Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

Sidewalks and walkways do more than just get you from point A to point B. They define your property, guide visitors to your entrance, and contribute significantly to your curb appeal. A well-designed concrete walkway creates a welcoming first impression, while cracked or uneven sidewalks suggest neglect and create safety concerns.

At MonarchHill Henderson Concrete, we design and install sidewalks and walkways throughout Henderson, KY that combine functionality with attractive appearance. Whether you need a simple front walkway, decorative garden path, or ADA-compliant public sidewalk, we build concrete flatwork that performs reliably for decades. Our installations meet local codes, provide proper drainage, and resist cracking and settling.

Safety is a primary concern with any walking surface. Uneven concrete creates trip hazards, especially for children and elderly visitors. Water pooling on sidewalks becomes slippery when wet and turns to ice in winter. We grade all our sidewalks and walkways properly to shed water and provide slip-resistant surfaces. If you have existing sidewalks with trip hazards or drainage problems, we can repair or replace them to eliminate these safety concerns.

Flatwork is the industry term for any horizontal concrete surface. This includes sidewalks, walkways, paths, and various other ground-level installations. Here are the main types of concrete flatwork projects we handle:

Common Flatwork Applications:

• Front entry walkways connecting driveways to front doors
• Sidewalks along property perimeters or streets
• Garden paths and decorative walkways through landscaping
• Connecting paths between buildings, garages, and outdoor areas
• Accessibility ramps and ADA-compliant walkways
• Curbs and gutters for drainage management
• Aprons and approaches for driveways
• Parking bumpers and wheel stops

Residential walkways typically measure 3 to 4 feet wide, providing comfortable passage for one or two people. For busier areas or to make a statement, we can create 5 to 6 foot wide walkways that feel more substantial. Thickness depends on expected use. Standard walkways are usually 4 inches thick, while areas that might see occasional vehicle traffic need 5 to 6 inches.

Design options for walkways are virtually unlimited. A basic broom-finished walkway is clean and functional. For enhanced appearance, consider stamped concrete patterns that mimic natural stone, exposed aggregate for natural texture, or colored concrete in earth tones. We can also incorporate decorative borders, curved layouts, and integration with landscaping features to create truly custom designs.

Quality sidewalk construction requires attention to details that many contractors overlook. We do not just pour concrete on the ground and hope it holds up. Our systematic approach ensures your sidewalks and walkways perform well for decades.

Planning comes first. We discuss your needs and preferences, take measurements, and plan the layout. For front walkways, we consider the natural traffic pattern between your driveway and entrance. For garden paths, we work with your landscaping to create an attractive flow. Proper width, gentle curves, and thoughtful placement all contribute to both function and aesthetics.

Site preparation is critical for long-term performance. We excavate to proper depth, typically 6 to 8 inches for walkways. If we encounter soft or unsuitable soil, we remove it and bring in compacted fill. Then we install a gravel base layer that provides drainage and prevents frost heave. This base is thoroughly compacted before we proceed. Taking time with base preparation prevents the settling and cracking that plague poorly built sidewalks.

Drainage planning happens during layout. Sidewalks should slope gently away from buildings and not channel water toward foundations. We typically use a 2 percent grade, which is gentle enough to walk on comfortably but sufficient to move water off the surface. For longer sidewalks, we plan drainage swales or catch basins if needed.

The concrete pour itself follows careful procedures. We use quality concrete mix appropriate for exterior flatwork, typically 4,000 PSI strength with air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance. As we place the concrete, we work it carefully around any curves or edges. Our finishing crew creates the surface texture you want while maintaining proper slopes. We cut control joints every 4 to 5 feet to manage cracking. After finishing, we apply curing compound and protect the concrete while it gains strength. You can walk on new sidewalks after 24 to 48 hours, though we recommend waiting a week before allowing heavy traffic.