Concrete Walkway Options

Stained Concrete

• Concrete stains add color and style to an otherwise flat gray slab. Stains are available in both powder and liquid, and are typically applied to a poured concrete surface once it hardens. In general, the sooner stain is applied the more saturated the color will be. Most varieties can be applied with sprayers or a paintbrush. Stain your walkway with an earthy burnt orange, clay red or wheat for a natural look, or try an aqua hue to make the walkway stand out. Common stains include acrylic and acid. Acid stains can react with minerals in the concrete, while acrylic stains offer predictable, even color.

Stamped Concrete

• Concrete stamps add a textural pattern to a poured concrete walkway. Create the look by impressing stamps in wet concrete approximately 15 minutes after the concrete is poured and leveled. Choose from stamps designed to resemble bricks, stones and cobblestones as well as designs like a chevron pattern. Stamping concrete is a simple process of aligning the joints and applying even pressure to either a stamp roller or textured rubber mats.

Concrete Pavers

• Poured into molds of various sizes, concrete pavers are typically available as uniform rectangles, but additional options include circular and interlocking concrete pavers. Installing pavers is a different process from pouring concrete, but equally straightforward. Install edge restraints along the side of the walkway and set the pavers over a base of gravel and sand, or mortar. Set the pavers in a classic pattern like basket weave, or create your own design using different sizes and colors. Once set, stuff the joints with sand and seal concrete pavers with penetrating sealant to increase durability.

Exposed Aggregate

• Exposed aggregate gives a rustic finish to a new walkway. Mix ¾-inch aggregate rocks into your wet mix, and then pour the concrete over the walkway site. Once the concrete is dry, about four days later, power wash the surface to expose the larger pieces of rock. Aggregate rocks come in a variety of natural colors so you can customize the result. Line the edges with low-growing flowers like geraniums for color and bold textural contrast.