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Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

Create safe, functional pathways that connect your outdoor spaces and enhance your property's curb appeal.

Worker finishing a concrete walkway with smooth surface

Connect Your Property With Quality Concrete

Sidewalks and walkways might seem like simple projects, but they play an important role in your property. They provide safe paths for walking, keep people from trampling your grass, and add structure to your landscaping. A well-designed walkway guides visitors from the street to your front door or connects your patio to your garage. These paths also improve safety by eliminating muddy or uneven areas where someone could trip and fall.

In Farmers Branch and throughout North Texas, concrete is the material of choice for sidewalks and walkways. It handles our weather extremes better than other materials. It does not shift like pavers, rot like wood, or wash away like gravel. Once installed, concrete requires almost no maintenance. Just sweep it occasionally and seal it every few years to keep it looking good.

We design and install sidewalks and walkways that fit your property layout and style. Whether you need a simple path from your driveway to your front door or an elaborate walkway system connecting multiple areas of your yard, we handle it. Our team understands proper grading for drainage, appropriate thickness for durability, and finishing techniques that prevent slipping.

Types of Concrete Flatwork We Install

Flatwork is a general term for any horizontal concrete surface. Here are the most common types we install for residential and commercial properties.

Front Walkways and Entry Paths

The path from your driveway or street to your front door makes a first impression on every visitor. We design these walkways to be wide enough for two people to walk comfortably side by side. Proper slope ensures water drains away instead of pooling. You can choose from plain concrete, stamped patterns, or colored finishes to match your home. Consider pairing your new walkway with our custom patio designs for a coordinated outdoor living space.

Backyard Pathways

Connect different areas of your backyard with functional pathways. These might link your patio to a shed, lead from your back door to a garden, or create a walking path through your landscaping. Backyard paths can be narrower than front walkways since they get less traffic. Adding curves or interesting shapes makes them more visually appealing.

Public Sidewalks

Many municipalities require property owners to maintain the sidewalk in front of their homes. If your sidewalk is cracked, uneven, or deteriorating, the city might require you to replace it. We know the local building codes and ADA requirements for public sidewalks. We handle all the permits and inspections so you do not have to worry about compliance issues.

Commercial Flatwork

Businesses need durable sidewalks and walkways that can handle heavy foot traffic. We install commercial-grade concrete with proper thickness and reinforcement. This includes sidewalks along storefronts, pathways through parking lots, and accessible ramps meeting ADA standards. Our work meets all commercial building codes and safety requirements.

Building Walkways That Last

A sidewalk or walkway is only as good as what is underneath it. Poor preparation leads to cracks, settling, and premature failure. We build our walkways to last by focusing on these key elements.

  • Proper excavation: We dig deep enough to accommodate a gravel base and the concrete thickness. This typically means excavating 6 to 8 inches below the finished grade.
  • Compacted gravel base: A 3 to 4 inch layer of crushed gravel provides stability and drainage. We compact this thoroughly to prevent future settling.
  • Adequate thickness: Most walkways need 4 inches of concrete. High-traffic areas or paths for wheeled equipment may require 5 inches.
  • Steel reinforcement: We add wire mesh or rebar to prevent cracking. This is especially important for longer walkways or areas with clay soil.
  • Control joints: These planned cuts every 4 to 6 feet guide where cracks form. They keep cracks straight and hidden rather than random and unsightly.
  • Non-slip finish: We broom the surface or add texture to prevent slipping when wet. Safety comes first on all our walkway projects.
  • Proper drainage: We slope walkways slightly to shed water. Standing water on concrete leads to staining and eventual damage.

We also pay attention to details like smooth transitions where walkways meet driveways or patios. Uneven joints create trip hazards. Our careful finishing ensures safe, seamless connections throughout your property. Looking to enhance your driveway too? Explore our driveway installation services for a complete concrete upgrade. Contact us to schedule a consultation and get your free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide should a walkway be?

For front walkways that lead to your main entrance, we recommend at least 4 feet wide. This allows two people to walk side by side comfortably. Side or backyard paths can be narrower, around 3 feet, since they typically get less traffic. Commercial sidewalks often need to be 5 to 6 feet wide to meet accessibility requirements and handle high traffic volumes. The width also depends on your property layout and how the walkway fits into your landscaping design.

Can you add curves to a concrete walkway?

Absolutely. Curved walkways add visual interest and can work around landscaping features like trees or gardens. We use flexible forms to create smooth curves. Gentle curves are easier and less expensive than sharp turns. Curved walkways work especially well in larger yards where you have space for a meandering path. They create a more natural, inviting look compared to straight walkways. We can show you design options that fit your space and budget.

Do I need permits for a new sidewalk or walkway?

It depends on the location and scope of work. Private walkways on your own property usually do not require permits in Farmers Branch. However, if you are replacing a public sidewalk that runs along the street, you likely need a permit from the city. We handle all permit applications and inspections for public sidewalk work. For private projects, we let you know upfront if permits are needed. Either way, we make sure all work meets local codes and regulations so you have no worries down the road.