Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface. This includes sidewalks, walkways, paths, and various other flat applications around your property. Each type serves specific purposes and may have different design considerations.

Front Entry Walkways

Your front walkway creates the first impression visitors get of your home. It should be wide enough for comfortable passage, properly sloped for drainage, and designed to complement your home's architecture. Standard walkways run 3-4 feet wide. Decorative finishes like stamping, coloring, or exposed aggregate can transform a basic walkway into an attractive feature.

Side Yard Paths and Service Walks

Paths along the side of your house provide access to backyards, trash cans, or utility areas. These can be narrower than front walkways, typically 2-3 feet wide. Proper grading ensures they don't direct water toward your foundation. A simple broom finish provides traction without excessive cost.

Public Sidewalks

Sidewalks along streets must meet municipal code requirements for width, slope, and accessibility. We handle all the details including permits, inspections, and ADA compliance when needed. Public sidewalks typically use standard gray concrete with control joints every 4-6 feet.

Garden Paths and Stepping Stone Walks

Decorative paths wind through landscaping to connect different areas of your yard. These can be curved, use interesting shapes, or incorporate decorative concrete finishes. Garden paths offer opportunities for creative design while providing functional access through planted areas.

Well-designed walkways and sidewalks balance function with appearance. Several factors influence how we design and install your concrete flatwork.

• Width: Main walkways should be 3-4 feet wide for comfortable passage. Side paths can be narrower at 2-3 feet
• Slope and drainage: Surfaces need slight slope to shed water, typically 1-2% grade away from buildings
• Thickness: Standard walkways use 4 inches of concrete. Areas with vehicle traffic need 5-6 inches
• Control joints: Planned joints prevent random cracking and create clean geometric patterns
• Surface finish: Texture affects appearance and slip resistance. Smooth finishes look modern but can be slippery when wet
• Curves and layout: Gentle curves create visual interest. Sharp turns feel awkward and don't flow naturally
• Transition points: Where walkways meet driveways, patios, or steps need proper integration

We help you make decisions about these factors based on how you will use the space, your property's layout, and your aesthetic preferences. The goal is creating pathways that work well and look great.

Quality flatwork starts with proper preparation. We take time to do the groundwork right so your sidewalks and walkways perform well for years to come.

First, we mark out the exact path and dimensions. This lets you visualize the layout before we start digging. We can make adjustments at this stage to ensure the design works perfectly with your landscape and property features.

Excavation removes soil to the proper depth. We grade the subsoil to ensure proper drainage slope. Any soft spots or unstable soil gets removed and replaced with compacted fill. The base layer of crushed aggregate provides a stable foundation that won't settle or shift.

Forms get set to the exact dimensions and elevations. We double-check slopes and grades to make sure water will drain correctly. Wire mesh or fiber reinforcement gets added to strengthen the concrete and control minor cracking.

On pour day, we place concrete carefully and work it thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. The surface gets finished to your chosen texture, whether that is smooth trowel finish, broom texture, or decorative options. Control joints get cut or tooled in at regular intervals to control where cracks form.

After finishing, the concrete needs proper curing to develop full strength. We protect it from rapid drying and temperature extremes. Once cured, we remove forms and backfill along edges. The result is a durable, attractive walkway ready for daily use.

Basic gray concrete serves its purpose, but decorative finishes can transform ordinary walkways into attractive landscape features. Here are popular options that add character without excessive cost:

Broom Finish

This standard texture creates fine lines across the surface for slip resistance. It costs nothing extra and works well for most applications. The lined pattern adds subtle visual interest while providing good traction.

Exposed Aggregate

We wash away surface concrete before it fully hardens, revealing decorative stones in the mix. This creates beautiful texture and excellent slip resistance. Exposed aggregate works great for pathways, adding natural stone appearance at lower cost than actual stone.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped patterns can make your walkway look like flagstone, brick, or slate. This delivers high-end appearance without the maintenance issues of actual pavers. Stamped walkways especially suit front entries where appearance matters most.

Colored Concrete

Integral color or color hardeners create permanent hues that complement your home and landscape. Earth tones blend naturally with desert landscaping. Colored concrete adds visual interest without pattern complexity.

Scored Patterns

We cut geometric patterns into the surface after installation. This creates tile-like appearances or custom designs at minimal extra cost. Scored patterns work especially well for modern architectural styles.

Concrete walkways and sidewalks need very little maintenance compared to other paving materials. This makes them practical choices for busy homeowners who want attractive results without constant upkeep.

Regular sweeping keeps debris from accumulating. Occasional washing with a hose removes dirt and dust. If oil or other stains occur, clean them promptly with appropriate cleaners. For decorative finishes, resealing every 2-3 years maintains appearance and provides protection.

Watch for drainage issues. If water starts pooling on or near your walkway, address the problem before it causes damage. Keep landscape watering systems adjusted so they don't constantly soak the edges of concrete paths. And trim back any tree roots before they start lifting or cracking the concrete.

Small cracks will likely appear over time. This is normal concrete behavior. Most cracks are minor and don't affect function. If cracks widen or pieces start shifting, get them evaluated. Early concrete repair prevents small problems from becoming major issues.

With basic care, concrete sidewalks and walkways commonly last 30-40 years or more. Many sidewalks installed decades ago still function perfectly today. This longevity makes concrete an excellent investment for your property.