Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface that's poured directly on the ground. This includes sidewalks, walkways, paths, entryways, and other areas where you need a solid, level surface for foot traffic. It's called flatwork because the finished surface is flat and smooth, though we can add texture for traction and visual interest.

Your walkways and sidewalks serve important purposes beyond getting from point A to point B. They protect your landscaping from foot traffic, prevent mud and dirt from being tracked inside, improve accessibility, and add curb appeal to your property. Well-designed concrete flatwork also guides visitors safely to your entrance and creates defined paths through your outdoor spaces.

Quality flatwork requires more than just pouring concrete and smoothing it out. The base must be properly prepared and compacted. The grade needs to allow water to drain away without pooling. Thickness must be adequate for the expected use. Joints need to be placed correctly to control cracking. When these details are handled right, you get walkways that stay level, drain properly, and last for decades without major problems.

At AVD Avondale Concrete, we've poured thousands of feet of sidewalks and walkways throughout Avondale. We understand local soil conditions, drainage requirements, and how Arizona's climate affects concrete performance. Your flatwork project gets the same attention to detail whether it's a simple front walkway or an elaborate path system throughout your property.

Your walkway or sidewalk needs to last for years without settling, cracking, or becoming a safety hazard. That requires proper installation from start to finish. Here's our process:

Site Assessment and Planning

We start by evaluating your property's grade, drainage patterns, and soil conditions. This helps us determine the best path layout, required slope for water runoff, and any special base preparation needed. We also locate underground utilities before any digging begins.

Excavation and Base Prep

We excavate to the proper depth and remove any unstable soil or organic material. Then we install a compacted base layer that provides solid, uniform support. For areas with poor drainage or expansive soil, we may add extra base material or install drainage solutions.

Forming and Grading

We set forms to create clean, straight edges and establish the correct slope for drainage. Proper grading ensures water flows away from buildings and doesn't pool on the surface. Even small errors in grade can cause long-term drainage problems.

Reinforcement Installation

We place wire mesh or rebar to add tensile strength and control cracking. The reinforcement is positioned at the correct height within the concrete, not sitting on the base where it provides no benefit.

Concrete Pour and Finish

We pour concrete mixed for Arizona conditions, spread it evenly, and finish it to the specified texture. For standard walkways, a broom finish provides good traction. For decorative applications, we offer various stamping and coloring options similar to our stamped concrete services.

Joint Cutting and Curing

We cut control joints at proper intervals to guide where cracks form, keeping them in controlled locations rather than random patterns across your walkway. Then we protect the concrete during curing to ensure it reaches full strength. We'll let you know when it's safe to walk on and use normally.