Pristine sidewalks are not only a sight to behold but they also instill an ambiance of pure bliss and joy. Landscaping is never quite complete without working on your sidewalks.
Investing in an attractive sidewalk on any property greatly improves its curb appeal and value. Sidewalks come in very many designs including:
- Stenciled concrete sidewalks
- Stamped concrete sidewalks
- Wooden sidewalks
- Exposed aggregate sidewalks
- Concrete sidewalks pavers
- Bark mulch sidewalks
- Stepping stones
This article will look into a variety of concrete sidewalk designs that have gained popularity for homeowners across the Midwest.
Why Concrete?
Concrete is the material used in a variety of residential and commercial projects. Whether it’s paving a sidewalk, driveway, patio, or garage floor, you’ve likely walked on these surfaces at some point. Concrete has earned its name in the residential and commercial housing market because of its impressive durability. If a reputable contractor completes the installation, the sidewalk should last for years before signs of damage appear.
The versatility of concrete is plausible, meaning it can take on the appearance of many different materials, such as: Wood Tile Stone, and more
More advantages of concrete include its pliability, whereby it can be molded into different sizes and shapes, and its high tensile strength as concrete can bear a lot of weight and pressure over time.
Concrete is basically a clean slate in that you can do a lot with it, be it in terms of shapes or colors, to bring out various alluring end-products.
The Concrete Network estimates that Americans part with anything between $6 to $12 per square foot of a concrete sidewalk.
Concrete Sidewalk Designs
The different concrete designs differ in terms of color, texture, technique, and pattern. Below are our top designs:
Stenciled Concrete Sidewalks
Here, stencils are used to create patterns on wet concrete. The finished product could easily be confused for individual stones that have been so meticulously stacked together that they interlock perfectly at the seams.
Stenciled concrete is easy to install as the stencil is cost-effective and covers a large surface area. Paintings can be etched on it to make it more appealing to the eye.
Stamped Concrete Sidewalks
Like their stenciled counterparts, patterns are imprinted on wet concrete. However, the difference lies in the technique. For stamped concrete, polyurethane forms stamp the patterns, and grey or brown color is commonly added.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Sidewalks
The concrete is poured, then the top covering is stripped off to reveal an irregular but beautiful underside. Stones of different hues can be used to add some color and a unique touch. The most preferred aggregates are radiant but inexpensive stones such as:
- Basalts
- Granite
- Quartz
- Limestone
- Colored glass (though not a stone)
Despite being the oldest design, exposed aggregate sidewalks have proved that they are here to stay. They are fairly cheaper than the other designs. The rough surface resists skidding of vehicles or sliding of kids. Safety? Check.
There are three ways to add aggregates to the concrete:
- Wait until the covering layer has been stripped off, then broadcast the aggregates on the surface. Finish by dabbing the stones lightly until they are slightly covered by cement.
- Mix the aggregates with cement and everything else during batching. On removing the outer layer, the aggregates are already in place.
- The aggregates are mixed with the cement, akin to the second process. However, this mixture will be smeared on an already-existing slab.
Concrete Sidewalk Pavers
Concrete pavers are already designed into specific shapes. Its installation involves arranging the individual pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle but more simplistic.
They come in two varieties: interlocking and architectural. Interlocking pavers are stocky enough for driveways, while architectural pavers are significantly thinner thus enhancing curb appeal.
While concrete sidewalk pavers are of higher cost when compared to poured concrete, their durability saves more on maintenance and repairs.
Styling the Contour of the Path
Curved or winding sidewalks are arguably considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than straight ones. The choice on which to build depends on personal preference, space available, and budget.
Color
Stamped concrete and exposed aggregate designs are renowned for their exuberant colors. The colors are put in through dyeing chemicals, integral color, and dry-shake hardeners.
Not ready for a long-term commitment? Sideway chalk can create splendid art that can easily be wiped off when you so wish.
Driveways and sidewalks go hand in hand. Design your driveway with your sidewalk in mind.
Decorated Margins
The borders of a sidewalk offer great potential for decoration with stones, color, or wood. Non-concrete sidewalks are made from wood, bricks, bamboo, asphalt, and even tumbled glass. Nevertheless, when it comes to durability, there is nothing better than concrete.
Sidewalk Damage
Once professionals have installed your walkway, the buck of protecting it stops with you. One of the mortal enemies of the sidewalk is moisture. Water collects on the walkway then creates a defect like a crack or a pothole. Running water carries chips of tarmac or asphalt away. Over time, the damage worsens, eventually necessitating general repairs.
More signs of pavement damage include swollen pavements and lackluster paint. A damaged sidewalk poses a safety hazard to all who use it.
Preserving Your Walkway
Rain and snow is our portion here in Minnesota. Since it is unfeasible to avoid water damage, we cannot afford to spare any measure to combat it. Sealant should be used when installing the sidewalk then every two to three years thereafter.
Concrete sealant incorporates itself into the concrete, locking out moisture. Other sealants include paint which is best suited for walls and stone sealant for stones.
At Richfield Concrete, we offer our expertise in concrete sidewalk installation for properties of every side. Take the first step and contact us today!
Meta: In this post, you will be able to explore a variety of concrete sidewalk designs that have gained popularity for homeowners across the Midwest. Learn more.
Rain and snow is our portion here in Minnesota. Since it is unfeasible to avoid water damage, we cannot afford to spare any measure to combat it. Sealant should be used when installing the sidewalk then every two to three years thereafter.
Concrete sealant incorporates itself into the concrete, locking out moisture. Other sealants include paint which is best suited for walls and stone sealant for stones.
At Richfield Concrete, we offer our expertise in concrete sidewalk installation for properties of every side. Take the first step and contact us today!