Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

More Than Just a Path From Here to There

Sidewalks and walkways serve practical purposes, but they also define your property's character. A well-designed concrete walkway guides visitors to your front door, connects different areas of your yard, and adds visual appeal to your landscaping. It's one of the first things people notice about your home.

Concrete flatwork includes all types of horizontal concrete surfaces beyond driveways and patios. This covers front walkways, side paths, garden paths, wheelchair ramps, steps and landings, courtyard paving, and any other flat concrete surface around your property. Done right, these elements work together to create a cohesive look and improve your home's functionality and value.

At PCT Metairie Concrete, we install all types of concrete sidewalks, walkways, and flatwork for residential and commercial properties. We pay attention to proper slope for drainage, create smooth transitions between different levels, and ensure surfaces are level and safe. Whether you need a simple front walkway or an elaborate system of paths throughout your property, we handle the entire installation from layout to final finish. We can coordinate with your other outdoor projects like patios to ensure everything flows together visually.

Concrete Flatwork Services We Provide

We install a complete range of concrete flatwork to meet your needs:

• •Front entry walkways: The path from your driveway or sidewalk to your front door, often the most visible concrete on your property.
• •Side and backyard paths: Connect different areas of your yard, provide access to gates, sheds, or gardens, and keep foot traffic off the grass.
• •Public sidewalks: Install or replace the sidewalk between your property and the street, including coordination with local requirements and permits.
• •Wheelchair ramps and ADA-compliant access: Create safe, code-compliant access for mobility devices with proper slopes and landings.
• •Concrete steps and landings: Build durable steps to handle grade changes, with proper tread depth and rise for comfortable, safe use.
• •Courtyard and plaza paving: Larger flat areas that define outdoor spaces and create functional, attractive gathering areas.
• •Pool decking and surrounds: Slip-resistant concrete surfaces around pools that handle water exposure and foot traffic.

Design Options for Walkways and Flatwork

Your walkways don't have to be plain gray rectangles. We offer several ways to make your concrete flatwork more attractive and personalized to your style.

Standard Finishes

Broom finish is the most common choice for walkways because it provides good traction, especially when wet. For a smoother, more formal look, we can use a trowel finish. Exposed aggregate creates a textured, decorative surface that's slip-resistant and hides dirt well.

Decorative Options

Add visual interest with stamped patterns, colored concrete, or decorative borders. Stamped concrete can make your walkway look like natural stone, slate, or brick at a fraction of the cost. Borders in contrasting colors or patterns frame the walkway and tie it to your home's architectural style.

Width and Layout

A standard front walkway is 3 to 4 feet wide, enough for one person to walk comfortably. For a more generous, welcoming entry, consider 5 to 6 feet, which allows two people to walk side by side. Side paths and utility walkways can be narrower at 2 to 3 feet. We'll help you determine the right width based on the path's purpose and your property's layout.

Curves and Angles

Straight walkways are efficient, but gentle curves can create a more inviting, landscape-integrated look. Curves also work well for navigating around trees, gardens, or other features. We can form concrete into almost any shape you envision. Check out our home page to see examples of creative walkway designs we've completed.

Proper Installation for Safety and Longevity

The key to long-lasting walkways is proper installation. We start with excavation to the right depth, then install a compacted gravel base that provides stability and drainage. This prevents settling that creates uneven surfaces and trip hazards.

Slope is critical for walkways. We grade them to shed water away from buildings and prevent puddles from forming. For longer walkways, we include control joints at regular intervals to direct any cracking to planned locations where it won't be visible or problematic.

For steps and ramps, we follow code requirements for rise and run, ensuring they're comfortable and safe to use. Handrails and edge protection are coordinated with your design and local building codes. For public sidewalks, we handle any required permits and inspections to ensure your installation meets municipal standards.

Most walkway projects take 1 to 3 days depending on size and complexity. You can walk on the new concrete after about 24 hours, though we recommend waiting longer before driving equipment or wheelbarrows across it. The concrete continues curing and gaining strength for several weeks after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions