How to Replace a Concrete Walkway | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a concrete walkway with brick pavers.
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Time: 4-5 hours
Cost: $500 and up
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Replacing a Concrete Walkway:
Pickax
Sledgehammer
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Rake
Tamper
Trowel
Rubber mallet
Level
Push broom
Shopping List:
Disposable dumpster
Brick pavers
Gravel
Stone dust
2x4” lumber
Plastic edging
Steps:
1. Look for a weak point in the concrete, such as the control joints or a crack in the walkway, and try to pry up the concrete pad using the pickax as leverage. If there are no weak points, hit the pad with a sledgehammer until a crack forms.
2. With the concrete pad loose, smash it with the sledgehammer until it breaks into manageable pieces.
3. Remove the concrete pieces and dispose of them in the disposable dumpster.
4. Clean out the base of the walkway with a rake and then compact it with a hand tamper.
5. Pour a layer of gravel on top of the walkway and spread it out with the rake.
6. Compact the gravel with the hand tamper.
7. Pour a layer of stone dust on top of the gravel and spread that with the rake as well.
8. Screed the stone dust level with a scrap piece of lumber. Use a trowel and additional stone dust to fill in low spots as you screed.
9. To make the screed process easier, here’s a trick: take the lumber and notch out on each end the thickness of one of the bricks. Then, place the two notched edges on the edges of the walkway. This will ensure the level of the stone dust if the perfect height to receive the bricks.
10. Compact the screeded stone dust with the tamper.
11. Place the bricks on the walkway in the desired pattern. In the video, Mark installs the walkway in a running bond pattern.
12. Once the bricks are in the correct position, hammer them down with a rubber mallet. Use a level to ensure the bricks line up and the walkway stays flat.
13. Install some plastic edging on both sides of the walkway to ensure the bricks stay in place.
14. Add a final layer of stone dust over the walkway and brush it into the joints with a push brush.
15. Wash off the walkway. Mark prefers to wait for a rainstorm to more naturally wash in the stone dust joints.
16. Add additional layers of stone dust as necessary and wash off the walkway until the joints in the bricks are completely filled and packed down with stone dust.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Replace a Concrete Walkway | Ask This Old House
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[@slurmz123]

That home owner worked like a boss.

[@antoniotiberi3157]

I was thinking the same thing I hope he got a discount?

[@Danirio96]

He definetely knew how to swing that sledge.

[@futureshock7425]

Hell be feeling it in the morning 😂

[@friele80]

@@futureshock7425 lifting with his back

[@bngr_bngr]

Time for some power tools.

[@phillysub5115]

Nice to see a video where the homeowner isn't just standing around watching

[@BackHomeGunReviews]

There also learning an important skill

[@nancyli1247]

@@TELE6220 seriously?

[@milesj179]

@@BackHomeGunReviews , it's "They're" not "There". Smh 😔

[@brandonrides]

@@BackHomeGunReviews as jerry said, it’s not “there” it’s “they’re”, dumbass

[@mskipper19]

He throws a mean curveball, too

[@alexpatrick8885]

this dude was not afraid of working on this project...I like it

[@man2841]

This dude working like professional 😊

[@masterprocrastinator8521]

Tip:when youre prying up the concrete, place a rock or a piece or rubble underneath it to keep it up instead of having the guy with the pick fighting the force of the sledge

[@geetarwanabe]

Some say he's still holding the bucket waiting for rain.

[@gramirez2812]

Lmfao calls him back it hasn’t rained in a month

[@aldelgado9343]

cant he just hose it like it was raining?.....

[@rickfromthecape3135]

@@aldelgado9343 Yes he can

[@jimkellt5358]

@@rickfromthecape3135 BuT It'S nOt NaTuRaL

[@rustybones99]

Not this year. Seems like it rains every other day for the last 6 months in the Northeast. I don’t think my yard is ever going to dry out.

[@lenny38138]

The man that owns the house is a hard worker.

[@toddcriswell796]

Stone dust? Roger puts that in his coffee for breakfast every morning

[@MrEazyE357]

I heard he put in on his Cornflakes.

[@prutser3102]

that_G_EvanP No He eats phak with milk.

[@futureshock7425]

lol

[@callum8318]

Carport Creations he’s gonna get lung cancer from the silica it’s extremely dumb to not wear a mask.

[@evilface1010101]

I think you mean Rahgah

[@sergioceron3092]

I can't wait two years to finish this walkway. I live in San Diego.

[@marcov8796]

Sameee

[@Sacapuntas69]

sorry you live there

[@hellohello2711]

Pee on it. Same effect

[@davec.3198]

You can either use rain or work the feces of 3 bums into the cracks. Sets up real nice.

