From Eveningsnews.com
The Look Of Brick Without The High Cost
By
Sep 8, 2005, 00:04
(NAPSI)-Building walkways through your yard can be a great way to improve the overall look of your home and garden. Compared to installing new bricks, homeowners can save $50 and more-depending on the walkway's length-by using molds designed to form concrete into the look of brick, block or stone accents.
According to HGTV, the average price of new brick is about 75 cents per piece, turning a simple project into an expensive one. Fortunately, it's possible for homeowners to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Reusable plastic molds are now available in a variety of brick and stone patterns, just right for walkways through gardens or leading to doorways, as well as for borders around flower beds. Colors can also be added to the concrete during the mixing process to achieve an authentic look of red brick or stone.
To create a walkway or border, do-it-yourselfers will need: A Quikrete Walk Makers® mold pattern (basket weave brick, country stone, running bond brick or European block pattern); Quikrete Fiber-Reinforced Concrete®; a mixing tub or wheelbarrow; a trowel and a shovel. Once the materials are gathered, follow these step-by-step directions:
• The ground will need to be cleared of grass and relatively flat to allow the mold to be properly placed.
• Follow the directions on the bag to prepare the concrete.
• Place the mold level on the ground and fill the cavities of the mold with concrete.
• When the mold is completely filled, use a trowel to smooth the surface until the concrete is even with the mold. Also using the trowel, pat the surface of the concrete to prevent any air bubbles from forming.
• Once the concrete starts to hold its shape, gently remove the mold. Smooth the edges using the trowel until desired appearance is achieved.
• To continue the pattern, simply place the mold at the end of the first application. Repeat steps until the desired length of walkway or border is reached.
Depending on the selected mold, the concrete should dry in approximately 20 minutes to an hour.
To learn more about the variety of mold patterns or cement colors available, calculate the amount of concrete needed or other do-it-yourself projects, visit www.quikrete.com or call 1-800-282-5828.
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