Hey everyone! I'm looking to install a concrete walkway in my backyard that connects my deck with my shed (my home office). It's about 33 square feet in total, a 3-foot wide path that's 11 feet long. There are already concrete edges from the deck and the shed, so I only need to form the two sides. I estimate I'll need around 30 bags of concrete at 50lbs each, poured to a 4-inch depth. The ground is currently hard-packed dirt with some decomposed granite, so digging might be tough. I consider myself moderately handy—I've built fences and installed sinks, but I've never worked with concrete beyond setting fence posts. I think the DIY videos make it look labor-intensive but doable, yet I worry about messing it up. A basic broom finish would be fine for my needs. My budget is tight, so if I can do it myself for just the cost of concrete and a few tools (I have lumber for forms), I'd prefer that, but I don't want to regret the decision. Should I go for it as a DIY project or hire a professional?
3 Answers
At 33 square feet, I'll bet it's manageable for you to do this solo, especially if you break it into sections. I really recommend renting a mixer instead of mixing by hand; it’ll save you a ton of time and effort. Just make sure you get the water mix right for your concrete bags; consistency is crucial. Mix it too thick, and it won't set well. Having a second set of hands on deck is also a great idea to help with lifting bags and maintaining the pour!
Totally agree! Sections make it easier to manage. If you can plan to do about 4 feet at a time, you’ll be able to handle leveling it better.
Have you considered using pavers instead of pouring concrete? It's a lot less heavy, tends to look nicer, and you won’t have to deal with mixing or pouring. Plus, you can lay them out in a way that's visually appealing with a little gravel underneath for drainage. It's definitely worth considering if you're tight on budget and time.
Pavers are definitely an easier and cleaner option! I did a similar path last year and it turned out great. Just as functional, if not better!
Pavers are much more forgiving! You could still DIY and get a great result without the cement hassle.
If you're okay with it not being perfect and don't mind doing some hard work, I say go for it! Just remember that preparation is key; about 80% of the work is in setting everything up correctly. I recommend diving into some good tutorials beforehand—watch some videos, read up on the techniques, and practice on a small test slab if you can. It's a fun project and totally doable! Just keep an eye on the finishing; if it looks rough, a broom finish will help hide imperfections! Good luck!
True; preparation really can make or break the final result! But yeah, a broom finish can disguise a lot of the rookie mistakes. Plus, you'll get the hang of it if you practice a little. I'd suggest considering a small practice pour too!
Essential Craftsman on YouTube has some excellent vids that break down the entire process, from prep to finishing. Worth checking out!
Yeah, mixing quickly and efficiently should be your goal—everything has to be timed just right. I poured my sidewalk solo, and it was a lot of backbreaking work just to get the timing right for a decent finish.