Sidewalks

Creating a walkway around your home does not require using precast concrete blocks. These blocks, often used by municipalities, lack character and customization. There are other ways to build a…

Cement sidewalks can last many years, but the cracks, pits and other signs of wear and tear that form over time can be an eyesore. Removing a damaged sidewalk is laborious and unnecessary if the…

When you install an invisible dog fence or low-voltage landscape lights, you may find the wiring needs to go underneath your sidewalk. Do not let this deter you from setting up the fence or lights the…

Walkway lighting helps enhance your home's landscaping and makes your front walk safer to use at night. The best choices are the ones that are inexpensive to install and operate. There are several…

A sidewalk or other concrete surface that appears to have a top layer of small pebbles is also known as concrete with an exposed aggregate surface. This type of surfacing is enjoyed for its appearance…

One way to add a personal touch to a sidewalk is to lay a design with decorative aggregate or pieces of tile. Inlaying a design entails pouring a thin layer of concrete over the existing sidewalk and…

Houses typically need pathways and homeowners constructing new sidewalks commonly choose concrete. Concrete sidewalks, however, can feel cold and severe. Soften the rigid nature of your new concrete…

Sidewalks can't be built as one continuous concrete slab because thermal expansion and contraction buckle the concrete. Sections of concrete slab butt against each through compressible expansion…

A cement sidewalk provides a smooth, sturdy surface that can last for decades. Installing one is a challenging do-it-yourself project that calls for specific materials when laying the sidewalk beside…

Nothing ruins a game of marbles faster than an uneven concrete sidewalk. Sidewalks often get this way due to settling or heaving of the ground underneath or from an uneven original pour. If your…

Adding a drain along your sidewalk enables you to manage the flow of water and direct it to dry areas of the yard. Proper drainage prevents puddles and underground moisture from washing away the…

Excessive sidewalk cracks indicate that a slab may be beyond repair. Replacing broken concrete eliminates a dangerous trip hazard and prevents the damage from spreading. Removing concrete is a…

Expansion joints prevent deep jagged cracks from forming in concrete. On sidewalks, expansion joints are spaced apart in feet two to three times the depth of the sidewalk slab, which is measured in…

Straight sidewalks are traditional paths that lead to a front door, but a wavy sidewalk literally gives homeowners an opportunity to create a bit of interest and deviate from the ordinary. While…

Snow and ice can cause slips and falls on sidewalks, making it dangerous to merely walk to your car. Using deicing salt products on an icy sidewalk can quickly melt the ice, creating a safer place to…

A sidewalk with sinking concrete presents a dangerous trip hazard. Typically caused by a poor foundation, the damage will continue to spread until the foundation is repaired. Slabjacking is one method…

Sidewalks can be brittle when build without reinforcement. Concrete alone is prone to cracking and heaving due to temperature changes and ground swelling. Building the sidewalk in sections helps…

Homeowners sometimes must dig underneath an existing sidewalk in the landscape, such as when installing sprinkler pipes or outdoor lighting wires. While the process may seem daunting, tunneling under…

The winter brings with it bitter temperatures, snow, slush and ice. When water collects on sidewalks in winter, it quickly turns to ice and can cause people to slip and fall. Spreading ice-melting…

Whether you need a long walkway around your home or a small path through your garden, concrete is an economical material with which to create a sidewalk of any dimensions. Although it might seem…

The Romans were building sidewalks and roads that spanned for hundreds of miles long before the invention of cement. Some Roman paving stone roads still exist today, proving the durability of this…

Throughout the years, gravel slowly migrates off of sidewalks. High levels of foot traffic or snow removal pushes gravel into streets, lawn areas or flowerbeds. Sidewalks are left with uneven areas,…

A brick sidewalk makes an attractive entry point for a house or a pleasant pathway to a patio or garden. Bricks are sturdy and durable, and many brick sidewalks have lasted for decades. They once were…

The installation or service of residential electrical conduits, gas lines and irrigation supply lines frequently requires excavation underneath sidewalks and other paved areas. Although this can be…

A natural sandstone with a bluish tint, bluestone is strikingly unusual when used in stone steps, walkways and patios. When bluestone develops ice in winter, removing it is not as simple as with…

An icy sidewalk is very dangerous and can pose a serious hazard for you and your family. If the sidewalk outside your home is embedded in ice after a snow fall, you may make it safer by covering it…