[@ROMEAEOM]

Great work swinging the sledgehammer like a pro, making it look easy 💪🏽

[@rezamarandian1941]

Home owner is now regretting calling them! Very entertaining episode!

[@petergetinard4811]

Kyle fell for the old “wait for a rain and it’ll look great trick”

[@T.A.Persinger]

😂😂

[@lelandrb]

he rain made you!

[@dasaini]

The homeowner was swinging the sledgehammer like a pro

[@man2841]

😂😂😂 yeap

[@man2841]

7:07 Contractor watching on this dude thinking:Its gonna take while"😂😂😂

[@TrueToad]

Lots of stress relief on this job - just imagine the concrete is your stress and the end result is amazing.

[@davec.3198]

Way better than chasing squirrels with a weed wacker.

[@AdamMT1618]

I just woke up at my office desk at work and this was playing.

[@kalijasin]

@Adam Herrera #GOHawks

[@TT-ik3kd]

Next episode, how to cleanup an overweight bag-ster that exploded

[@ericswiatek827]

No way, I loaded one with probably about 1,200 lb of CMUs. Don't underestimate the Bagster

[@man2841]

😅😅😅😅 that was good !

[@themalacast]

7:56 If you’re wondering what rain is.

[@JonnyDIY]

It's a natural occurrence 🤣

[@ChErRyaVe20pK]

Lmao wait for the rain so by the time the haze clears and you see the imperfections, ill be long gone 😂😂

[@austinmoehring6110]

😂 I almost died laughing!

[@PiranhaJaw22]

5:37 bucket wants to help out

[@jefferyholland]

I like to use polymeric sand instead of stone dust. It cost a little more but it locks the pavers in better and last a lot longer

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Are you talking about to fill the joints or below the pavers? Or both? I might try this and I want it to be rock solid...

[@jefferyholland]

@@MoneyManHolmes For between the joints,If you do use Polymeric sand be sure to follow the instructions.

[@philaudiostrike8746]

Do NOT USE polymer sand under pavers as you would just be wasting it. The whole thing about polymersand is that it hardens when it dries and become malleable when wet. Giving it a slight self healing effect when pavers move slightly as they always do when things get humid. With the added benefit that they help keep weeds from rooting into them.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Yup, and it's also more resistant to ant holes and weeds.

[@RKLIFE17]

Those New Englanders don't even know what sun screen is apparently. Holy Melanoma!

[@DavidG-vq3bk]

There’s a reason the expert wanted to wait for rain instead of using a hose. The waiting for rain gives him a chance to get out of town before the homeowner sees how the job looks.

[@nufcedkidyup8627]

No need to waste water

[@SteveBueche1027]

So having TOH come is like watch a video while you do all the work? Lol just kidding. Good video guys👍🏻

[@zanderyes]

my mans hella efficient with that sledge

[@mattpsa]

Well that bag just killed the lawn..

[@pirana6]

Set themselves up for a second video.

[@eosjoe565]

They had to be close to the weight limit on that Bagster.

[@sculder85]

Lol. That happened to my lawn when my husband and I bought our home. Left a nice round dead spot. Luckily it didn't take long for the grass to grow back with the help of grass seed.

[@JonnyDIY]

lol thats what we were saying! Roger Cook wouldnt be too happy

[@kperkins1982]

to be fair the lawn was already asking to be put out of it's misery

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Great job guys. So impressive to watch.

[@Homepros888]

It so funny both of them turn pink as the work progresses, if they work a few more hours they be red like a cooked lobster.

[@Sagadrequiem]

😂

[@johnanders8861]

They were both like the pink panther.

[@rcrpike]

correction LOBSTA*

[@zackzander425]

Like a lahb-stah

[@nicosarea]

@1:40 I don't know why I had this irrational fear that the home owner is going to slam the guy's head in with that sledge hammer...

[@Sherif13275]

lol me too, maybe due to camera angle

[@veljkomihailovic9924]

333-555

[@glovefet]

I thought so too.

[@MJ98.]

Gets work done by the home owner, get paid by the homeowner. Smart 👍👍👍

[@iMaximus100]

Would have been nice to see the finished product.

[@juliof970]

He just explained that rain is a natural occurrence.

[@probegt75]

They cherry pick the easiest jobs i wish one time we could watch them struggle like everyone else.

[@MrEazyE357]

"Some of those pieces were a wicked pissah!" - Roger

[@Jakeslife3]

Thanks for this video mike because I just did this to my house

[@johnmurphy9688]

This hone owwner is the best worker ive ever seen on TOH. He is a beast. Well done man. Kyle is the man. 😅😅👍👍

[@bigzo4195]

That was some work 💪

[@andrewc6385]

Coupla the good ol boys workin away. Merika

[@andrewc6385]

Kyle can really swing that hammer. The human jackhammer!

