Pouring concrete is easy enough, creating a professional finished look is very difficult. In particular, sidewalks and driveways can become even more difficult because of the necessary perfection needed to pull the job off. I've put together a few helpful tips for creating the best possible finish.
First, don't go into the job with any misconceptions about the amount of hard labor and physicality needed to get the pour done. Give yourself some time to drain the pouring area's soil, compact the surface with a hand tamper or plate compactor, and lay your forms. If you decide to have a truck bring you ready-mix concrete, be sure you've taken the necessary steps to prep your pouring area before the truck arrives as you won't have much time to pour and manipulate the concrete once it arrives. Ideally, you would pour in a temperature range of 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit to allow for optimal curing. If pouring in cooler or warmer temperatures, consider the use of concrete blankets to ensure a timely cure without cracking or freezing.
Once your surface is prepared and forms are set, you're ready to pour. Be sure you have trowels and shovels available to allow for easier concrete placement. For larger driveway and sidewalk pours, consider the use of a smaller concrete screed to ensure the quality of your pour. You should commit to pouring your sidewalk at least 4 inches thick and your driveways at least 5 inches thick. Pouring thicker slabs will ensure your job lasts long and withstands the elements more easily. You may also consider using rebar to reinforce your concrete surface. Lay the rebar at equal distances from the center of the pour in both directions, like a grid network. Be sure to lay the rebar above the soil to allow the concrete to cure around the rebar. To cut smaller pieces of rebar for sidewalk jobs, you may consider the use of a rebar cutter, or perhaps even a rebar bender for more intricate pours.
It will be vitally important that you select the correct concrete mix and slump proportions to ensure the pour cures properly. Your concrete provider or local contractor should have a good idea of the necessary psi and slump to get the proper results. It's generally a good idea to get a mixture at least 4,500 psi with a slump at 4 to 4.5 inches. Remember to resist the urge to add water to the concrete as you pour. This will weaken the mixture and make it more difficult to create an evenly finished cure.
As you pour, use your shovel, trowel, and 2x4's or screed to drive gravel below the top-level surface, exposing the sand aggregate/smoother components to the top of the pour. Also, be sure to place control-joints at least every 4 feet to allow for some shrinkage during the curing process. If control-joints are not added you will see cracking throughout your pour. Once you're satisfied with your pour, using a concrete curing compound to lock in moisture and complete the pour. As I stated above, you may need to cover your pour with concrete curing blankets to allow for optimal temperature control and to reduce the chance of cracking or freezing.