In most suburban areas, the sidewalk that runs in front of your house belongs to the city. Local codes may require property owners to clear snow and ice from any sidewalks on or adjoining the…

Even if you have never poured concrete before, you can cement a sidewalk. This is the easiest paving project for a homeowner to take on. You will need a variety of masonry tools to successfully…

As a general rule, all brick installations are installed in such a manner that they are grouted after the brick has been set in mortar, similar to ceramic tile. While the grouting methods are…

Sidewalk and walkways form a major part of outdoor hardscaping, the non-living elements of a yard, which may include fences, trails, fountains and outbuildings. Aside from their importance to design,…

Sidewalk chalk is taken to new heights by artists who are using the medium to form optical illusion murals. According to Katla McGlynn of the Huffington Post, artists such as Julian Beever and Edgar…

Front walkways or sidewalks divert traffic off muddy or grassy areas of the landscape and give guests a welcoming first impression. Whether you choose to put pavers, bricks or stones, the material…

While some see sidewalks as merely utilitarian, in truth, they can be an attractive part of your outdoor space. By dedicating some decorative attention to your sidewalk, you transform it from a simple…

Sidewalk art shows are held all over the country. They’re often a good showcase for artists, and if an artist is lucky, some of the people stopping to look at the artwork may buy some of the…

Sidewalk cracks may seem like a minor annoyance, but they can actually be a fairly serious hazard. Aside from being unsightly, cracks in a concrete sidewalk can trip up pedestrians or cause…

During the winter, many parts of the world receive snowstorms. Because snow that has been left on a sidewalk quickly turns into ice, it is important to clear the sidewalk of snow. However, even if you…

Ice-melt products dissolve ice by decreasing water's freezing point. When possible, avoid purchasing rock salt, calcium chloride- and ammonium-containing melts, which can corrode the sidewalk, damage…

As essential part of the landscape, a sidewalk connects different parts of the yard and channels traffic away from grass, mud or flowerbeds. Although sidewalks are made from different materials,…

The most common material used for sidewalks is concrete. Laying or pouring the concrete produces a smooth durable surface leading from the door of the home to garages, driveways or the street. The…

Pits, cracks or holes in concrete sidewalks, walkways or driveways can present inconveniences and walking hazards. Repairing a pitted or cracked sidewalk is fairly simple if the damage is minor. The…

Edging serves both functional and aesthetic purposes for a brick walkway. If the bricks are dry-laid over sand instead of cement, edging provides the horizontal restraint necessary to keep bricks from…

A sunken sidewalk is an eyesore and a tripping hazard. The damage will spread as water accumulates, creating deep cracks and saturating the ground around the sidewalk. If the sunken slab is located…

Icy or snowy sidewalks are an annoyance to home or business owners and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians. Additionally, many municipalities require property owners to clear sidewalks of snow…

Icy sidewalks are a common wintertime inconvenience, and a hazard, in cold climates. Snow and ice must be removed from driveways, sidewalks and other walkways promptly to prevent dangerous walking and…

Icy sidewalks outside a home or business, in a park or along a college campus are hazardous and create dangerous situations for pedestrians. Many different cures are available to melt the ice and make…

Poor drainage can destroy a sidewalk, creating a hazard and taking away from the appearance of the yard. If pavement has an excessive number of deep cracks, patching it will only be a temporary fix.…

Good drainage is essential for a sidewalk. Without it, the foundation could wear away over time, causing the slab to sink. On the surface, standing water can create unsightly pits and cracks. Cutting…

As the owner of a shop in a slowly-revitalizing historic neighborhood, you enthusiastically support your fellow-merchants' idea of replacing concrete pavement with more authentic brick sidewalks. One…

Installing flagstones next to your sidewalk widens the walking path and adds visual appeal to an otherwise boring area. Flagstone is available at your local garden center and comes in irregular shapes…

During the winter, snow and ice form slippery surfaces on sidewalks, making them treacherous for passersby and those who use the area routinely. To ensure that you do not slip and take a spill this…

A sidewalk is an important part of the overall landscape plan, connecting one or more parts of the yard and preventing people from walking over your lawn or through mud. Depending on personal…

