Form and Finish Concrete Buttress
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What happens here
Immediately after placing the concrete, use a concrete trowel to carefully shape and finish the concrete. Press the trowel firmly against the back of the paver edging, compacting the wet concrete and creating a strong, angled buttress. The ideal angle for this buttress is typically around 45 degrees, tapering smoothly from the top of the paver down to the ground level or slightly below. As you shape, smooth out any inconsistencies on the surface of the concrete for a clean, professional, and uniform appearance. This concrete buttress, once cured, will permanently hold the pavers in their desired position, preventing lateral movement and maintaining the integrity of the border.
Goal: Create a stable, smooth, and permanent concrete support structure for the paver edging.
Tools and materials
- Concrete trowel — Shaping, compacting, and smoothing the wet concrete into a supportive buttress
- Knee pads — Protecting knees while working on the ground for extended periods
- Work gloves — Protecting hands from concrete
- Wet concrete mix — The material being shaped into a buttress