[@1806StoneHouse]

I’ve done this.. it’s surprisingly easy to break up with a hammer. 👍

[@JonnyDIY]

One Does Not Simply Use a Hose to Mimic the Effects of a Natural Rain 😅

[@theclockmax]

The part where theyre both swinging the sledge onto the ground looked funny

[@keeloe]

How is the rain better the my hose? I have a rain setting on it.

[@kidcarpenter7439]

In all of the episodes the contractor get paid but the homeowner does all the work!

[@diyideas6882]

I like how they pound the old pavement!

[@morecrapforputdowns]

Hey...someone had to do the pounding!

[@coleve8596]

Excellent job surprised you let the house holder wear trainers especially when breaking the concrete and tamping.

[@alexpatrick8885]

I like the background music...very much like Tom Petty

[@andrewmiguel8951]

I’m still wondering how long did he wait for the rain. 😂 😂

[@buckle95]

2:35 smooth brick move lol

[@kingonduty2825]

That walkway fits like a glove on OJ!

[@rme5531]

...with the Sponge Bob announcer saying with a French accent " 2 months later" Then shows the homeowner looking outside waiting for rain then says, "no rain yet!"

[@ThePhilandPam]

I really like the brick paviour option it really matches the character of the house and a real step up (sorry) from that cracked old slab of concrete, great vid guys 👍

[@RicardoJunqueira]

Why not use polymeric sand to lock in the bricks?

[@esam2017]

Good job 👍👍👍

[@Albrecht8000]

7:55 What do you think use a water hose instead of waiting? :-) Greetings from germany

[@illestofdemall13]

He said the rain does a better job of compacting than a hose.

[@man2841]

Here in America , we save water , we always waiting for rain to do his job ....

[@Albrecht8000]

@@man2841 You‘re right. ☺️👍 But a short time for testing is OK, I think. Greetings from Germany

[@BossPeopleOnICE]

Don't have a house and am not anywhere close to buying one. Why have I watched 20 of these videos in a row?

[@MeepMeep88]

2:00 knowing me... I'd probably hit the steps, then we'd have to make a video "How to replace steps on walkway" Then I'd somehow manage to destroy the house, then next video "How to buy new house". Then realize I'm too poor Then next video, "how to get out of bankruptcy"

[@Trentnick98]

If you had a bigger Sledgehammer it'll just take one hit because that's cement don't have wire mesh

[@raynutty82]

Can we use a hose???

[@rickfromthecape3135]

Better method is to put down some landscape fabric between the gravel and the stone dust to keep the gravel from being clogged by the dust giving you better drainage. Sand is better than stone dust too as it holds less water meaning fewer frost heaves later on.

[@johnathanbahna7495]

Rick W but sand isn’t a solid base for the pavers to sit on and stone dust doesn’t absorb water

[@zackamania6534]

Not to mention the inevitable crab grass that will start poking through-should be fun pulling that shit up 10x a year

[@03redfiretruck]

No that’s wrong

[@philaudiostrike8746]

@@johnathanbahna7495 Using sand as a leveling product is far superior to stone dust in every possible way, Landscape stone providers even indicate to use sand. Stone dust absorbs and holds onto water, also causes it to slurry and clump inconsistently, sometimes causing a muddy layer that sinks pavers. While water flows threw a sand medium with ease just like filters.

[@jordansdad1221]

Why not use polymeric sand, instead of that stone dust?

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

What size was the gravel for the base?

[@aldelgado9343]

The homeowner did all the hard labor....

[@AdvancedUSA]

A contra joint is exactly what he has and it does not go all the way the Through. A joint that goes all the way through is called an expansion joint! Words matter.

[@Tysonography]

Why don't they ever show the finish product!

[@carver3419]

Could they have used polymeric sand rather than stone dust to fill the gaps?

[@daveyjones7391]

No, polymeric sand is strictly for joints at the surface. It doesn't make for a good bedding material.

[@Bessmaster2000]

Well done.

[@clacicle]

Any reason for placing the bricks vertically towards the house and not horizontally?

[@rs-ut5wr]

Give me a jackhammer or give me death. Who doesnt like to jackhammer?! [ron burgundy voice]: AM I RIGHT?!

[@tmk5522]

r s big and heavy and not worth the effort on a project that small

[@fernandoacosta7122]

What kind of blade/disc did you use to cut the concrete line along the steps?

[@frankieflashback9465]

Hey but that red brick goes great with the White House and the black shutters.......LMFAO,

[@yankeeownz9980]

I have a question in regards to cracks prior to adding a new layer of concrete. I have a very fine crack - I cannot fit a piece of paper in the crack: should I chase the crack, then fill the crack prior to feathering a new layer or concrete or no chasing the crack prior to adding a new layer of concrete? **Personally I'm think of chasing the crack, filling the crack, and then adding the new layer of concrete.

[@72oldscutlasss95]

So is waiting for rain standard in every job?

[@moose64]

SUNSCREEN!!!

[@bobstewert5678]

Layin here a 12:00 am watchin this Idk how I got here

[@timovanwel6376]

Me too

[@lovebeinnatural]

😁same a year later

[@stowesuz]

How long did that bit take to do? I have 100ft to do but half as wide. Should I rent a tamping machine?

[@daveyjones7391]

Yes, rent a machine for that long a path.

[@dave007j]

I like to watch these and spot things that the “expert” KZbin viewers will have issues with in the comments. I can always get a few but the “experts” still surprise me.

[@rodmills4071]

Mate . get a hat .I'm talking lobsters aren't that red....🤣😂😁😀😎

[@eventstephen]

And one more piece of homework. Watch This Old House episode on how to repair dead spots on your lawn that are caused from a tarp full of concrete that has sat there for weeks... 😆🤣

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

I installed silicone between my pavers. I did not want weeds. It has worked

[@MisterXAirsoft]

5 am vibes maaan 😂😂

[@gpslightlock1422]

Looks like Levinworth!

[@stevenbaker7720]

Everything is either over or under explained

[@confusedwhale]

What would happen if you hosed it down in a rain fashion by covering the nozzle with your finger and aiming the stream to a 60-80°angle? Would that be just as effective as rain?

[@laars8015]

confusedwhale ...noooo we need to wait for the rain ☔️

[@hshshshshshshs8831]

Yes.. They just needed some time to cut all ties with him when things go south.

[@thedivision2761]

@@hshshshshshshs8831 LMFAO

[@ibmtpx24]

Home come there is no weed barrier? I had had the weed barrier clothes under the bricks and 5 years later I still have to pick out weeds after I cut the grass weekly every summer. I can't imagine what it would be like without it.

[@Lherrerajr78]

In this type of application there is always a chance of weeds in the joint. They don't grow from under the brick. They grow superficially in the joint. So the cloth won't do much to help that .

[@domingo2977]

can you show the end result after all the rain or will it just look the same

[@domingo2977]

@@ingulari3977 oh yea i know but i just wanted to see the finished product to know i had did it right if i had were to do this myself

[@nicklombardi177]

Your not supposed to use stone dust. It expands when it freezes and moves the pavers. Use concrete sand.

[@sanjeetshekhar1268]

Superb

[@SwinginJohnson74]

The red brick is a great match

[@bpatriquin123]

Somebody get Mark some freakin sunscreen or at least 1 of those TOH hats! Dude’s head was looking more purple than red towards the end of the video!!

[@noahford6043]

Is the removal of the disposable dumpster free?

[@MoeBabaloosh]

No. Total cost is about $245US (not sure where you live). It costs around 75 just to get the bag from the home center, and the rest is due when the pickup is scheduled with the disposal service. The only disposal company in my area that offers this is called Waste Management, and they call this a "Bagster" (mashup of bag and dumpster). Cheers from New Jersey 07014

[@H_o_g_a_n]

not sure why you didn't also lift the concrete up with the pry bar next to the wooden steps and bust with the sledge hammer. that's the hard way to do it just hammering into solid concrete. lol. ok i see you finally did that in the next frame

[@Gabe-zz5gw]

3:00 **but I wanted concrete**

[@fluxstandard8364]

Puts protection eye gear for hand pressing but not smashing

[@Zekeer2007]

The bricks go great with all the crabgrass.

[@japan-e9j]

Beautiful

[@joepatterson5235]

The home owner is an actor. if you have ever done that kind of work there’s no way your not walking away from that with your legs not bleeding cause the concert destroys your legs

[@oldtwinsna8347]

They aren't actors - they are the real home owner. However, the scenes are professionally directed where they have a full labor crew behind the scenes do the bulk of the work while the production takes the intro, some intermediate, and final shots of the homeowner doing some work.

[@ElonMusk-ov8uu]

6:24 hard work!

[@americaksushantkinazarse5747]

How come they’re not 😓 Sweating after breaking the concrete, Is an AC blowing over there on their faces?

[@AStanton1966]

A jack hammer rental for 4 hours would have probably costs them $80.00.

[@CoasterCrazyy]

6:50 is that actually a method of cutting down a brick? Cause that looked pretty ridiculous.