When a sidewalk crosses the path of where you want to install your drain pipe, you can either dig up the sidewalk or try to tunnel underneath. Tunneling underneath is by far the easiest, cheapest and…

"Don't step on the cracks, you'll break your mother's back," the childhood rhyme goes. But those cracks and bumps in the city sidewalk may pose a real hazard to those walking outside your home. When…

Cable television, invisible pet fences and low voltage lighting cables are among the items that often need to run across and under a lawn. Digging up the grass is easy, but when you come to a sidewalk…

Sunken concrete in a walkway is a dangerous situation to have on your property, not to mention unsightly. It can pose a hazard for a fall, and if it is on the public sidewalk running along your…

Sidewalks provide pedestrians with a safe pathway in which to walk, especially when adjacent to a busy street or intersection. Most towns have traffic and safety departments that conduct pedestrian…

Glass chips add a luminous, decorative contrast to an aggregate landscape. Made of crushed rocks, sand and cement, an aggregate patio, walkway or driveway offers a strong and durable, but often…

Sidewalks and walkways play a part in the overall look of the home and because of this, many homeowners elect to paint or color theirs. Coloring sidewalk concrete or cement is possible through…

Concrete has great compressive strength, and the ability to withstand heavy weight or downward pressure. It has very little tensile strength, and the ability to withstand stretching or bending.…

Just because you have carefully poured a fresh batch of cement into the forms for a sidewalk does not mean that your job is over. In fact, if you simply let the cement cure naturally, you may notice…

A concrete pad can extend your outdoor living space as a patio, or serve as a driveway or walkway through your yard. Savvy and inexperienced landscapers alike can install a concrete pad over a…

Exposure to daily stress and harsh weather can cause cracks and pits in aggregate sidewalks over time. Poured aggregate is similar to concrete, only it contains stones and pebbles that add strength…

Installing a new concrete sidewalk or concrete slab is a major project and one that you need to get right the first time through. When concrete sets, it is nearly impossible to make changes to it.…

Control joints in concrete walkways keep cracks contained so that the structural integrity of the concrete isn't compromised. The pattern of the joints has a visual impact; thoughtless placement of…

During the winter, water runs underneath sidewalks that have loose soil. When the water freezes it lifts the sidewalk up. When the water melts and runs away, soil may run away with it. This will cause…

Over time, the earth beneath a sidewalk can compact, resulting in the slabs beginning to sink at diagonal angles to each other. This can result in water pooling, cracked slabs and possible tripping…

A Weedeater is a lawn tool and makes short work of trimming around fixed items such as trees and man-made structures. An electric Weedeater is more eco-friendly than a gas-powered one and is less…

If you have a residential space such as a condominium or town home or have commercial space and need to make a parking spot for persons with disabilities, you'll need to mark a reserved space with a…

Sidewalks sometimes tip due to the growth of tree roots or other shifts in the soil under the sidewalk. In large-scale cases professional services may be necessary. Contractors use high pressure…

Over time some concrete surfaces begin to crack or crumble due to water seepage and the process of freezing and thawing. If a section of your sidewalk is beyond repair or causes a tripping hazard, you…

The polished look and long-lasting function of concrete walkways can enhance landscapes. Wet concrete hardens into the shape of the form it is poured in, allowing you to customize the surface to…

Paving a walkway in concrete results in a solid, long-lasting surface. Whether you want to add a casual garden path or a formal front entrance to your landscape, the neutral look of concrete blends…

Finding a spider in your home or garden is unnerving, especially if you live in an area where poisonous spiders are common. Researching the type of spider will keep you from potentially dangerous…

Weeds can come up in places all over your property. Normally, you might expect to see weeds in your lawn, throughout your garden or around other landscaping features, but weeds that appear through…

Although new concrete should not crack, if it dries out too fast, or if the concrete foundation shifts, cracking is a possibility. If cracking does occur, you can patch the crack with fresh cement. If…

Cement sidewalks add a long-lasting functional surface to a landscape, but the plain gray slab can be an eyesore amidst lush grass and colorful flowers. From natural stones and pavers to bricks,…

When a utility or water line needs to be installed underneath a walkway, you'll need to dig a trench. If you're installing a sprinkler system and your lawn is separated by walkways, you can trench…

Icy sidewalks that stem from cold winter weather can be annoying at best and can create extremely hazardous walking conditions. Deicing salt generally contains multiple chemicals like sodium chloride…

