Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork
Professional concrete sidewalks and walkways that enhance your property's curb appeal and provide safe, durable pathways.
Create Safe, Attractive Pathways for Your Property
Every property needs safe, well-built pathways. Whether it is a front walkway from your driveway to your door, a side path to your backyard, or a public sidewalk along the street, quality concrete flatwork makes a difference in both appearance and function.
We specialize in concrete sidewalks, walkways, and all types of flatwork throughout Alexandria and central Louisiana. Our team has the experience to design and build pathways that look great, drain properly, and last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Types of Flatwork We Install
Flatwork is the term we use for horizontal concrete surfaces. Here are the main types of flatwork projects we handle:
- Front walkways: The path from your driveway or street to your front door
- Side and back pathways: Connecting different areas of your property
- Public sidewalks: Along streets and in neighborhoods
- Garden paths: Decorative walkways through landscaping
- Courtyards: Enclosed outdoor spaces surrounded by buildings or walls
- Steps and landings: Concrete stairs and entry platforms
- ADA-compliant ramps: Accessible pathways meeting disability access requirements
Why Concrete Works Best for Walkways
You have several options when it comes to building walkways. Pavers, gravel, stone, and concrete all have their place. But for most residential and commercial walkways, concrete is the smart choice. Here is why:
Durability and longevity. A properly built concrete walkway lasts 30 to 40 years or more. Pavers shift and settle. Gravel spreads out and needs constant refilling. Stone can crack and become uneven. Concrete stays put and holds up to heavy foot traffic, weather, and time.
Low maintenance requirements. Concrete needs very little upkeep. Sweep it occasionally and hose it off when it gets dirty. Compare that to pavers where you constantly fight weeds growing between joints, or gravel that needs raking and replenishing.
Safety and accessibility. Concrete creates a smooth, level surface that is safe to walk on. It meets ADA requirements for accessible pathways. Properly finished concrete also provides good traction in wet weather.
Design flexibility. Plain gray concrete is not your only option. We can create decorative walkways using stamped patterns, colored concrete, exposed aggregate, or borders and accents. You get the durability of concrete with the appearance you want.
Building Walkways the Right Way
A walkway might look simple, but proper installation involves careful planning and execution. Here is what goes into building a quality concrete walkway:
- Proper width for the intended use, typically 3 to 4 feet for front walkways
- Correct slope for drainage, usually a quarter inch per foot
- Stable, compacted base to prevent settling
- Adequate thickness, typically 4 inches for residential walkways
- Reinforcement with wire mesh or rebar for added strength
- Control joints cut at proper intervals to control cracking
- Appropriate surface finish for traction and appearance
- Proper curing to reach maximum strength
Custom Designs That Enhance Your Property
Your walkway does not have to be a straight line from point A to point B. We can design curved paths that flow with your landscaping, create wide landing areas at entrances, add steps where elevation changes, and incorporate decorative elements that complement your home's style.
We also think about how your walkway connects to other features. Does it meet your driveway smoothly? Does it line up nicely with your front door? Are there spots where you need wider areas for two people to pass comfortably? These details matter, and we plan for them.
Decorative Options for Walkways
While functional concrete walkways serve their purpose perfectly, many homeowners want something more visually interesting. We offer several ways to create decorative concrete walkways:
Stamped concrete walkways can look like natural stone, brick, slate, or custom tile. This gives you an elegant appearance at a much lower cost than using actual pavers or stone. Popular patterns for walkways include slate, flagstone, and brick in various layouts.
Colored concrete adds interest without adding texture. We can use integral color mixed throughout the concrete, or apply stains after installation for richer, more varied tones. Earth tones like tan, brown, and terra cotta work beautifully for residential walkways.
Borders and bands create visual interest by using different colors or textures for the edges or center of your walkway. This is an affordable way to dress up a standard concrete path.
Exposed aggregate reveals the natural beauty of colorful stones in the concrete mix. This creates a textured, slip-resistant surface that looks great and provides excellent traction.
Meeting Local Codes and Regulations
If you are building a public sidewalk along a street or if your property is in a municipality with specific requirements, your walkway needs to meet local building codes. We stay current on all Alexandria and Rapides Parish requirements for sidewalk width, slope, materials, and accessibility.
For projects that require permits, we can handle the permitting process for you. We make sure your walkway meets all codes so inspections go smoothly and you avoid issues down the road.
Walkways for Louisiana Weather
Central Louisiana's climate requires special consideration for outdoor concrete. Our heavy rainfall means drainage is critical. We always build walkways with proper slope so water runs off instead of pooling. Standing water not only creates slip hazards but also damages concrete over time.
The clay soil common in our area also affects walkway installation. Clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry, creating movement underneath concrete. We address this with proper base preparation, adequate thickness, and reinforcement. These steps prevent the cracking and settling that come from soil movement.
Repair and Replacement Services
In addition to new walkway installation, we also repair and replace existing concrete walkways. If your walkway has cracks, uneven sections, or trip hazards from settling, we can often repair it for much less than replacement costs. For severely damaged walkways, we remove the old concrete and build a new walkway with proper preparation to avoid the problems that damaged the original.
Start Your Walkway Project Today
Ready to add a beautiful, durable walkway to your Alexandria property? Call us at (318) 266-8869 for a free consultation and quote. We will visit your property, discuss your needs and preferences, and provide a detailed estimate.
We serve Alexandria and all surrounding communities with professional concrete flatwork services. Visit our homepage to learn more about our company and see examples of walkways and flatwork we have completed.
Interested in other concrete services? We also specialize in stamped and decorative concrete for creating unique custom looks, and patio installation for expanding your outdoor living space.