Concrete remains a gold standard building material due to its 80-year lifespan. Its strength makes concrete ideal for high-traffic projects like sidewalks. Alternate walkway materials like mulch and rock need replenishing each year. Homeowners installing a new sidewalk assume it must be a straight, plain path. Concrete’s versatility means you can create any sidewalk design you desire.
With countless sidewalk designs available, it’s hard to narrow down the right one. The important thing to remember is to keep the walkway functional for your needs.
Grab sketching supplies and head out to where you want the new sidewalk. Use these tips to sketch out your concrete sidewalk design.
1.Mix Up Your Walkways With Stamped Concrete
A plain concrete sidewalk doesn’t bring much to your landscaping design. Adding a stamped design turns an uninspiring sidewalk into a magical pathway.
Stamped concrete patterns you should try:
- Wood plank
- Brick
- Flagstone
- Slate
- Cobblestone
- Bluestone
With the right coloring, stamped concrete looks like the material it’s imitating. You get the same beautiful textures without the trip hazards.
2. Work the Walkway into the Landscaping
Walking down the garden path takes you on a journey through nature. There’s no rule saying the path must remain straight with squared edges. What if instead, the pathway wound around the trees to reveal vibrant flowerbeds?
The one thing to remember is your walkways need proper foundations. Tree roots too close to the sidewalks grow under them, cracking the cement. Try planting deep-rooting trees like dogwood and install sturdy path foundations.
3.Play With Different Textures in Your Sidewalk Design
Smooth concrete sidewalks in damp regions tend to develop slippery moss. A creative way to prevent any falls is to add textured materials to the concrete.
Materials you can mix into concrete walkways:
- Pebbles
- Ocean glass
- Seashells
- River rocks
Whatever you pick, make sure it has no sharp edges once it’s set in the concrete. Use weaker materials like seashells along the borders with low foot traffic.
4.Widen the Concrete Walkways
Your home, like many, came with a walkway wide enough for one person. When guests visit, they’re forced to walk up separately or on part of the lawn.
Rip out your old, awkward walkway and install a wider one in its place. A wider path to the front door makes your home look inviting.
When creating your sidewalk design, plan for at least a four-foot-wide pathway. Ask the pros at https://www.mdpavingpros.com/ if a wider path fits your home’s architectural design.
5.Don’t Forget the Lights
Pathway lights highlight the best parts of your garden throughout the night. They also keep you safe in case there are any trip hazards on the sidewalks.
Solar LED lights are easy to install yourself in one afternoon. Pick places along the sidewalk that don’t get any light. Make sure to add light to any steps in the garden and along the patio’s edge.
Spice Up Your Landscaping With a Unique Sidewalk Design
Your sidewalk design can boost the value of your home. A well-made sidewalk can last 80 years, and unique designs are always in fashion.
Keep these tips in mind to make sure your sidewalk design lasts a lifetime. Don’t shy away from mixing textures and design for a true custom walkway.
Browse through our articles to find other DIY projects that’ll liven up your yard.