Concrete Finishing Techniques for Sidewalks

Broom Finish

• A simple broom finish isn't as exciting as other, more-decorative finishes, but it's the most common for sidewalks and other areas where a rough surface is needed for safety. This finish requires you to drag a broom across the surface of the concrete after it's set but before it hardens. A basic house broom will work, but a larger push broom makes the finishing work go faster. Adjusting the roughness of the surface is done with a hand float to smooth down any bumpy areas.

Exposed Aggregate

• The natural beauty of small stones and pebbles makes the exposed-aggregate finish a good choice for sidewalks near your home. Professionals use large equipment to remove the surface of freshly poured concrete and expose the gravel within. Adding a layer of pea gravel allows you to control the color and size of the aggregate topping. You can also spray away the top layer of concrete with a spray nozzle while it's still wet to expose the gravel.

Staining

• If you like the smooth finish of floated poured concrete but not the plain gray color, try some of the concrete stains available. These powders are mixed with water and brushed or sprayed directly on the wet concrete and give it a tint. You can also color the concrete of your new sidewalk by adding dyes before the concrete is poured. When combined with decorative forms or stamps, it's easy to mimic the look of brick or stone pavers on your new sidewalk.

Jointing

• Sidewalks require small grooves at regular intervals to allow the slabs to move slightly without cracking as moisture content changes. Adding these control grooves is an essential part of concrete finishing. Joints are scraped into the concrete with a grooving tool, or a saw with a diamond blade capable of cleanly cutting through concrete. Cutting extra control joints in a grid adds a decorative touch that mimics pavers or other materials.