Materials
The materials that make up a concrete sidewalk may be different depending on where you live, but they are still similar enough that anyone should have the tools to do the job. The most important thing to remember about any repair sidewalk is that if it isn’t done right, it won’t last long. Here’s how to get started.
Tools
There are many types of tools that you might need to take care of the cracks, chips, and holes in your sidewalk. These would include a hammer, a level, a chisel, a screwdriver, a putty knife, a saw, and perhaps even a drill. You’ll want to use the right tool for each job, so make sure that you know what you’re doing before you start. If you don’t have a particular tool, you might be able to borrow one from someone who does; just ask around and you’ll likely find someone willing to lend out their tools.
Materials
You can either buy the supplies at home improvement stores or garage sales. The best time to look for these items is when the weather is nice since people tend to throw away things during the winter. Other places to look include flea markets, yard sales, and thrift shops. A good place to go to get some free materials is a dumpster behind a restaurant. Most restaurants will let you toss anything that you don’t want anymore in the dumpster for free, and you can always ask them to save the bag for you.
Preparation
Before you begin working on your concrete surface, you will first need to remove any loose dirt or debris. Once you’ve cleared everything away, you can then prepare your work area for demolition. When doing concrete work, you’ll need to wear protective clothing and eye protection. Try to keep yourself well-hydrated while working. Also, try to avoid getting cuts or scrapes on your hands or arms.
Demolition
Demolition is the process of removing old material from the concrete using the tools mentioned above. As soon as you’ve removed all of the damaged pieces, you’ll then need to fill the hole with fresh concrete. Make sure that the entire hole is filled with cement and that no air bubbles remain. After the concrete hardens, you can then smooth it over the top of it.
Finishing
Once your concrete has dried, you’ll need to finish it off. To do this, simply apply a concrete sealer to protect the new concrete from water damage.
Stone
Stone is a popular choice for walkway materials because of its durability and ease of installation. There are many different types of stones to choose from. Granite is a hard natural stone with a high amount of silica content and is great for exterior use. Limestone is another type of stone but is soft and not recommended for exterior use. Sandstone is a harder stone and is the most commonly seen stone around the world. Many people prefer sandstone because it looks similar to granite. You can find both rough-cut stones and smoothed stones for walkways. Rough-cut stones require less finishing work than smoothed stones. Smoothed stones look nice and have a polished finish, but they take longer to install and may cost more than rough-cut stones. Both rough-cut stones and smooth stones are low maintenance, but you should seal them regularly to reduce staining.
Wood
Wood is a popular choice for sidewalks because of its beautiful look and feel. Wood is an ideal material if you want your walkway to last for years without any maintenance. However, wood can be expensive and difficult to install. If you decide to go with wood, make sure you get a good quality product. Look for untreated lumber that is free of chemicals and rot. Also, select boards that are straight and stable. Wood is also susceptible to insects, so make sure you inspect your wood for business before purchasing it.