Style and Finish Options for Your Concrete Walkway

Ready to replace your existing walkway or add one to your landscape? Over the years, Hacker’s Concrete Impressions has designed many walkways for our Columbus-area residential and commercial clients and we know there’s a lot to consider.

Not just the width and the length, but the look of the walkway, from stamped decorative concrete to finishes such as exposed aggregate, broom, troweled, burned-in and stained.

How do you choose the one that is right for your home? Here are some aspects to consider.

The Style

Ideally, you want your walkway to complement your home’s style and appearance. If you have a traditional home, you might choose stamped concrete in a brick design, while for a cabin, the fieldstone look is better suited.

Have a modern style house with clean lines? A concrete walkway with a smooth or brush texture finish or with color additives will highlight the minimalist tone.

If your goal is to have your walkway make a statement, an exposed aggregate finish might be what you’re looking for. Since each pour has its own unique character, revealing the fine sand, stone, and mineral blends that are within the concrete, your walkway will be unlike anyone else’s in the neighborhood.

The Climate

There’s no denying that concrete can take it: the wind and rain, the snow and sleet, the UV rays that would fade other materials. Even better, your concrete walkway will maintain its appearance for years to come. All you need to do is reseal it every 4 to 5 years to maintain the look.

If your area is prone to wet or icy weather, a textured finish (broom or exposed aggregate, for example) offers greater slip resistance. If you like the look of decorative concrete, then select a pattern that has a slightly uneven surface rather than a mirror-smooth finish or ask for a deco grip surface treatment.

Adding a concrete coating that provides temperature resistance and durability is another option, especially in areas prone to temperature swings—below-zero to nineties and above.

The Purpose and Terrain

When choosing your walkway appearance, don’t fall into the “one size fits all” trap. A 10-ft walkway on level ground and protected from the elements is far different than one that leads from the house down an incline to an outdoor pool. Consider who will be using the walkway as well as the lay of the land over which it will be installed.

Again, slip resistance (aka coefficient of friction) is a key element. In the latter example, you can fairly certain that wet bare feet will be on that walkway, so you want a surface that offers greater slip resistance.

But it isn’t just water or inclement weather that can pose a challenge. Those who may have a disability that makes walking more difficult or who rely on canes, crutches, and other walking aids will also benefit from a surface that has a higher coefficient of friction—0.6 for level surfaces and 0.8 for ramps, according to the U.S. Access Board.

Adding an anti-slip additive can measurably increase the safety of those using the walkway. And that brings up another advantage of a concrete walkway. When properly installed, it won’t shift over time, meaning the surface will be reliable underfoot.

Your walkway is not just a functional part of your landscape. It’s also an investment in the future and when professionally designed and installed, it will add to your home’s curb appeal.

Contact Hacker’s Concrete Impressions for a personalized quote for your walkway. You can rely on our team of professionals to complete your project to your satisfaction so you can enjoy your Columbus home for years to come.

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