Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Pouring a walkmaker sidewalk looks like a very easy project, but don't forget that mixing hundreds of pounds of concrete will always involve a good deal of work. I'm fairly happy with my results, but I wish I'd known a few things before I began the project. Here are a few tips. First, the mold is available off the shelf at some Lowe's stores for a lower price. I was able to check availability on their website. It seems some stores carry it and others don't. Second, the mold will not accept 80 pounds of concrete as recommended. I bought 60 pound bags(cheaper) and then added 1/3 of another 60 lb. bag to get up to 80 pounds. When I was finished pouring 4 molds, I was surprised to find that I had used only about 60 lbs of mix per mold. It never hurts to have an extra bag lying around if you run short, but I would use 60 lb. bags. The 60 lb. bags are also plenty heavy without adding another 20 pounds. Don't be afraid to use a bit more water than is recommended. I used the minimum amount of water and the mix was dry and hard to work with. In retrospect, I should have added more water. About 3 quarts per 60 lb. bag works well and is still within Quikrete's guidelines. When pouring, it is very easy to spill new concrete onto the adjoining mold that you've just finished. You learn to fill subsequent molds very carefully to avoid this problem. One reviewer here recommended spraying the mold with cooking spray to avoid sticking. I did that before I began my first pour, and I found it worked great. Even after working with the mold for over 3 hours, the cooking spray remained. Pulling the mold up after filling was very simple. One word about the Quikrete cement color. You can use somewhat less coloring agent if you like. I divided one bottle among four 60lb bags (not two as instructed) and while the end result is more gray than black, I am happy with my results. (Charcoal color). I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup to get the same amount in each batch, and still had some color agent left over at the end. It's your walkway, so don't hesitate to experiment. This is a project where you'll get better as you go. If you are doing multiple pours, do your first mold someplace where imperfections will be less obvious. I'd practice once behind the shed before I poured next to the front door. I should note that using this form alone results not in a sidewalk, but in a series of individual pavers. I assumed the "stones" would connect. They do not, though one person who commented on this review says there is a way to connect them. (See comments). If you don't follow that second step, grass will crop up between the stones and they can also lay unevenly when the ground settles. It took about two weeks for grass to appear in my walk. The walkmaker is an inexpensive alternative to a poured sidewalk. But as such, it is definitely a compromise. Finally, don't forget to water cure your new concrete when finished. Quikrete says the surface should be sprayed with water for 5-7 days to achieve full strength. Covering the walk with a tarp or plastic sheet also helps to keep moisture in while it cures.