Home and Garden | Forming Curves for Concrete Walks

Walks can complement fences, gates, patios, and other yard features. A curved walkway not only has great curb appeal, but also invites people walking along it to enjoy the journey, admire the landscape, and view the changing horizon which unfolds with each step.

When planning your walkway, make it at least 2 feet wide to allow one person to walk comfortably, 3 feet wide to accommodate wheelbarrows and other equipment, or 4-feet wide to allow two people to walk side by side or pass in opposite directions. Walkways leading to front doors should measure 5 feet wide to permit wheelchair access.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Moderate
Estimated Project Time: A weekend
Start Tips: Consider your house from all angles, then decide on the function, width, and design of your walkway
Safety Tips: Make sure your handsaw blade is sharp so it doesn't catch or slip on the wood, perhaps causing an accident
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Spade	Scrap
Garden hose	2x4 lumber
Handsaw	1/8-in. hardboard
Hammer	Deck screws
4-ft. level	Nails
Power drill/driver	String

Fig. 1

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Design and excavate the curve
Lay out the curve with a garden hose or stakes and string. Excavate the sod to make way for the curved form. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

2) Insert the stakes
Make stakes from foot-long pieces of 2x4 with the ends trimmed to a point. Set the first one at the start of the curve. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 3

3) Level the walkway
Using a level long enough to span the walkway, set consistent stake heights throughout the curve. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 4

4) Line the curve
Attach 1/8-inch thick hardboard to the inside corners of the form frame to create a curve. Drive 3-in. deck screws at all corners. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 5

5) Add outside support
Reinforce the curve against the force of poured concrete by driving support stakes every few feet outside the form. (Fig. 5)

(For pouring the concrete walk, see "Pouring and Finishing a Concrete Walkway.")