidewalks and other high-traffic areas. Luckily, since our project was close to the street, we could pour directly from the concrete truck.
Make sure the area is prepped with the necessary gravel base, forms, and tools, including a screed board, come-along rake, bull float, and edging tools.
Step 2: Pour the Concrete
Start by pouring small amounts of concrete into the form. Use the come-along rake to spread the fresh concrete evenly, and ensure that there is enough coverage.
- Tip: Pour and work on small sections at a time to maintain control and prevent overfilling.
Step 3: Screed the Surface
Next, use the screed board to scrape off excess concrete and level the surface. Rest the screed board on the form edges, moving it left and right, and pulling off extra concrete.
- Tip: If you notice low spots along the edges, add more concrete by hand to fill in the gaps. The bull float will help smooth everything out later.
Step 4: Use a Bull Float to Smooth the Surface
After screeding, it’s time to float the concrete. A bull float is a long-handled tool that helps smooth the surface. Run the float both perpendicular and parallel to the sidewalk to eliminate rough spots and fill in minor gaps.
Step 5: Edging and Joint Work
Once the surface is smooth, use an edger tool to create a clean edge along the entire sidewalk. The sidewalk is typically divided into 5×5 squares, so measure and mark the joints to maintain a uniform look.
- Pro Tip: Since it was raining intermittently during our project, we worked quickly to ensure the concrete didn’t become too wet.
Step 6: Apply the Broom Finish
After floating the concrete and finishing the edges, apply a broom finish. Run the broom across the surface in straight lines to create a textured surface that prevents slipping, especially in wet weather.
Step 7: Final Touches and Curing
Once the broom finish is applied, revisit the joints to ensure they are clean and well-defined. This final touch gives the sidewalk a professional appearance.
Step 8: Protect the Work
The final step is to place barricades and caution tape around the area to prevent pedestrians from stepping on the fresh concrete. Concrete needs time to cure, and keeping it clear will ensure a long-lasting and flawless result.
Video Tutorial:
Watch the full video of how we poured this public sidewalk in Beaverton, Oregon: