DEAR TIM: This summer I want to install a concrete sidewalk. Is it possible to do this job completely by myself? What are the most important steps I need to follow? What are the biggest pitfalls to avoid? I am industrious, so I am convinced this job is not too hard to do. Mary Ann L., St. Helen, MI

DEAR MARY ANN: Do not underestimate the skill set, nor the amount of hard, physical labor this job will require. If the total area of the sidewalk is not over 150 square feet, and the concrete delivery truck can be parked adjacent to the forms, I feel you can do this job.

You need to realize that concrete is very heavy, and once water is added to the sand, gravel and Portland cement at the ready-mix concrete plant, a chemical reaction starts whereby the concrete begins to get hard. You have a limited amount of time to place and finish the concrete once the ready-mix truck arrives at your home. To make matters worse, the amount of time to work with the concrete decreases as the air temperature increases. So try to do this job when air temperatures are in the 50 - 59 F range.

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