Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork
We build smooth, durable concrete paths that connect your property beautifully.
Why Quality Flatwork Matters
Your sidewalks and walkways are more than just functional paths. They're the routes people take to reach your front door, they connect different areas of your property, and they contribute to your home's overall curb appeal. When they're cracked, uneven, or poorly installed, they create safety hazards and make your entire property look neglected.
We specialize in all types of concrete flatwork throughout Andover and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a simple sidewalk replacement or an elaborate network of garden paths, we have the experience and equipment to do it right. Our installations are designed to handle Massachusetts weather, from heavy snow loads to spring flooding.
Good flatwork starts with proper preparation. We excavate to the right depth, compact the soil, add a solid gravel base, and ensure proper drainage. Then we form, pour, and finish the concrete to exact specifications. These steps take time, but they're what separate professional work from amateur jobs that fail within a few years.
Types of Flatwork We Install
Flatwork is our term for any horizontal concrete surface. Here's what we install most often for homeowners in the Andover area.
Common Flatwork Projects
- Public and private sidewalks along streets and properties
- Front walkways connecting your driveway to your entrance
- Garden paths winding through your landscaping
- Courtyards and plaza areas for gathering spaces
- Shed and workshop pads for storage buildings
- Equipment pads for HVAC units, generators, and pools
Design Flexibility
Your flatwork doesn't have to be boring gray concrete. We offer various finish options including broom finish for slip resistance, smooth trowel finish for a clean look, and exposed aggregate for texture and visual interest. You can also choose from our decorative stamped concrete options to mimic the look of stone, brick, or pavers.
We can also create curved walkways, add borders in contrasting colors, or incorporate decorative saw cuts for a custom look. The key is planning these details before we pour, so everything is built into the project from the start rather than added as an afterthought.
The Installation Process
Here's what you can expect when we install your new sidewalk or walkway. We break the process down into clear steps so you know exactly what's happening and when.
Preparation and Base Work
We start by marking out the exact path and width of your walkway. Then we excavate the area to the proper depth, typically 6 to 8 inches. This gives us room for a 4-inch gravel base and 4 inches of concrete. We compact the soil, add and compact the gravel, and make sure water will drain away from the surface. This base work is critical because it prevents settling and cracking later.
Forming and Pouring
Next, we install forms to hold the concrete in the exact shape we want. For residential projects, we typically pour 4-inch thick concrete. For areas with heavy use or equipment, we might go thicker. We also add control joints to manage where cracks will form if they happen at all.
The concrete is mixed to specific strength requirements and poured in sections. We work quickly to spread, level, and finish it before it starts to set. The finishing process gives your concrete its final texture and appearance, whether that's a simple broom finish or something more decorative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Improve Your Property?
Let's discuss your sidewalk or walkway project. We'll visit your property, take measurements, and provide a detailed estimate at no cost.
Call (978) 684-0096