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Resurfacing an old concrete walkway

8 months ago

The walkway at my house was at one point a solid concrete base, covered with flagstones. Over the years the flagstones came loose and the previous owner removed some of them and did a TERRIBLE patch job. I am the process of removing the path work he did as well as the few remaining flagstones . All with the intention of resurfacing with about 2” of new sand mix concrete.

I intend to add bonding compound to the old layer of concrete . I do have one through and through crack in the old concrete base. Which leads me to think that my new layer of concrete will likely crack along this same line eventually.

Is there anything you guys recommend to make my job more efficient ? Of course keep in mind I and doing this on a budget of a few hundred dollars for concrete as opposed to several thousand to get the whole thing redone . So I can live with the eventual crack if it’s inevitable .

See pics.

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Comments (6)

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Lomo
8 months ago
Finish the demolition job and pour all new. No point in wasting effort on that. You can pour it in smaller sections over time this fall. Prep the base properly, by removing top soil and compacting gravel, for drainage. Or it will end up exactly like what you have.
M R
Original Author
8 months ago
Obviously I know that redoing it from scratch is the best option. However I don’t have the time, equipment or money to do that right now . And it had become a trip hazard so it needs a quick solution.
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HU-867564120
8 months ago
That's not a crack, that's a chasm! I agree with Lomo, pour all new.
Rehabit
8 months ago
You can do a resurfacer. Sometimes they are a good permanent fix but if its more a displacement shift than a crack this will only give you some time before you need to replace. There are other brands this is just one that i've used around my home with 25 yo concrete that had cracks not shifts. Good luck. Henry 40 lbs. 625 RestorePro Concrete Repair Resufacer 16362 - The Home Depot
M R
Original Author
8 months ago
Yeah I’m looking for suggestions for a temporary fix. I will eventually replace the whole thing , but not this year. Thanks .
Izzy Mn
8 months ago
last modified: 8 months ago
If it's a temporary fix just trowel (or pour) on a few inches. When you are ready to redo do the prep work and section off in 3-4 foot sections. Mix and pour every other section one at time. Rent or buy the finishing tools, floats and edging. Watch some YouTube videos on how to finish. When doing the final sections get some expansion stuff to put in between each section...I think called buffalo board. The sections will keep from having the cracks. The original cracked because no expansion cuts or sections ie; shouldn't have been all one piece.

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