How To Build A Concrete Sidewalk (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Build a Concrete Sidewalk PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Sara Bendrick

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 References

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This article was co-authored by Sara Bendrick. Sara Bendrick is a Landscape Contractor based in San Diego, California. She works as a designer, licensed contractor, and television host for the HGTV and Discovery+ networks. Sara combines her landscape contracting business, love of plants, and DIY attitude to create content that educates and inspires others. In 2012, she founded her company, Sarita Landscapes, one of San Diego's premier landscape design and build companies. From her socials to her book to her television shows she balances joy, health, and environmentally-conscious decision making to encourage people to deepen their relationship with nature. In San Diego, outdoor spaces are an extension of people’s homes, and Sarita Landscapes intentionally designs and creates environments that their clients will enjoy for years to come. Sara uses her platforms to shift people’s mindset about and engagement with outdoor space from supplemental to essential. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 188,330 times.

Building concrete sidewalks isn't as complicated as one may think. The forms are easy to make, as well as set up. The only part which takes true talent is finishing your concrete.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Plan your sidewalk. 1 Plan your sidewalk. Do you want to make a curved sidewalk or straight? maybe you want to put in a ramp, whatever the case may be, know what you plan to do before you begin.
  2. Step 2 Lay out the area. 2 Lay out the area. Mark out a start and end point, as well as layout your potential sidewalk. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 CALL DIG-SAFE (811). 3 CALL DIG-SAFE (811). You would be surprised how many utilities are buried less than 4 inches (10.2 cm) underground.
  4. Step 4 Establish a finish grade for your sidewalk this will serve as a start point as well as finish point. 4 Establish a finish grade for your sidewalk this will serve as a start point as well as finish point. For most sidewalks, the use if a sting line and line level are sufficient enough. If you wish to be more technical and precise, you may use a laser or transit to establish grades.[1]
  5. Step 5 Begin your excavation. 5 Begin your excavation. Dig to your sub-grade, roughly 5–7 inches (12.7–17.8 cm) below your established finish grade.[2]
  6. Step 6 Form your sidewalk. 6 Form your sidewalk. Form your sidewalk using a rigid, yet flexible piece(s) of material.[3] Thin plywood 1/2" to 3/4" is best to use due to its flexibility. Strip plywood into 4" wide sheets.[4]
  7. Step 7 Set a string line to your finish grade. 7 Set a string line to your finish grade. The string should also serve as a guide for the form to follow.
  8. Step 8 Set the forms by using either form pins or scrap wood. 8 Set the forms by using either form pins or scrap wood. Begin by driving the pin or wood into the ground so the material is not able to easily move. Then nail the face of the form to the pin or wood while at the same time following the string. The top of the form should just touch the string.
  9. Step 9 Fine grade your excavation. 9 Fine grade your excavation. Use a straight blade rake to level out the ground. If possible, compact the ground after fine grading by using a hand tamper or motorized compactor.[5] [6]
  10. Step 10 Apply it at the right temperature. 10 Apply it at the right temperature. The temperature of the concrete should be between 50°F and 90°F during placement. This can be checked with a standard thermometer.[7]
    • If you purchase ready-mix concrete, be sure to request an air-entrainment additive. You should look for air-entrainment to be between 4-8%. This will insure that your concrete is able to withstand colder temperatures.
  11. Step 11 Pour the concrete to your finish grade. 11 Pour the concrete to your finish grade. Use a screed (Straight edge)to remove excess concrete as well as level off the surface. screed in a sliding motion, pulling the screed back and fourth while at the same time moving it along the form.[8]
  12. Step 12 Roll the concrete using a concrete roller. 12 Roll the concrete using a concrete roller. This pushes the aggregate in the mix down while at the same time raises the cream used to finish the concrete.
  13. Step 13 Bull float the concrete. 13 Bull float the concrete. Push the float over the concrete, to the form then pull it back to you. The slower you do this the better.[9]
  14. Step 14 Use a fresno float to float over what you just bull floated. 14 Use a fresno float to float over what you just bull floated. This will put an extremely smooth surface on the concrete, making it easier to finish.[10]
  15. Step 15 Cut your edges and center joints using an edger and center joint. 15 Cut your edges and center joints using an edger and center joint. Push the tools through the concrete while keeping the outside edges of the tools level with the concrete.[11]
    • Concrete likes to crack in squares. Be sure to put score marks or dummy joints in your sidewalk. These should be spaced apart equal to the length. e.g. 4' wide = Dummy Joints should be spaced every 4"/ 5'=5". Dummy joints should not be spaced more than 6'.
    • Use a fiberboard expansion material where your concrete meets other structures and every 25' in in your sidewalk.
  16. Step 16 Use a magnesium float to remove the score marks left behind by the hand tools you used earlier, if desired. 16 Use a magnesium float to remove the score marks left behind by the hand tools you used earlier, if desired.
    • If you wish to broom finish the concrete, let the mix set up until is becomes tough to float (magnesium float). Pull a horsehair brush lightly across the surface so the stride marks are perpendicular to your form.
    17. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question How wide should a concrete sidewalk be? Community Answer Community Answer Check with your municipality. Where I live, they're a minimum of 3 feet. In a business district, it's a 6-foot minimum. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
  • Question How do I remove the wooden forms once the concrete has dried? Community Answer Community Answer Spray them with kerosene before pouring the concrete so they will not stick. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
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Video

