How to Design Concrete Walkways

Sketch all buildings on the property, landscaping and road accesses.

Review landscaping books and magazines to get ideas for curving a sidewalk area or making it different widths in places to add visual interest. Design the walkways in sections, so the concrete pour will not crack over time. Plan to divide the walkways into three- to four-foot linear sections, for example.

Define a pathway from a curbside to the front of the house by drawing a concrete walkway that is wide enough to be clearly visible and for two people to walk comfortably side by side. Sketch steps leading up from the street area, if necessary, that will feature handrails installed for safety.

Draw a walkway to be constructed from a front entrance around to a side door or a garage, if this is appropriate. Create a secondary walkway to be less noticed, since too much concrete will overpower the landscaping. Design this walkway to be wide enough for only one person, if desired. Design sidewalks leading around a house, for example, to blend in with the landscaping rather than to stand out.

Avoid placing too much concrete in one area of a yard, since multiple concrete walkways tend to give property a more commercial look. If a long sidewalk is necessary through a yard area, consider leaving grass between the sections to help the sidewalk blend into the landscaping.

Use measuring tools to define the length and width of concrete walkways and add the measurements to your sketch. Give these measurements to a concrete delivery company to estimate costs.