Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

The Foundation of Curb Appeal and Safe Access

Sidewalks, walkways, and other flatwork are the pathways that connect different areas of your property. They guide visitors from the street to your door, from your driveway to your backyard, and from one part of your landscape to another. Beyond just being functional, well-designed walkways add beauty, structure, and value to your property.

Here in Freeport, NY, we install all types of concrete flatwork for residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a new front walkway, public sidewalk replacement, service paths, or decorative garden paths, we have the expertise to get the job done right. When you invest in professional concrete walkways, you get safe, durable surfaces that improve both function and appearance.

Concrete is the ideal material for walkways and sidewalks because it handles foot traffic and weather without deteriorating like wood or shifting like pavers. A properly installed concrete walkway can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. We pour walkways of all sizes and designs, from simple straight paths to curved, decorative installations that enhance your landscaping.

Types of Concrete Flatwork We Install

Flatwork is any horizontal concrete surface. We specialize in several types of flatwork installations:

• Front Walkways: The path from your driveway or street to your front door is often the first thing visitors see. We create inviting, well-proportioned walkways that complement your home and landscape design.
• Public Sidewalks: Property owners are often responsible for the sidewalk in front of their home. We handle sidewalk replacement and repair in compliance with local requirements and ADA regulations.
• Garden and Backyard Paths: Connect different areas of your yard with meandering or direct paths. These can be functional or decorative, depending on your landscape design.
• Side Yards and Service Paths: Provide access to gates, utilities, air conditioning units, and other service areas. These paths prevent worn grass and muddy routes.
• Pool Decks and Surrounds: Create slip-resistant surfaces around pools that stay cool and drain properly. We often use textured or stamped finishes for pool areas.
• Commercial Walkways: Connect parking areas to building entrances, link buildings on campuses, and provide pedestrian routes through commercial properties.
• Ramps and Accessible Pathways: We build ADA-compliant ramps and walkways with proper slopes, handrails, and surfaces for wheelchair and mobility device access.

Every walkway project has its own requirements. We assess your property, discuss how you will use the walkway, and design a solution that works for your specific needs and budget. Whether you want a simple utilitarian path or an elaborate decorative walkway, we have you covered.

Planning Walkways That Work and Look Great

Good walkway design balances function, safety, and appearance. Here are key considerations we discuss with every client:

Width: Walkways should be wide enough for comfortable use. A minimum of 3 feet works for single-file walking, but 4 to 5 feet is better for two people to walk side by side. Main entry walkways are typically 4 to 6 feet wide.

Route and Layout: The most direct route is usually best, but gentle curves can add visual interest and work with your landscaping. We avoid unnecessary turns and keep slopes gradual for safety and accessibility.

Slope and Drainage: Walkways need a slight slope, typically 1 to 2 percent, to shed water. We ensure proper grading so water does not pool on the walkway or flow toward your home.

Thickness and Base: Most walkways are 4 inches thick with a compacted gravel base. This provides adequate strength for foot traffic and wheelbarrows. Areas with vehicle crossings or heavy equipment need thicker sections.

Surface Finish: We typically use a broom finish for traction, but you can also choose exposed aggregate, stamped patterns, or smooth troweled finishes. The finish affects both appearance and slip resistance.

Control Joints: These are planned cracks that control where natural cracking occurs. We space control joints every 4 to 5 feet on walkways to keep random cracking to a minimum.

We walk your property with you during the planning phase and discuss all these elements. This ensures the finished walkway meets your practical needs while enhancing your property's overall appearance.

Our Professional Walkway Installation Process

A walkway is only as good as the preparation behind it. Here is how we install sidewalks and walkways that last:

First, we layout and mark the walkway path. We use stakes and string lines to show you exactly where the walkway will go so you can approve the route before we start digging.

Next, we excavate to the proper depth, typically 6 to 8 inches total. We remove grass, roots, and any loose or unstable soil. If there are underground utilities, we call the locating service to mark them before digging.

Then we install and compact a gravel base, usually 4 inches of crushed stone. This provides drainage and a stable platform for the concrete. Proper compaction prevents settling and cracking later.

We set forms along the edges to define the walkway shape and establish the proper slopes for drainage. Forms keep the concrete where it belongs and create clean, straight edges.

For most walkways, we add wire mesh reinforcement to minimize cracking. Longer walkways may get rebar for extra strength.

When we pour the concrete, we work efficiently to screed it level, float it smooth, and finish the surface with your chosen texture. We cut control joints at regular intervals and add any decorative touches like borders or stamps if requested.

Finally, we protect the fresh concrete and let it cure properly before allowing foot traffic. This careful process is what separates professional installations from amateur work. Our walkways stay level, drain properly, and provide years of trouble-free service just like our driveway installations.

ADA Compliant Walkways and Ramps

For commercial properties and public sidewalks, ADA compliance is not optional. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets specific requirements for walkway slopes, cross slopes, surface textures, and other features to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.

We are experienced in building ADA-compliant walkways and ramps. This includes maintaining maximum slopes of 1:12 for ramps, ensuring cross slopes do not exceed 2 percent, creating level landing areas, installing detectable warning surfaces where required, and providing proper clearances and turning radius.

Even for residential properties, following ADA guidelines makes sense if you or family members use wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters. Accessible design benefits everyone and adds value if you ever sell your home.

We stay current on ADA requirements and local building codes. Whether you are a business owner updating your property or a homeowner adding accessibility features, we ensure your walkways and ramps meet all necessary standards.

Keeping Your Walkways Safe and Attractive

Concrete walkways require very little maintenance, but a few simple steps help them last even longer and stay looking good:

• Sweep or rinse regularly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris.
• Remove stains promptly before they set in.
• Avoid using metal shovels or sharp tools that can scratch or chip the surface.
• Use sand instead of rock salt for winter traction.
• Trim nearby vegetation to prevent roots from pushing up the walkway.
• Seal the concrete every few years to protect against moisture and stains.
• Fill small cracks early before they widen.

If you notice settling, cracking, or other issues with your walkway, give us a call. We provide concrete repair services to fix problems before they become safety hazards or require complete replacement.

Common Questions About Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork