How To Create A Faux Cobblestone Path For Your Business Using Cement And Concrete Molds

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A nice way to add warmth and character to your business is by constructing a faux cobblestone walking path made of concrete. Concrete is durable and inexpensive, but the use of special molds will lend an upscale look to your walkway. Instead of a ho-hum, ordinary sidewalk, you can provide customers with a beautiful entrance to your business. Below is what you need as well as a step-by-step procedure for building the walking path:

Tools and materials needed

• Walkway concrete mold

• Bagged, ready-mix cement with aggregate

• Wheelbarrow

• Masonry trowel

• Shovel

• Garden hose

• Playground sand

• Tamping tool

• Cooking spray

Step-by-step procedure

1. Decide on a path for your walkway - While the choice of where your walkway is built is largely a matter of personal taste, you need to keep in mind a few things so it is both appealing to the public eye and practical to use. First, remember to build your walkway in a location that is visible to customers; avoid placing it in dark areas or behind trees or other obstructions. Customers shouldn't have to "search" for a pathway to your door. Next, keep in mind that a walkway serving the public should be kept as level as possible. Avoid inclines and keep the pathway clear of sudden steps up or down. If your business is required to comply with ADA criteria regarding access for individuals with disabilities, be sure that the path you build meets those standards.

2. Prepare the ground for the walkway - Once you have decided on a path, the next step is to prepare the ground so it serves as a firm foundation for the concrete. The first task is to remove all the turf from the soil with a shovel. You don't need to cut into the soil deeply, but remove as much grass as possible along with the roots. After the turf is removed, pour a two-inch layer of playground sand on the ground where the concrete will be poured. Moisten the sand lightly with a garden hose, then pack it firmly into the ground with a tamping tool.

3. Mix the cement - Dump a 50-pound bag of ready-mix cement with aggregate into a wheelbarrow and add the recommended amount of water. Mix the cement with the water thoroughly until it achieves the desired consistency; you will know the thickness of the mixture is correct when the cement will hold onto a level trowel but still slide off when the trowel is inclined.

4. Prepare the mold and place it on the ground where desired - After you have prepared a batch of cement, you are ready to begin constructing the walkway. Spray the inside of the concrete mold with a coat of cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the concrete. Next, lay the mold on the ground where you wish to place the first "stones." Be sure that there is a level, packed layer of sand beneath the mold and that there are no gaps between the bottom of the mold and the sand.

5. Trowel the cement into the mold - Take a scoop of cement with a masonry trowel and dump it inside the voids of the mold. Push it into the molds so the cement fills all the empty space and makes good contact with the sand beneath. Once the mold is completely filled, run the flat edge of the trowel across the surface of the mold to remove excess cement. Carefully pull the mold up from its position so as not to disturb the wet cement.

After completing the first set, rotate the mold 90 degrees and set it beside the group of faux stones. Fill the mold as explained above, and continue the process of filling, rotating and removing the mold until you have completed the walkway. In addition, mix additional bags of cement as needed to provide enough material for the entire walkway.

6. Cure the concrete - once the walkway has been laid, you need to allow it to cure before using. Curing is simple; spray a light mist of water on top of the drying concrete once every six-to-eight hours, and this will prevent cracking or internal weaknesses from developing. After 48 hours, the concrete walkway will be sufficiently cured for use.

For more advice or professional help, contact a commercial paving company. 

31 August 2015