Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

The Importance of Quality Walkways

Sidewalks and walkways do more than just get you from point A to point B. They create the paths people follow around your property, guide visitors to your door, and provide safe passage in all weather conditions. Well-designed walkways also boost your curb appeal and property value.

In Westfield, we see a lot of cracked, sunken, and uneven concrete walks that create tripping hazards. Tree roots, poor drainage, and freeze-thaw cycles all take their toll on concrete over time. When your walkways become unsafe or unsightly, it is time to replace them. New concrete walks last 25 to 30 years when installed correctly.

Flatwork is the term we use for any horizontal concrete surface. This includes sidewalks, walkways, pathways, entrance pads, and step landings. These projects might seem simple, but there is real skill involved in creating surfaces that are level, properly sloped for drainage, and built to last. We handle all types of residential and commercial flatwork throughout the area.

• Improves accessibility for all family members and guests
• Reduces liability from trips and falls
• Provides safe passage in rain, snow, and ice
• Enhances the overall appearance of your property
• Protects your lawn from wear patterns and mud tracking

Types of Walkways and Flatwork

Every property has different needs when it comes to concrete walkways. We design and install walks that match your property layout, traffic patterns, and aesthetic preferences. Here are the most common types of projects we handle.

Front Entry Walks and Sidewalks

The walk from your driveway or street to your front door is one of the most used parts of your property. It should be wide enough for comfortable passage, typically four to five feet. Proper width allows two people to walk side by side and provides room to carry groceries or other items.

We make sure these walks have adequate slope for water drainage, usually a quarter inch drop per foot of length. This keeps water moving off the walk instead of puddling or freezing in winter. The walk should also be slightly elevated above the surrounding lawn to prevent grass and soil from washing onto the concrete. If you are updating your front entry, you might also want to consider a new concrete driveway to complete the transformation.

Backyard Pathways and Garden Walks

Backyard walkways connect different areas of your outdoor space. A path from your deck to your garage, or from your patio to your garden shed, makes these areas more accessible and usable. These walks can be narrower than front walks, often three to four feet wide.

You have more flexibility with design in the backyard. Straight walks are efficient, but curved paths create visual interest and can follow the natural contours of your landscape. We can also create stepping stone style walks with grass or groundcover between the concrete sections. Many homeowners coordinate backyard walkways with their concrete patio installation to create a cohesive outdoor living area.

Commercial Sidewalks and Access Paths

Commercial properties have specific requirements for walkways. Wider walks accommodate higher foot traffic. Accessibility standards require certain slopes, widths, and landing areas to comply with ADA regulations. We stay current on these requirements and build commercial walks that meet all applicable codes.

Durability matters even more for commercial applications since the concrete sees constant use. We use appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement for the expected traffic levels. Proper joints and control cuts help manage cracking. You can learn more about our commercial concrete services if you need sidewalks for a business or public property.

How We Build Lasting Walkways

A walkway might look simple, but doing it right requires attention to detail at every step. We use proven methods that result in concrete walks that stay level, drain properly, and resist cracking for decades.

Planning and Layout

We start by walking your property with you to understand how you move around your space and where pathways make the most sense. Sometimes the obvious route is not the best one when you factor in drainage, existing landscaping, or underground utilities. We locate utility lines before digging to avoid problems.

The layout determines where the walk goes, how wide it is, and what path it follows. We mark everything out with stakes and string so you can visualize the final result before we start excavating. This is your chance to make changes or adjustments. Once you approve the layout, we proceed with the installation.

Excavation and Base Preparation

We excavate the pathway to the proper depth, typically six to eight inches below the finished surface height. This depth allows room for a gravel base and the concrete itself. The base is crucial for preventing settling and providing drainage under the walk.

We install and compact a gravel base, usually four inches thick. Proper compaction is key. Loose base material will settle over time, causing the concrete above it to sink or crack. We use mechanical tampers to achieve solid compaction. Then we set forms along both edges of the walk to contain the concrete and create straight, clean edges.

Pouring and Finishing

Walkways are typically four inches thick for residential applications. We place the concrete between the forms, working it into all areas and eliminating air pockets. A screed board levels the concrete to the top of the forms. Then we use floats and trowels to create a smooth surface.

We apply a broom finish to most walks. This texture provides better traction in wet conditions compared to smooth concrete. For decorative walks, we can use exposed aggregate or stamped patterns. Control joints are cut or formed every four to five feet along the length of the walk. These joints control where small cracks appear as the concrete expands and contracts, keeping them neat and inconspicuous.

After finishing, the concrete needs time to cure. We apply curing compound and keep traffic off the walk for at least 48 hours. Full strength develops over about four weeks. Proper curing produces harder, more durable concrete that resists wear and weather damage better.

Common Questions About Sidewalks and Walkways