Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork
Beautiful, safe concrete paths that connect your property and boost curb appeal.
Why Your Walkways Deserve Quality Construction
Your sidewalks and walkways do more than just get you from point A to point B. They're the first thing visitors see when they arrive. They guide guests to your door. And they need to be safe for everyone who uses them, from kids riding bikes to grandparents with canes.
Cheap walkways crack, settle, and create trip hazards within a few years. You end up paying twice: once for the poor installation and again to fix it. Quality concrete work costs more upfront but saves you money over time. We pour walkways that last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Good walkways also improve your property value. Real estate experts say attractive, well-maintained paths can add thousands to your home's selling price. Even if you're not selling now, it's nice to know your concrete investment is building equity.
Safety is the biggest reason to invest in proper walkway construction. Uneven paths cause falls that lead to serious injuries. We engineer our walkways with proper slope for drainage and create smooth, level surfaces that eliminate trip hazards. Your family and guests can walk with confidence, day or night.
Flatwork Solutions for Every Need
Flatwork is the term we use for any horizontal concrete surface that doesn't bear structural weight. It includes everything from sidewalks to equipment pads. Here's what we build for Kent homeowners and businesses.
Residential Flatwork
- •Front walkways from the street or driveway to your entrance
- •Side yards paths connecting different areas of your property
- •Garden paths winding through landscaping
- •Shed and pool equipment pads providing stable surfaces for heavy items
- •Utility access paths for garbage cans, HVAC units, and utilities
- •RV and boat storage pads with proper drainage
Commercial Flatwork
Businesses need flatwork that handles heavy foot traffic and looks professional. We install ADA-compliant sidewalks, parking lot walkways, loading dock approaches, and outdoor dining areas. Every project meets building codes and safety standards.
Each type of flatwork has specific requirements. A garden path doesn't need to be as thick as an equipment pad. Slopes and drainage vary based on the location. We design and build each project for its intended use, ensuring it performs well for decades.
How We Build Walkways That Last
The difference between a walkway that lasts three years and one that lasts thirty years comes down to the prep work. Anyone can pour concrete on the ground. We take the time to do it right.
Planning and Layout
We start by discussing your goals. Where do you need to go? What style fits your home? Do you want straight paths or curves? We stake out the route and make sure you're happy with the design before breaking ground. Changes are easy at this stage and expensive later.
Excavation and Base Preparation
We excavate to the proper depth and remove all organic material. Tree roots, grass, and topsoil have to go. Then we install a compacted gravel base that provides drainage and prevents settling. This foundation work is invisible when we're done, but it's crucial for longevity.
Forming and Grading
We set forms to create clean edges and control the walkway's shape. Proper grading ensures water flows away from your house and doesn't pool on the surface. Even a walkway needs a slight slope, usually a quarter inch per foot. Get this wrong and you'll have ice patches in winter and puddles after rain.
Pouring and Finishing
We use quality concrete mix designed for your climate and use conditions. After pouring, we smooth, float, and finish the surface. You can choose from different textures: smooth for a modern look, broom-finished for better traction, or stamped patterns for decorative appeal. Control joints prevent random cracking by directing where cracks occur if they happen at all.
Curing and Sealing
Concrete gains strength as it cures. We protect new walkways during this critical period and apply sealant once they're ready. The sealant keeps water, salt, and chemicals out, extending your concrete's life and making it easier to clean.
Making Your Walkways Stand Out
Plain gray concrete works fine, but why settle for fine when you can have fantastic? Today's concrete offers amazing design possibilities that fit any budget and style.
Color is the easiest way to customize your walkways. We can add integral color to the concrete mix or apply colored hardeners and stains to the surface. Choose earthy tones that blend with your landscaping or bold colors that make a statement. The options go far beyond builder gray.
Texture adds visual interest and improves traction. A broom finish creates subtle lines. Exposed aggregate reveals the stones in the concrete for a natural look. Stamped concrete mimics the appearance of brick, stone, or wood. Each texture changes how your walkway looks and feels underfoot.
Borders and accents break up large areas and add definition. We can create contrasting borders, score patterns into the concrete, or combine different colors and textures. These details transform a basic walkway into a landscape feature that complements your home's architecture.
Curves work better than straight lines in many settings. A gentle curve feels more natural and creates visual interest as you walk. We can follow the contours of your landscaping or create flowing paths that draw the eye. Your patio and walkways can work together as a unified outdoor space rather than separate concrete slabs.