A well-made walkway or garden path not only stands up to years of hard use, it enhances the natural landscape and compliments a home’s exterior features. While traditional walkway materials like brick and stone have always been prized for both appearance and durability, most varieties are quite pricey and often difficult to install. As an easy and inexpensive alternative, you can build a new concrete path using manufactured forms. The result is a beautiful pathway that combines the custom look of brick or natural stone with all the durability and economy of poured concrete.

SUPPLIES:

Quikrete Walkmaker Form
Available at Home Depot


Quikrete 5000
Available at Home Depot
I used Quikrete 5000 for the path. Quikrete Crack Resistant Concrete Mix is another great option.

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Level the Ground
Prepare the project site by leveling the ground and removing sod or soil as needed. For a more durable base, excavate the area and add 2" to 4" of compactible gravel. Grade and compact the gravel layer so it's level and flat.







STEP 2: Mix Concrete
Mix a batch of concrete for the first section. Place a plastic form at the start of your path and level it, if desired. Shovel the wet concrete into the form to fill each cavity and smooth the surface of the form using a trowel.











STEP 3: Remove the Form + Trowel
Promptly remove the form and trowel the edges of the section to create the desired finish. It may help to wet the trowel in water. For a non-slip surface, broom the section or brush it with a stiff brush. Place the form against the finished section and repeat steps 2 and 3 to complete the next section. Forms can be rotated to vary the pattern.









STEP 4: Completing the Path
After removing each form, remember to trowel the edges of the section to create the desired finish. Keep the entire path moist for five to seven days to reduce cracking.





For additional imformation on the Walkmaker System, check out this video:







Good luck making your own concrete walkway and please email, tweet or hashtag photos to @benuyeda, ben@homemade-modern.com or #homemademodern. For more detailed instructions, dimensioned drawings and different variations of the project, check out our soon-to-be-released book.

---