- 1). Plan the design for your walkway on a piece of paper; straight walkways are easiest. Lay out the design where it will actually be poured using standard wooden stakes. Push each stake deeply into the ground so that only an inch shows above the surface and space them four feet apart.
- 2). Use a shovel to excavate all of the ground inside the staked area so that you are left with bare soil. Dig evenly over the entire area so that it is eight inches deep and as level as possible. Tamp the soil with a long-handled tamp to pack down any loose pieces.
- 3). Fill the area with a layer of fine gravel that is four inches deep. Use the tamp over the gravel so that it is pressed well into the soil and is firm. Examine the area to make sure there are no free pieces of dirt or gravel rolling around.
- 4). Cover the sides of the area with 2 by 4 lumber. Press each board lengthwise against the side and screw through the board and the soil into the wooden stakes to hold the board in place. Cover as much of the side area as possible.
- 5). Pour prepared concrete into the form until it is full but not overflowing. Screed the surface of the concrete with a wooden screed to level it. Work the surface of the concrete by toweling it in large, circular motions with a metal finishing trowel so any trapped moisture is released.
- 6). Use the finishing trowel to smooth the surface; wait two to three hours. Insert an edging tool between the lumber and the concrete and rub it along the concrete to finish the edges. Use a groove trowel to create deep lines in the concrete every four feet; guide the groove trowel with a straight edge for each line.
- 7). Decide on a design of stone-like shapes for your walkway. Use a concrete blade to carve the concrete into shapes resembling large, flat stones while it is still pliable. Smooth any mistakes with the metal finishing trowel and start over.
- 8). Let the completed walkway cure for seven days. Stain or paint as desired, if you did not use pigmented concrete. Wait for any stain or paint to dry completely before using.
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