Tips

  • When floating concrete with any floats, slightly lift the leading edge of the float, preventing you from accidentally digging into the concrete and making a hole. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If the ambient temperature is below 40°F or above 90°F, you should probably wait for better temperatures. However, use of a curing compound can help if temperatures are too warm. Try finding a compound that will dry clear so it will not stain the surface. This type of compound may appear pink in color. But don't worry, it will disappear once dry. If the temperature is expected to drop below 45°F use of a concrete blanket is advised or any kind of covering that can hold the heat from the concrete in. This should be maintained for 120 hours. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
  • These instructions are intended for use by persons experienced in the construction fields. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 7
  • Always wear safety glasses. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4
  • Always use caution when cutting with any sort of power saw. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 5
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about landscaping, check out our in-depth interview with Sara Bendrick.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/masonry/pouring-concrete/how-to-pour-a-concrete-sidewalk/
  2. ↑ Sara Bendrick. Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Sara Bendrick. Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/masonry/pouring-concrete/tips-to-build-a-concrete-walkway/
  5. ↑ Sara Bendrick. Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-make-a-concrete-walkway/
  7. ↑ https://www.sakrete.com/blog/placing-concrete-in-hot-or-cold-weather
  8. ↑ Sara Bendrick. Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XekTgFFojqA
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwAfaVTUc9E
  2. ↑ https://www.protradecraft.com/video/concrete-hand-tools-how-use-jointer-and-edger

About This Article

Sara Bendrick Co-authored by: Sara Bendrick Landscape Contractor This article was co-authored by Sara Bendrick. Sara Bendrick is a Landscape Contractor based in San Diego, California. She works as a designer, licensed contractor, and television host for the HGTV and Discovery+ networks. Sara combines her landscape contracting business, love of plants, and DIY attitude to create content that educates and inspires others. In 2012, she founded her company, Sarita Landscapes, one of San Diego's premier landscape design and build companies. From her socials to her book to her television shows she balances joy, health, and environmentally-conscious decision making to encourage people to deepen their relationship with nature. In San Diego, outdoor spaces are an extension of people’s homes, and Sarita Landscapes intentionally designs and creates environments that their clients will enjoy for years to come. Sara uses her platforms to shift people’s mindset about and engagement with outdoor space from supplemental to essential. This article has been viewed 188,330 times. 45 votes - 81% Co-authors: 19 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 188,330 Categories: Concrete In other languages Spanish Russian
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 188,330 times.

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Sara Bendrick Co-authored by: Sara Bendrick Landscape Contractor Co-authors: 19 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 188,330 81% of readers found this article helpful. 45 votes - 81% Click a star to add your vote

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