A concrete sidewalk provides a smooth surface for foot traffic, bikes and transporting equipment without taking attention away from gardens and landscaping. Installing a concrete sidewalk is a project…

Cement is a common material for making sidewalks, but it is not the only option when you want to pave a walkway. There are many different materials you can use for sidewalks to give them fresh and…

Creating an edge to a sidewalk is a necessary finishing touch that removes some of the weak areas of the concrete that could lead to early damage. An unfinished edge is sharp and often jagged. This…

Weeds and unwanted plants that pop up in between the cracks of your patio look unattractive. To kill them, you can choose from several weed killers on the market. The problem is, most of these…

Sidewalks provide a smooth surface for walking as well as moving bikes, wheelchairs and equipment. Sidewalk construction entails excavating for and laying a solid foundation. Concrete, pavers and…

Concrete sidewalks provide a weather-resistant surface that can last for many years when installed correctly. Low-maintenance and more affordable than other paving materials like natural stone,…

Most people do not think about the fresh water that flows underneath their property. But they can tap into the aquifer and have a free source of water, by expending a little labor effort and time.…

Decorative concrete blocks with patterns stamped into them can be an attractive addition to your garden or yard. Making the block itself is relatively straightforward, but the process of stamping the…

Installing a concrete sidewalk is not typically a task taken on by most do-it-yourselfers. It involves digging, installing a wood or steel grid and precisely mixing and pouring the concrete. If you've…

When an in-ground irrigation system is installed, it often happens that the line will need to cross a solid surface, such as a driveway. Running the pipes over or around such an obstacle is not…

Acid washing flagstone is one of the last steps in the installation process. After the grout and mortar sets, you can acid wash the surface of the flagstone to remove any haze or residue from the…

The largest, most powerful weedeaters or trimmers are not always the ideal unit for your needs. A large price tag or a popular name brand does not always equate to the best unit for your yard.…

Flagstone paths and walkways make a striking addition to the exterior of any home. They give your outdoor space a more natural quality than concrete or asphalt that is as sturdy as it is aesthetically…

Building a concrete sidewalk is a manageable do-it-yourself project, as while it involves considerable care and concentration, the job requires no truly specialized skills. After digging out the work…

Salt is applied to roads in areas when there is a possibility of icing or snow. Road maintenance workers may dump a plain salt product from the rear of trucks after a road has been plowed or may…

Winter weather can present motorists with dangerous driving conditions. Road salt is used to combat ice and snow. Its fast-acting properties help restore roadways and sidewalks to safer travel…

Occasionally, renovation projects require placing irrigation pipes or electrical wires under a driveway. Digging a trench through the driveway is difficult and expensive. Horizontal boring under the…

Many homes in urban areas have in front of them sidewalks, which are designed for pedestrians who travel by foot. Sidewalks are also used by cyclists and children at play. Obstructions on sidewalks…

Sidewalks once were a vital part of every American community. They were how people walked to school, went to church, got to the store. But with subdivision sprawl after World War II, developers…

Staining a sidewalk can instantly enhance its decorative qualities, transforming an unforgettable outdoor area into a striking space. Staining cement is different from painting it; while paint puts a…

Whether you live in the country, the city or the suburbs, you can install sidewalks on your property for about half the cost of what a professional contractor would charge you for supplies and labor.…

Weeds in driveway cracks are more than just an eyesore. They can lead to bigger cracks as roots grow deep, soil accumulates and weeds go to seed. Simply pulling them seldom works because even a tiny…

Sidewalk repair reduces pedestrian injuries. It is also an important part of maintaining the appearance and value of personal property. It is becoming increasingly common for municipalities to adopt…

If you need a sidewalk, you should consider doing it yourself to save money. You should be able to do the job with the help of some friends and some borrowed or rented concrete tools.

