The Quikrete Walk Maker is a simple solution that takes a lot of the guesswork and grunt work out of laying pavers.
I’ve installed pavers before and it’s an arduous task. From flagstone to pre-formed, it takes a lot of time to select, arrange and lay pavers, even on the smallest walkway. The Walk Maker is available from Amazon for $25.
The Walk Maker is a mold (2’x 2’x 2″) made of recycled plastic that is shaped to resemble four distinct stone paver patterns: Country Stone, Running Bond Brick, European Block and Basket Weave Brick patterns. It’s recommended you use the mold with Quikrete Crack Resistant Concrete which can be customized with 5 unique colors: Charcoal, Buff, Red, Brown and Terra Cotta.
Here’s a quick video showing how simple the process of making pavers is with the Walk Maker
Step-by-Step
Follow these instructions for a detailed tutorial on installing pavers for a walkway using the Quikrete Walk Maker.
SAFETY
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.
SURFACE PREPARATION
The Walk Maker® can be placed on any relatively flat surface. It will automatically configure the concrete to the existing base. For professional results, remove one inch of topsoil, and level Walk Maker® before filling with concrete. Removed topsoil can be utilized to fill in open spaces on sides and between concrete after walk has set up.
Step 1
Level the ground removing sod or soil.
MIXING
Add 2.5 quarts (2.4 L) of water to each 80-lb. (36.3 kg) bag or 2 quarts (1.9 L)of water to each 60-lb. (27.2 kg) bag of QUIKRETE® Concrete or Crack Resistant Concrete Mix. Mix thoroughly until a plastic-like (moldable) consistency is reached. If additional water is required, add small amounts until the correct consistency is obtained. The final water content should be 2.5-4.5 qts. (2.4 – 4.3 L)for each 80 lb. (36.3 kg) bag, or 2-3.5 qts. (1.9 – 3.3 L) for each 60 lb. (27.2 kg) bag.
Step 2
Mix QUIKRETE Crack Resistant Concrete. If using liquid cement color, add to the mixing water. TIP: each 2’x2’ Walkmaker form is designed for use with one 80-pound bag of QUIKRETE concrete Mix.
APPLICATION
Use a bucket or trowel to fill each mold cavity level with surface of mold. While concrete is still in mold, pat and smooth cavity surface with trowel. Remove mold promptly. After removing the mold, smooth all edges with a trowel until appearance is satisfactory. Dipping trowel in water may be helpful. Place the mold adjacent to the completed section and continue this process until your project is completed.
Step 3
Place the Walkmaker form on the ground and begin to fill the cavities with concrete.
Step 4
Using a margin trowel, press the concrete mix into the form working from the corners to consolidate the concrete and eliminate any voids.
Step 5
Smooth the surface and immediately remove the form (there is no need to wait for the concrete to set).
Step 6
Rotate the form a quarter of a turn to vary the pattern for a random look.
Step 7
Use a trowel to smooth any rough edges before the concrete becomes “thumbprint” hard.
Step 8
Begin curing the concrete immediately after the sheen has left the surface of the concrete.
Step 9
Freshly placed concrete should be water cured for a minimum of 3 to 5 days with a fine water mist.
CURING
Concrete should be damp-cured for 5-7 days for the greatest strength or QUIKRETE® Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal – Satin Finish #8730 can be applied once the concrete hardens, but is still damp. (Apply according to directions on the package). To outline/trim blocks, fill-in separations with QUIKRETE® Sand/Topping Mix after concrete has cured. Place dry Sand Mix in cracks and sweep in to desired level. Dampen the Sand Mix with a fine mist of water (do not over-wet). Let Sand/Topping Mix harden to finish the project.
Note: The addition of QUIKRETE® Liquid Cement Color will dramatically enhance any Walk Maker® project. Mix the liquid color with water before adding it to the dry concrete mix. A variety of
surface textures may be obtained by experimenting with different finishing techniques; i.e. a metal trowel will make a smooth surface, a wooden trowel will make a rougher surface and a brushed surface will add texture and expose more aggregate.
Shopping List
• QUIKRETE Walkmaker Form
• 80 lb QUIKRETE Crack Resistant Concrete mix Or 80 lb. QUIKRETE Concrete Mix
• Gallon QUIKRETE Acrylic Cure & Seal
• 10 oz. QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color
• Plastic Mixing tub or wheel barrow
• Mixing hoe
• Measuring pail
• Shovel
• Margin trowel
• Gloves
• Safety glasses Here are some photos of walkways that have been built using the Quikrete Walk Maker.
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