Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork
We install safe, smooth pathways that improve accessibility and enhance your property's curb appeal.
The pathways around your property serve an important purpose beyond just getting from point A to point B. Well-designed sidewalks and walkways improve safety by providing stable surfaces that prevent trips and falls. They protect your lawn from wear patterns created by foot traffic. They also add visual appeal that makes your property look finished and well-maintained. Whether you need a simple path to your front door or an elaborate network of walkways connecting different outdoor spaces, we create functional solutions that last.
Concrete remains the best material for most walkway applications because it offers unmatched durability and versatility. You get a solid surface that handles weather extremes, foot traffic, and even occasional vehicle crossings without breaking down. Properly installed concrete pathways require minimal maintenance over their 30-year plus lifespan. We can create basic utilitarian walkways or add decorative touches that complement your home's architecture. The result is a permanent improvement that adds value to your property.
Types of Concrete Flatwork We Install
Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface. This category includes everything from simple sidewalks to large commercial pads. Each type has specific requirements for thickness, reinforcement, and finish. Here's what we commonly install for residential and commercial properties in the Cibolo area.
- Residential sidewalks and pathways: These connect your driveway to your front door, link different areas of your yard, or provide access to side gates and utility areas. We design walkways with proper width for comfortable passage and appropriate curves that look natural. Standard width is 4 feet for main paths and 3 feet for secondary walkways.
- Public sidewalk installation and replacement: Municipal sidewalks must meet specific codes for width, slope, and accessibility. We handle all permit requirements and ensure your sidewalk complies with ADA standards. This includes proper curb cuts, cross slopes, and surface textures.
- Utility pads and equipment areas: AC units, generators, pool equipment, and utility meters all need stable concrete pads. We size these correctly and ensure proper drainage so water doesn't pool around your equipment. These areas get reinforced slabs designed to support the specific equipment weight.
- Commercial flatwork and parking areas: Businesses need durable concrete for parking lots, loading docks, and pedestrian areas. Commercial flatwork requires thicker concrete and stronger reinforcement than residential work. We design for the specific loads your property will experience.
Important Design Considerations
Good walkway design balances function, safety, and appearance. You want paths that make sense for how you actually move around your property. The shortest route isn't always the best route if it creates a steep slope or awkward angles. We think about where people naturally walk and design pathways that feel intuitive to use.
Width matters more than most people realize. A 3-foot wide path feels cramped when two people try to pass each other. A 4-foot width provides comfortable passage and looks proportional to most homes. We also consider clearance from buildings, fences, and landscaping. You need adequate space for people to walk without feeling hemmed in by bushes or walls.
Slope and Drainage
Every walkway needs proper slope for water runoff. We aim for 2% cross slope so water drains to the sides rather than pooling on the surface. Steeper slopes require different approaches like adding texture for traction or creating stepped sections. We also make sure paths slope away from buildings to protect your foundation. Similar drainage principles apply to our driveway installations and all flatwork projects.
Decorative Options
Basic broom-finished concrete works fine for utility paths but you might want something more attractive for prominent walkways. Stamped patterns can mimic flagstone, brick, or tile at a fraction of the cost of real materials. Colored concrete adds visual interest and helps walkways blend with your landscape design. Exposed aggregate creates texture and character while providing excellent traction. We help you choose finishes that match your taste and budget.
Our Professional Installation Process
Quality walkways start with proper site preparation. We mark the pathway layout and check for underground utilities before any digging begins. Excavation removes sod and soil to the required depth, typically 8 to 10 inches depending on soil conditions. The base material gets spread evenly and compacted thoroughly using plate compactors or rollers. This creates a stable foundation that won't settle or shift over time.
Forms define the edges of your walkway and hold concrete in place during the pour. We use straight lumber for straight sections and flexible form material for curves. All forms are set to the correct height and properly staked so they don't move. We verify slopes and elevations before the concrete arrives. Reinforcement goes in next, either wire mesh or rebar depending on the specific application. This strengthens the concrete and helps control cracking.
Pour day brings everything together. We place concrete carefully to avoid disturbing the forms or reinforcement. The surface gets screeded level, then floated smooth. Edging tools create rounded corners that resist chipping. We cut control joints at regular intervals to direct any cracking. Your chosen finish gets applied while the concrete remains workable. After finishing, we protect the surface during the critical curing period. The result is a professional installation that performs well and looks great. You can see more about our complete approach on our main concrete services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should a concrete walkway be?+
Standard residential walkways should be 4 inches thick for foot traffic only. This provides adequate strength for normal use while keeping costs reasonable. Walkways that might see occasional vehicle traffic, like paths crossing a driveway approach, should be thicker at 5 to 6 inches. Commercial walkways often require 6 inches or more depending on expected loads. The thickness also depends on soil conditions and base preparation quality. Weaker soils need thicker concrete or additional base material. We evaluate your specific situation and recommend appropriate thickness during our consultation. Proper thickness prevents cracking and ensures your walkway lasts for decades.
Do concrete walkways need expansion joints?+
Yes, walkways need control joints to manage natural cracking. Concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes and tends to crack as it cures. Control joints create intentional weak points where cracks can form in straight lines rather than randomly across the surface. We space these joints based on walkway width, typically every 4 to 5 feet. The joints get cut to about one-quarter of the concrete depth using a grooving tool or saw. Expansion joints are different and separate your walkway from fixed structures like buildings or steps. These allow independent movement without forcing cracks. Proper joint placement is part of professional installation and helps ensure long-term performance.
How long before I can walk on new concrete?+
You can walk on new concrete after 24 to 48 hours in normal weather conditions. The surface needs to be hard enough to support foot traffic without leaving impressions or causing damage. We recommend waiting at least 48 hours to be safe, especially in cooler weather when concrete cures more slowly. Full strength takes about 28 days to develop, though the concrete is plenty strong for normal use after just a few days. Avoid heavy loads, furniture, or vehicles until at least 7 days have passed. Keep in mind that temperature and humidity affect curing time. Hot weather accelerates curing while cold weather slows it down significantly. We provide specific timing guidance based on weather conditions when we complete your project.
Ready to Install New Walkways?
Get a free quote on sidewalk, walkway, or flatwork installation for your property. We'll design a solution that fits your needs and budget.
(726) 465-9261