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An Introduction to Driveways and Sidewalks. Details make a difference in the way we walk, ride, and drive. by This Old House. iStock. Driveways, walkways, and sidewalks often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. We expect these surfaces to be smooth, safe, attractive, adequately sized, and fairly maintenance-free.
- Front Walk Site. You may need a building permit—check to be sure. At this site, we didn’t need a building permit to pour a residential sidewalk on private property.
- Two Heavy-Duty Wheelbarrows Can Save the Day. Secure your tools a day ahead of time or at least contact the rental store to reserve them for the pour day to make sure they’re at the site when the truck comes.
- Layout the Walkway. Digging out the path is 80 percent of the job. Lay out the path with 6-in. ripped strips of hardboard siding tacked to temporary stakes.
- Dig Out the Sidewalk Path. It took two of us a whole day to cut off the sod and dig out the path to prepare the base for this sidewalk. Believe it or not, pouring and finishing the concrete sidewalk was easier, faster and a lot more fun than excavating.
- Overbuild Your Concrete Forms. Every builder who’s poured a concrete slab or walkway has a horror story about forms that bulged or even collapsed under the force of wet concrete.
- Form Concrete Sidewalk Curves with Hardboard. Fiber cement board siding is intended for exterior walls, but it’s also great stuff for forming curves because it’s flexible and cheap.
- Keep Stakes Below the Concrete Forms. Stakes that project above forms create a hurdle for your screed board—and screeding concrete is hard enough without obstacles.
- Put Down a Solid Base for Concrete. A firm, well-drained base is the key to crack-free concrete. The best plan for a solid base usually includes compacted soil followed by several inches of a base material such as gravel.
Oct 6, 2020 · If sidewalks are present, the apron typically extends to the edge of the sidewalk closest to the house. In many communities, the area on the street side of a sidewalk is considered an...
- Clean Lines. This home features clean lines throughout including the roof line, the porch exterior, the fence, and the garage door. The driveway is no different and features horizontal concrete slabs for a cohesive look that's clean, simple, and visually-appealing.
- A Combination of Concrete and Dirt. The black exterior of this home has a country cottage-style look that stands out against its green surroundings. To keep with the cottage look, the concrete driveway turns are paired with a dirt drive that helps the home's black exterior shine even more.
- Concrete Tiles. When you typically think of a concrete driveway, you probably picture two to four large concrete slabs. However, if you want to add more interest to your driveway, consider a concrete tile driveway.
- Concrete Pavers. The concrete pavers in front of this garage and front entrance blend seamlessly with the rest of the home's exterior. The stained pavers complement the colors of the rest of the home including the lush garden.
- Veronica Toney
- Stamped Concrete Driveway. Choose a driveway material that matches the exterior of the home. A stamped concrete driveway in the same color palette as the exterior stones gives this home a relaxing, villa-style welcome.
- Pebble and Brick Driveway. Mix driveway materials for an attractive and durable look. Pebble stones look nice and don’t require a lot of maintenance, which is important for a large driveway.
- Neutral Driveway. A light, neutral color on the driveway is an easy way to make a home’s exterior pop. The smooth concrete used here offers a blank slate that doesn’t compete with the warm colors, bold lines and details of the home.
- Expanded Driveway. If you only have a short distance between the road and the garage, give cars some extra space by extending the driveway around the house.
Dec 9, 2020 · 10 Ideas for Concrete Entryways. Stairs and Steps. Stamped Concrete Walkways. Concrete Garden Bridges. Front Porch Designs and Ideas. Installing and Maintaining Concrete Walkways. Concrete Walkway Cost. Building Tips for Concrete Sidewalks & Walkways. Sealing and Protecting Walkways & Sidewalks. Sidewalk Pavers. Other Resources.
