I’m about to form a walkway in the front yard that curves both ways.
What I mean is that it will curve back and forth and up and down.
I bought some particle board base moulding from HD because it wasn’t expensive and it would bend nice for the curves. It’s only 3-3 1/2″ tall though. It’s still in the bundle so I could return it.
In order to get the curve going up and down will I have to cut that curve in the form material? Should I buy material that is taller so I can cut curves in it and not end up with a from that is a couple of inches tall?
I have a nice power plane that could shape the up and down after the forms are set side to side.
The side to side bends aren’t that tight so a 1X6 could work. Has anyone done this and can pass along some info? Curves in both directions?
Replies
By "up and down" the picture I get is a curving walkway that is also an inclined plane or ramp.
Is this what you mean?
Yes, that's it. My front yard slopes to the street and the landscape designer put in a curved walkway. But my landscape is not level and the walkway will follow the terrain. So there will be up and down curves of maybe 5-6" over 10-15 feet. I'm going to have to make it up as I go as far as the elevation changes.
I figure I'll set the from high and then start to cut the curve in it. I just don't want to run out of form.
I guess I can use shorter lengths to get the forms closer to the curve first. I didn't want to because the longer boards curve the side to side so well.
I guess it is going to be more work no matter how I do it. I don't like fiddling with stuff if I can help it but sometimes it is what it is.
I think I'll just have to cut the form material shorter to get the initial curve and then finish up with the power planer. I got long form board just so I wouldn't have to that. Oh well. I think I've answered my own question. cut the from boards shorter.
i think i would try to form it with the plastic landscape/lawn barrier stuff they make, it would be easier to form with the multipe bends you are talking about then you could just carefull backfill behind it for the pour.
My own experience is that I really don't need to cut the "vertical " curves at all. There is a product called "bender board" that can be used for curves, or strips of Hardie siding work, Ply wood with small kerfs works as well.
To get the vertical portions worked out I generally set a form as long as the length of the drop is and with the sides higher then the finished pour. I then draw the elevation of the finish pour on the inside of the form and using the screed free hand the mud into place. It rarely has to be all that precise that I cannot achieve what is needed using this method.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
In the past I've used pieces of hardiplank siding, curves very nicely and evenly. May even curve enough up and down for your needsLet's not confuse the issue with facts!
I went ahead and started it. I'm only taking a 1/2" off the top of the form at most. If I really need to change direction I cut it and start a new piece/direction. It's working fine. Making my head hurt with all the curves but fine.
I got in late last night after driving 12 hours. More coffee!