Small slab, same rules.
Walkways are narrow, which makes them more sensitive to settling. A walk poured on loose fill next to a house, where the soil was backfilled during construction, often sinks at one end within a few years. Compacting that soil and adding a stone base keeps it level.
Common walkway projects
- Front walks from the driveway to the porch
- Side-yard paths to the backyard, trash cans or a gate
- Paths connecting a patio to the driveway
- Replacing a cracked or heaved section of an existing walk
- Concrete steps and landings
Width and layout
Three feet is the minimum most people are comfortable with. Four feet lets two people walk side by side and makes it easier to roll a wheelbarrow or trash can. Gentle curves usually cost little more than straight runs and look more natural in a front yard.
Steps
Steps should be consistent. Uneven step heights are what people trip on. New steps are formed to even rise and run, with a broom finish for grip when it's wet.
Matching your driveway
A new walk can match a broom-finish driveway, or get a stamped border or full stamped finish to dress up the front of the house.