Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

The Paths That Connect Your Property

Every home needs safe, functional pathways that connect your driveway to your door, your house to your backyard, and your property to the street. These concrete surfaces might seem simple, but they serve important purposes beyond just giving you a place to walk. Well-installed sidewalks and walkways improve your home's curb appeal, increase accessibility, enhance safety, and define the flow of your outdoor space.

We install all types of concrete flatwork in Silver Spring, MD. Public sidewalks, private walkways, entryways, steps, garden paths, and any other horizontal concrete surface your property needs. We have been creating these functional yet attractive surfaces since 2024, and we understand exactly what it takes to build concrete pathways that stay level, drain properly, and look great for decades.

Types of Flatwork We Install

Flatwork is the term for any horizontal concrete surface. Here are the most common types of flatwork projects we handle for homeowners in the Silver Spring area.

Each type of flatwork has specific requirements for width, thickness, slope, and finish. Public sidewalks must meet local codes. Front walkways need to be wide enough for two people to walk side by side comfortably. Steps require precise rise and run measurements for safety. We know all these details and build each element correctly the first time.

Why Quality Flatwork Installation Matters

You might think a sidewalk is just a simple concrete pour. But there is a lot that can go wrong if it is not done right. Improper slope causes water to pool or drain toward your foundation. Inadequate base preparation leads to settling and cracking. Wrong thickness results in cracking under load. Poor finishing creates surfaces that are too slippery when wet or too rough to walk on comfortably.

Proper Slope and Drainage

Every walkway needs to slope slightly for drainage. Water should never pool on the surface or flow toward your foundation. We grade each section precisely to ensure water moves away from buildings and toward appropriate drainage areas. This prevents ice formation in winter, extends the life of the concrete, and protects your foundation from water damage.

Base Preparation

Just like with driveway installations, the base under a walkway determines its long-term performance. We excavate to the proper depth, install and compact a gravel base, and ensure everything is level and stable before pouring concrete. Skipping or rushing base prep is the number one reason walkways settle, crack, or become uneven over time.

Control Joints and Reinforcement

Concrete will crack. The question is whether it cracks randomly or where we want it to crack. Control joints create intentional weak points where cracks will form neatly and stay small. We place joints at regular intervals and at any direction changes. We also use wire mesh or fiber reinforcement to help distribute stress and minimize cracking. These details separate professional flatwork from amateur jobs that crack and look terrible within a few years.

Finish Options for Walkways

The finish you choose affects both appearance and function. Smooth trowel finishes look clean and modern but can be slippery when wet. Broom finishes provide good traction and work well for most applications. Exposed aggregate creates a textured, decorative surface with excellent traction. Stamped concrete patterns can make your walkway look like natural stone or brick.

For front walkways and entryways where you want something special, decorative options make sense. For utilitarian paths like the walkway to your trash cans, a standard broom finish is perfectly adequate. We help you match the finish to the purpose and visibility of each section. The goal is getting the functionality you need while staying within your budget.

Working with Existing Structures

Most flatwork projects involve connecting new concrete to existing driveways, patios, or other surfaces. Getting these transitions right matters for both appearance and performance. We create clean joints between old and new concrete to prevent cracking at the connection point. We match elevation so you do not have awkward steps or lips. We coordinate the finish so everything looks cohesive even if it was not poured at the same time.

If your existing concrete in Silver Spring is in poor condition, we will let you know. Sometimes it makes sense to replace both old and new sections together to ensure everything performs well long-term. Other times we can work around existing elements. We evaluate each situation individually and recommend the approach that gives you the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions