The photographs above represent a growing collection of concrete sidewalk and paving brick walkway projects completed by Marc Todd Concrete throughout Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana. Use the slideshow arrows—or swipe on a mobile device—to view examples of plain, colored, stamped, curved and exposed aggregate concrete sidewalks, full paving brick sidewalks and poured concrete walkways featuring decorative paving brick inlays.
These projects show how decorative sidewalks can provide both a safe walking surface and a finished hardscape feature. Although they are sometimes called decorative cement sidewalks, the installed material is concrete—a mixture in which cement binds the aggregates and other ingredients together.
Every sidewalk is planned for the individual property. Its width, shape, grade, finish and connection to nearby driveways, porches, steps and entrances are determined by the layout and intended use of the finished walkway.
Traditional broom-finished concrete provides a clean, practical and durable walking surface. The lightly textured finish offers useful traction while complementing residential, commercial and agricultural properties.
Plain concrete sidewalks can be constructed with straight, curved or custom layouts. Properly designed curves can soften the approach to a home, follow existing landscaping or create a more natural transition between different areas of a property.
Integral color can give a sidewalk a warmer, more customized appearance than traditional gray concrete. Colors can be selected to complement a home’s brick, siding, roof, landscaping or adjoining concrete surfaces.
Colored sidewalks can receive a traditional broom finish or be combined with decorative borders, paving brick inlays and other custom details. These options allow the sidewalk to become part of the property’s overall design instead of serving only as a functional walkway.
Paving bricks can be used to construct the entire sidewalk or walkway, creating a distinctive surface with a wide selection of colors, shapes, patterns and border designs. A full paving brick sidewalk can complement the architecture and landscaping of a home while creating an attractive connection between driveways, patios, porches and entrances.
Paving bricks can also be inlaid into poured concrete sidewalks as decorative borders, bands or custom design details. Combining concrete with paving brick inlays adds color and contrast while allowing the main walking surface to retain the strength and continuity of poured concrete. These details can also coordinate a sidewalk with nearby paving brick patios, driveways and other hardscape features.
Stamped concrete can recreate the appearance of stone, slate, brick and other decorative materials while providing the continuity of a poured concrete surface. Pattern, color and layout can be coordinated with patios, porches, steps and entrances.
Stamped sidewalks are especially useful for creating a decorative approach to a front entrance or connecting outdoor living areas. Borders and contrasting colors can also be used to define the edges or emphasize curves.
A durable sidewalk begins with proper site preparation, grading and base construction. Elevations must be established to connect correctly with driveways, steps, porches and door entrances while directing water away from the home and finished walking surface.
Steel reinforcement and planned control joints help the sidewalk manage everyday use, seasonal temperature changes and freeze-thaw conditions. Proper joint placement also helps manage the natural movement that occurs as concrete cures and responds to changing weather.
Where a walkway meets a porch, patio, driveway or another concrete slab, elevations and transitions are planned to support drainage, comfortable foot traffic and a clean connection between surfaces. For more guidance, read about choosing a safe concrete finish for outdoor areas.
Marc Todd Concrete installs residential sidewalks and commercial concrete sidewalks, paving-brick walkways, porches, steps, entryways and adjoining concrete slabs throughout Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.
Learn more about our colored and decorative concrete and stamped concrete services , or contact us to discuss the layout and finish for your sidewalk or paving-brick walkway project. Call 269-659-8350 or request a free estimate.