Forming and Pouring a Concrete Sidewalk in North York
In June 2021 we built a concrete sidewalk along a property frontage in North York: formed up on June 8 and finished, curving along the road, by June 14.
Project snapshot
- Client
- Property owner
- Location
- North York
- Service
- Interlock & Hardscaping
- Date
- June 2021
Scope of work
- Timber forms staked along both sides
- Graded and compacted base
- Concrete poured and finished with a broom texture
- Control joints cut at intervals
- A curved run following the road
The challenge
This North York property needed a new sidewalk along its frontage, following the curve of the road. A frontage walk is used by everyone, so it has to be smooth, safe when wet and able to take our winters.
Concrete also leaves no room for error once it is poured. The shape, the height and the slope are all decided by the forms before the concrete arrives.
Our approach
Goats Landscaping planned the job around the forms. Timber boards were staked along both sides at the right height and set to follow the curve, with the base graded and compacted between them. Traffic cones kept people out of the work area while it was open.
After the pour, the schedule left time for the concrete to cure instead of rushing it into use: concrete keeps gaining strength for weeks after it looks dry.
What we did
- Staked timber forms along both sides on June 8, 2021.
- Graded and compacted the base between the forms.
- Coned off the work area.
- Poured the concrete and levelled it off the tops of the forms.
- Finished the surface with a light broom texture for grip.
- Cut control joints at intervals, then let it cure; finished by June 14, 2021.
The result
- A smooth, continuous sidewalk along the frontage
- A curve that follows the road
- A textured surface with grip in the wet
- Control joints that keep any cracking neat
Know-how from our crew
Good to know
Go easy on de-icing salt on new concrete during its first winter. It is still curing, and salt can make the surface flake. Sand gives grip without the damage.
Concrete or interlock for a walkway?
Poured concrete gives a smooth, continuous surface and suits long runs along a road or property line. Interlock costs more to lay but can be lifted and repaired piece by piece. Goats Landscaping builds both, and the right choice depends on the look, the budget and how the walkway will be used.
Planning a similar project in North York?
Goats Landscaping does hardscaping services across North York and the rest of the GTA, for condos, townhouse complexes, businesses and homes. See what we do in North York, or get a free quote.
Common questions
How soon can you walk on new concrete?
Light foot traffic is usually fine after a day or two; vehicles should wait about a week. It keeps gaining strength for weeks after that.
Why does concrete crack?
Concrete shrinks as it cures and moves with frost. Control joints cut at intervals give it a planned place to crack, so the surface stays neat.