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How to repair a concrete path

Bunnings team member using a trowel to smooth the wet concrete of an outdoor pathway

Overview

If you have a broken concrete path in your garden, you might want to repair it yourself. We show you how to replace broken concrete with a freshly laid slab. You will see how to build formwork, as well as pour and level concrete. We will also show you how to give your new path professional looking edges and joins.

Steps

1

Remove the damaged concrete from the path

Use your concrete saw to cut the damaged parts from the rest of the path. Then use your sledgehammer, or the blunt end of a crow bar, to break the damaged concrete into manageable pieces. Once that is done, use the blade of the crow bar to pry the broken concrete up so you can throw it away.
Bunnings team member using a fencing bar to pry concrete from the ground

2

Make a straight edge for the concrete path with formwork

Use a shovel to level out the area you are planning to concrete. For a straight edge, line up your formwork with the existing concrete path. Then set the height of the timber so that the top is level with the height of the existing path. Then secure it in place by hammering wooden pegs on the outside edge of the timber.
Bunnings team member positioning a peg into the curved edging of a path yet to be filled with concrete.

3

Make a curved edge for the concrete path with formwork

To make a broad curved edge with formwork, simply bend the timber into shape and peg it in place. To make a tighter curve you need to do the job in stages. Start by pegging a broad curve in place. Then pour water over the timber to make it flexible. Once the water has seeped in to the timber, pull the formwork in tighter and peg it down. Once again, make sure the top of your edging is level and set at the height of your existing path.
Bunnings team member hammering a peg into the curved edging of a path yet to be filled with concrete.

4

Pour concrete into the formwork mold and level it off.

Pour the concrete into your formwork mold then use your square mouth shovel to spread it evenly around inside the formwork. Make sure all the corners are properly filled and leave the concrete raised 1cm or so above the formwork. Then use your straight edge to level the surface. Work the straight edge side to side across the formwork, pulling from one end towards the other as you go. This will level the surface.
Bunnings team member using a straight edge to level the wet concrete surface
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.