We will tell you how to make a "paved" path from cement with your own hands. It will be much cheaper than if you laid it from paving slabs or decorative stone. It takes a little tinkering, but even a beginner can handle it!
What is required?
- Sand,
- cement,
- water,
- crushed stone or gravel,
- wooden planks,
- mold for cement,
- cardboard,
- scotch tape or electrical tape,
- concrete mixer.
Step 1: Prepare the path for the track
Mark the spot where you plan to set up the path. Level the ground as much as possible so that the path is free of bumps and depressions.
Create a curb around the perimeter of the wood plank path. Add a layer of sand and gravel or crushed stone, level. Only after these procedures can you start making the track itself.
Step 2: Knead the grout
It is best for our purposes to choose cement with sufficient strength - grades m200-m500. Make sure there are no lumps in the cement. Sift it if necessary.
Mix a grout with 3 parts sand, 1 part cement and about 1 part water. It is best to add water by eye - the solution should be thick enough to easily pour into the mold, but not spread.
The life of the cement slurry is about 2 hours. After that, it will start to harden, so do not dilute too much at a time.
Step 3: attach the form
If you use a ready-made cement mold, the job will be easy. It will be enough to attach a stencil and fill it with a solution. Smooth out the wet cement with a spatula if necessary. Wait until the mass hardens a little, release the mold and attach it to a new place.
Thus, fill the maximum volume of the intended track.
Step 4: fill in the blanks
Naturally, the finished form will not be able to fit into all the curves of the garden path. You will certainly have passes.
To fill them in, make your own forms by bending the strips of cardboard and securing them with tape or duct tape.
Fill the cardboard stencil with cement mortar and let dry overnight until it hardens completely.
The main secret here is to try to find a similar shape for future "cobblestones" so that they do not contrast with the shape of the stones made using a stencil.
If you do not have a mold for cement, you can initially craft the entire stencil from cardboard.
Step 5: remove the stencil
After the grout has dried, remove the cardboard stencil. The joints between the "cobblestones" can be filled with cement chips, fine gravel or other bulk materials of your choice.
The board fence can also be removed if desired and replaced with some more creative garden path curb.
The track is ready! In the same way, you can pave the patio or barbecue area near the house.
