Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

The Importance of Quality Walkways

Sidewalks and walkways do more than just provide a path from point A to point B. They improve safety by giving people a clear, level surface to walk on. They protect your lawn from wear patterns and mud tracks. And they add visual appeal by defining spaces and creating structure in your landscape.

A well-designed walkway guides visitors to your front door, connects your driveway to your home, or creates a pleasant path through your garden. It eliminates muddy tracks in rainy weather and provides safe footing at night. Quality concrete walkways require minimal maintenance and last for decades.

At SCM Sumter Concrete, we have been installing sidewalks, walkways, and all types of flatwork since 2024. We understand how to design pathways that flow naturally, drain properly, and complement your property. Whether you need a simple front walk or an elaborate garden pathway, we have the skills to build it right.

Benefits of Concrete Walkways

• Creates safe, trip-free walking surfaces
• Lasts 25 to 30 years with minimal upkeep
• Handles foot traffic and weather without damage
• Increases property value and curb appeal
• Requires less maintenance than pavers or stone
• Available in many colors, textures, and patterns
• Prevents lawn damage and muddy paths

Whether you are building new walkways or replacing old cracked sidewalks, concrete provides an excellent combination of durability, appearance, and value.

Types of Flatwork We Install

Flatwork is the term contractors use for any horizontal concrete surface. This includes sidewalks, walkways, paths, steps, and various other applications around your property. We install all types of residential and commercial flatwork.

Front sidewalks are the most common type. These run from your driveway or street to your front door. They are typically 3 to 4 feet wide and built to handle regular foot traffic plus occasional deliveries and moving furniture. We make sure they slope properly for drainage and meet your property grade smoothly.

Garden paths and backyard walkways can be narrower and more decorative. These might wind through landscaping, connect your patio to a shed, or provide access to different areas of your yard. We can make them straight and functional or curved and artistic depending on your style.

Concrete steps are another specialty. Whether you need stairs from your driveway to your front door or steps to handle grade changes in your yard, we can build them solid and safe. Properly built concrete steps are much more durable than wood and require zero maintenance.

We also install commercial sidewalks for businesses, municipalities, and property managers. These need to meet ADA requirements for width and slope. We understand these codes and build sidewalks that pass inspection the first time.

Common Flatwork Applications

• Front entry sidewalks and paths
• Garden pathways and stepping stone alternatives
• Concrete stairs and steps
• Service walkways to sheds and outbuildings
• Pool approach walkways and safety paths
• Commercial sidewalks and ADA-compliant paths
• Parking lot walkways and curb work

No matter what type of flatwork you need, we bring the same attention to quality and detail. Every project gets proper preparation, quality materials, and skilled installation.

Design and Customization

Your walkways do not have to be plain gray concrete. We offer many options to create pathways that enhance your landscape and complement your home architecture. The design possibilities range from simple and affordable to elaborate and decorative.

A standard broom finish provides good traction and a clean, traditional appearance. This is the most economical option and works well for most residential walkways. You can also choose a smooth finish for a more modern look, though smooth surfaces can be slippery when wet.

For more visual interest, we can add exposed aggregate finishes, stamped patterns, or colored concrete. Exposed aggregate reveals the stones in the concrete mix and creates a textured, decorative surface. This works beautifully for garden paths and premium entryways.

Stamped concrete allows you to create walkways that look like natural stone, brick, or pavers. You get the high-end appearance without the high-end price or maintenance. Check out our stamped and decorative concrete page to see the pattern options.

We can also vary the width and shape of walkways to fit your space and style. Gentle curves often look more natural in landscapes than straight lines. Wider paths feel more welcoming. Borders in contrasting colors add elegance. During your consultation, we will discuss all your options and help you design walkways that work perfectly for your property.

The right design makes your walkways both functional and attractive. We consider factors like your home style, existing landscaping, foot traffic patterns, and your budget to create the perfect solution.

Installation Process

Proper installation is critical for walkways that will last. Sidewalks take constant foot traffic, handle weather extremes, and need to stay level and safe for years. Cutting corners during installation leads to cracks, settling, and trip hazards down the road.

We start by carefully laying out the path and marking the edges. We want to make sure the route makes sense, the width is appropriate, and everything flows well before we start digging. We also check for underground utilities and obstacles.

Next, we excavate to the proper depth and ensure correct slope for drainage. Water should never pool on a walkway. We create a slight grade so water runs off to the sides or toward drainage areas. We also make sure the walkway meets surrounding surfaces smoothly without creating trip hazards.

We then install and compact a gravel base. This provides stability and drainage under the concrete. For walkways in our clay soils, this base layer is especially important to prevent settling and cracking.

When we pour, we use quality concrete and work carefully to achieve the right thickness, slope, and finish. We cut control joints at proper spacing to manage cracking. And we protect the concrete while it cures so it reaches full strength.

The entire process typically takes 2 to 3 days for most residential walkway projects. You can usually walk on the new concrete after 24 hours, though we recommend waiting a full week before putting heavy loads on it.

Compliance and Safety

For commercial properties and public walkways, meeting ADA requirements is not optional. Sidewalks must be the right width, have proper slopes, include appropriate ramps, and meet specific surface texture requirements. We know these rules and build compliant sidewalks that pass inspection.

Even for residential work, safety matters. We design walkways to avoid trip hazards. We create smooth transitions where paths meet other surfaces. We ensure adequate traction to prevent slips. And we build to last so your walkways do not develop dangerous cracks or settling over time.

Proper lighting is also important for safe walkways. While we do not install lighting, we can coordinate with electricians and plan for lighting integration during construction. Well-lit pathways prevent accidents and make your property more secure.

Safety Features We Include

• Proper slope for drainage and accessibility
• Textured finishes for slip resistance
• Smooth transitions between surfaces
• Control joints to manage cracking
• Adequate width for safe passage
• Proper grade to eliminate trip hazards
• ADA compliance when required

Safety is not something you compromise on. We build every walkway to be safe for everyone who uses it, from children to seniors to people with mobility challenges. Call us at (803) 883-0376 to discuss your sidewalk or walkway project.

Frequently Asked Questions