Cracks in a sidewalk that aren't repaired cause significant structural damage over time. Concrete pores soak up moisture which freezes and thaws during inclement weather, resulting in more damage. In…

Sidewalks can mean much more to a business owner than a walkway. Sidewalks can be an uniquely designed entry way to their business. Modern designs often replace the traditional cement sidewalks of…

When installing a sprinkler system, you may need to cross under a sidewalk to connect landscape or lawn areas to your irrigation zones. There are many specialized devices that can accomplish the…

Sidewalks develop cracks over time due to the earth under them settling. If the change is great enough, you may need to resurface sidewalks not only for aesthetic reasons, but for safety's sake, as…

Installing a sidewalk requires more than just laying down concrete. To avoid unattractive cracks in your new sidewalk, it is important to install expansion joints. Expansion joints provide a cushion…

Freezing rains cause slippery roads, slick steps and icy sidewalks. This makes walking around the homestead very dangerous. Many accidents happen due to frozen ice on walking areas like sidewalks or…

Salts are commonly formed by the reaction of an acid with a base. Common forms of salt include sodium chloride, potassium chloride and calcium chloride. Salts dissolved in water lower the freezing…

One of the first things people see when they look at your home is the sidewalk and walkway to the front door. If you have a sidewalk full of cracks and uneven blocks, not only is it unattractive, but…

Pathways edged with flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing, but help to keep feet off the grass and on the path. Flowers for the sidewalk have to be durable and prolific bloomers. Different…

If you live somewhere with cold winters, snow is one of the great joys of childhood. Unfortunately, for adults it can be one of the great hassles. In many areas, a foot or more of snow can accumulate…

Stain your outdated cement sidewalk and improve your landscape dramatically in a single weekend. Digging up concrete walkways requires heavy labor and, sometimes, a professional excavator. Stains have…

A brick sidewalk offers a rustic and charming look to a home. A brick sidewalk is long-lasting, durable alternative to traditional concrete. Bricks are available in many sizes, shapes and colors…

An aggregate sidewalk is a concrete sidewalk that has the aggregate showing through the top of the concrete to create an attractive, slip-resistant surface. Aggregate is a mix of stone pieces,…

Sidewalks offer a safe place off the road to walk, play or ride a bicycle. A sidewalk, typically made of concrete, provides a hard, even path to home, free of muddy conditions or uneven grassy areas.

If you wish to build a beautiful walkway leading up your house from the driveway, or maybe a pathway in your backyard to your garden or shed, a cement sidewalk is a practical and visually appealing…

Speaking with a sidewalk repair contractor up front about payment options can avoid unpleasant surprises when the bill comes. In general, payment options include cash, personal check, credit card, or…

Sidewalk repair is a hotly contested issue between homeowners and the cities or areas they live in. Sidewalks typically run through homeowners' land, yet they are considered public property. Each city…

The most common cause of lifting concrete slabs is tree-root growth, pushing at the soil under the slab and displacing it. There are two approaches to rectifying this problem. The first requires…

A sidewalk is one of many areas where ice and snow collect during bad weather. An sidewalk is dangerous to walk on if even a small amount of ice is present on its surface. To melt the ice, use a…

The smooth curve of gutter and curb appear like they've come out of a factory mold. But the components of a sidewalk aren't precast in forms; they're crafted in place with a skilled touch and sidewalk…

Both federal and state laws mandate that public locations must have reserved parking for people with disabilities. These spaces are marked with a painted handicap logo on the ground, which is also…

Concrete sealant provides a protective coating for masonry surfaces. Seal a stamped concrete sidewalk with a non-breathable sealant to protect the surface of the stamped concrete from absorbing…

Flagstone is a flat stone that has been used in both interior and exterior design since the 14th century. Compositionally, flagstone is considered a type of sandstone, which means it is at least 50…

Homeowners do not think much about sidewalks until they become damaged and an eyesore. Sidewalks often handle heavy traffic, but many people do not protect them as they should. As a result, sidewalks…

Is a broken or chipped sidewalk ruining the landscaping around your home? If you are a homeowner, you will at some point likely find your sidewalk in need of repair. You can easily fix the sidewalk on…

Many people think that an old cracked or broken concrete sidewalk needs to be broken up with a jackhammer, removed and completely replaced. With many concrete sidewalks, this is not necessarily the…

Concrete sidewalk heaves result from water flooding beneath the pavement and freezing. The freezing water expands, pushing the pavement upwards, and causing an uneven joint between concrete slabs. The…

If you live in areas where heavy snowfall and ice is eminent each year, seeing salt trucks populate the roads is the norm. Ever wonder why salt is the treatment of choice for melting ice? Is it…

