Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

Understanding Concrete Flatwork

Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface. This includes sidewalks along your property, walkways connecting your driveway to your entrance, and various flat slabs around your home or business. At ApexPoint Thornton Concrete, we specialize in all types of flatwork that improve accessibility and curb appeal.

Sidewalks serve an important public function. Municipal codes often require them in residential areas, and they need to meet specific width and slope requirements. We know these regulations inside and out. Your sidewalk becomes part of the community infrastructure, so we build it to last with proper thickness, reinforcement, and joints.

Walkways are more personal. They guide visitors from the street to your door, through your garden, or around your backyard. You have flexibility with width, design, and finish. Some homeowners want simple straight paths while others prefer curved walkways that meander through landscaping. We help you decide what works best for your property and budget.

How We Install Your Sidewalk or Walkway

Every project starts with proper excavation. We dig down to remove unstable soil, roots, and debris that could cause settling later. The depth depends on your soil type and local frost lines. In Colorado, we account for freeze-thaw cycles that can damage shallow concrete if the base is not prepared correctly.

Base preparation makes or breaks a flatwork project. We install several inches of compacted gravel that drains water away from the concrete and provides stable support. This step matters more than most people realize. A solid base prevents the cracking and settling that plague poorly installed walkways. The same attention to detail we bring to concrete driveway installations applies to every walkway we build.

Forms define the shape and contain the concrete during the pour. We set them precisely level with proper slope for drainage. Sidewalks typically slope away from buildings at about a quarter inch per foot. This gentle grade sheds water without being noticeable when you walk on the surface.

The concrete pour happens on schedule regardless of weather, as long as conditions stay within acceptable ranges. We place the concrete evenly, use vibrators to eliminate air pockets, and start finishing once the surface sets up. Finishing includes screeding for level, floating for smoothness, and either brooming for traction or troweling for a smoother look. Control joints get cut or formed to manage where cracks appear as the concrete naturally expands and contracts.

Customizing Your Walkway

Standard concrete does not have to look boring. We offer several finish options that add character without breaking your budget. Broom finishes provide excellent traction and work well for most applications. Exposed aggregate reveals the natural stones in the concrete mix and creates an attractive textured surface that hides minor wear.

Stamped concrete transforms plain walkways into decorative features that mimic brick, stone, or tile. This option costs more than standard finishing but less than actual pavers or natural stone. You get the durability of concrete with the appearance of premium materials. Many homeowners pair stamped concrete walkways with matching patios for a unified look.

Color adds another dimension to your flatwork. Integral color mixes throughout the concrete and will not wear off. Color hardeners applied to the surface create richer tones but require resealing every few years. Stains applied after the concrete cures offer the most color options and can create variegated effects that look natural and organic.

Border treatments frame your walkway and separate it visually from surrounding landscaping. We can pour borders in contrasting colors, add decorative edges with stamping, or install soldier courses of brick or stone. These details cost little extra but make your walkway look custom and intentional rather than basic and utilitarian.

Common Questions About Sidewalks & Walkways