Footpaths

jayo99

Hi Guys,

Any tips/links with images on how to lay footpaths around a house?

Thx
Jayo

kilclon

I'm sure google will be helpful here but maybe I can help a little. This is off the top of my head so if anyone wants to correct me please feel free. Years since i set one out.

The path should be probably be between 900mm and 1200mm in width with a crossfall away from the house of between 2 and 4% i.e. between 20mm and 40mm per meter width. The depth of concrete should be approx. 100mm and it should be laid on at least 100mm of well compacted hardcore. The level of the finished concrete should be no less than 150mm below dpc level at the house side of the path. Mark this level as finished level on the wall and set up pins at the required path width plus 44mm (width of a 4x2) away from the wall. Using some kind of level (laser/dumpy/spirit) mark the finished concrete level on your pins with tape. You will do this with a spirit level by marking finished level at the house side first and then measuring down the required distance. Tie lengths of 4x2 to the inside of your pins using tying wire with the top of the timber matching the level you have set on the pins. Fill and compact your hardcore to the bottom level of the 4x2 and to 100mm below finished level on the house side of the path. (Should there be an expansion joint at the house side of the path? Can't remember.) If there are any AJ's or manholes in the path you will have to set the cover level to match the crossfall of your path using a string line from the house finished level to the outside finished level. Take care to square the cover to the building or else it will look cat. AJ's can generally be adjusted slightly as you place the concrete but larger manhole covers can not. Place your concrete, taking care not to splash the walls of the house. Level the concrete using a concrete rake, shovel or whatever you have. Leave the concrete a few mm. high. Now screed and tamp the concrete. You can use a cut off piece of the 4x2 for this if you don't have a suitable screed. There are a few different finishes you may want on the path. Brush finish is probably easiest. Simply wait until the concrete has gone off for a couple hours (depending on weather conditions and concrete mix. Use judgement) and either using a concrete brush or the back of a yard brush will do fine, starting at the house make a continuous sweeping movement back towards you (perpendicular to the house). Do this the whole way along the length of the path. You will then need an edging trowel to form a nice finish on the outside of the path. Not sure if expansion joints are required along the length of the path.

Hope this helps. As I said its years since i've been involved in doing one so probably missing some things. Just giving you an idea of whats involved.

manufan16

This below website was a great help to me - you might find your answer there.
http://www.pavingexpert.com/home.htm

jayo99

Thanks kilclon for the info.
have you found any online resources with step by step instructions & images (i know its a long shot - I've searched already)

Littlehorny

You are going to have to look at footpaths around your house for probably years and years, so whatever about getting the paths ready my advice is you get one or two lads who are experienced at finishing concrete and will put in all the relevant expansion joints. Badly rubbed up concrete and a poor finish will wreck your head every time you look at it, best of luck!

jayo99

yeah thats what I'm afraid of

manufan16

jayo99 wrote: »

Thanks kilclon for the info.
have you found any online resources with step by step instructions & images (i know its a long shot - I've searched already)

You obviously did not check the concrete section in the link I posted

tred

jayo99 wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Any tips/links with images on how to lay footpaths around a house?

Thx
Jayo

price it first. by the time u buy the boards, rent out a mini digger if needed, fuel, time. might be as cheap to just get 2 experienced lads to lay it. The fall, the finish the expansion joints. all important. wheel chair access??