An uneven sidewalk can be not only be unsightly but also a major safety hazard. A newer construction process called mudjacking is a cleaner and simpler way of fixing sidewalks that are uneven. You can…

Removing snow from a sidewalk is important for several reasons. You can be ticketed in most communities for not clearing your walkway. It's also important for you, people in your home and your…

Finishing concrete is the act of smoothing the surface down to an even finish, which results in a professional-looking job. Finishing off a concrete sidewalk properly is especially important, as the…

Zoysia are hardy warm-weather grasses that are often used in lawns. A lawn with Zoysia grass is green and lush when it's not dormant during the cooler months. Zoysia grasses are aggressive and will…

Sidewalks intended for home use are often more shallow than sidewalks rated for commercial or industrial use, and home sidewalks tend to be built on ground that is less compact and more subject to…

Asphalt is created from a mix of gravel and petroleum substances. The petroleum binds with the gravel, and, heated and packed, it will dry to form a very hard and water-resistant surface. Although a…

After a freeze, a thin or almost invisible layer of ice can form on sidewalks and walkways, posing danger to those who travel on them. Ice-melting products let you remove this hazard, but using them…

Brick sidewalks are beautiful and easy to install. Unfortunately, they also tend to "move" over time. They can be pushed up by tree roots or just shifted thanks to water runoff and erosion.…

A settling or sinking sidewalk is not only unattractive, but it can also be dangerous. Guests approaching your home can trip on the sidewalk if it is uneven and sinking. The old-fashioned way to fix a…

If you are laying a sprinkler system, drainpipe or electricity lines, you may need to lay pipe underneath a sidewalk. This makes it necessary to bore a hole under the sidewalk, instead of breaking up…

Repairing a sunken sidewalk takes some tools, a cement mixer, a portable pump and a little construction know-how. The impediment is easy to stumble over, as portions of the pavement are noticeably…

Patterned concrete or imprinted concrete is commonly referred to as "stamped" concrete. This is concrete, that while still wet, is impregnated with color or designs to resemble slate, stone,…

Sidewalks let people and pets walk from point to point without stepping in dirt or mud. They are functional and durable, but normally quite bland and do little to enhance the visual appeal of a…

One of the joys of spring is creating gardens to beautify your home. Sidewalk gardens, those lovely edging strips that line the path to your door, make your yard bright and interesting. Whether you…

Framing a sidewalk is a relatively simple activity you can perform on your own, or with the help of a friend. Do-it-yourself home projects are very rewarding and are also a great way to save money.…

Moss is a type of ground plant common in shaded, moist environments. Sidewalks that offer such an environment may quickly become overgrown, creating a health hazard and risk because of the moss…

Rubber sidewalks are a natural outgrowth from the recycled tires that have been used in playgrounds over the past few years. Here are some tips on how you can use a rubber sidewalk in your landscape…

Need a nice sidewalk to walk from the back door to your garden area? Building a flagstone walkway will add beauty and charm to your backyard summer landscape. Here is how to build a flagstone…

Concrete sidewalks are functional, but boring. A more attractive way to create designated paths is to use flagstones. Making a flagstone sidewalk is actually very straightforward, with the principal…

Learn how to make a sidewalk for your yard by using simple tools. You can save a lot of money by doing your own labor.

Simple steps to designing and creating an attractive stone path or sidewalk

Sidewalks are enjoying a resurgence of popularity as people seek to make their towns more pedestrian-friendly. If a town is retrofitting to add sidewalks, many homeowners may be surprised that the…

Weeds can sprout up anywhere, even right in the middle of your decorative walkway. Sometimes commercial weed killers can take care of the problem, but other times they just aren't up to snuff. The…

Depending on where you live, you may or may not encounter extreme winter weather conditions. If you’re from a part of the country where the weather dips below freezing, you’ve most…

Want a sharp, clean lawn? It's easy. One of the most commonly skipped areas in routine, domestic lawn care is weedeating -- more specifically edging the sidewalk with a weedeater. You don't have to…

Sidewalks break down over time due to wear and tear, and as they expand and contract due to changes in the weather. If you are ready for your next sidewalk replacement, the steps below will help you…

The age old winter dilemma of icy sidewalks does not have to be an enormous hassle. In many areas, ice or snow covered sidewalks are often the responsibility of the property owners each winter.…