Concrete Walkways

Poured concrete remains one of the most popular walkway materials on Long Island for good reason: it delivers a clean, uniform appearance at a competitive price, and when properly installed it stands up to decades of foot traffic, winter weather, and coastal salt air. Brothers Paving & Masonry Corporation has been pouring concrete walkways across Nassau and Suffolk Counties for years, and our crews understand exactly how to prepare, place, and finish concrete so it performs in our demanding Northeast climate.

A concrete walkway starts with the same meticulous site preparation that we apply to every hardscape project. We excavate the path to the required depth, typically eight to ten inches including the compacted gravel sub-base, and verify that the subgrade is stable and free of organic material. On Long Island, where clay and sandy soils can vary dramatically even within a single property, this step is essential. We install a minimum of four inches of compacted processed gravel to promote drainage and reduce the risk of frost heave, then set forms to the correct width, elevation, and pitch.

We specify a minimum 4,000-PSI concrete mix with air entrainment for all exterior walkway pours on Long Island. Air-entrained concrete contains microscopic air bubbles that give the material room to expand and contract during freeze-thaw cycles, significantly reducing the chance of surface scaling and spalling. Fiber mesh or welded wire reinforcement is added to control cracking, and we place control joints at regular intervals so that any minor shrinkage cracking occurs along predetermined, nearly invisible lines rather than randomly across the surface.

Finishing is where craftsmanship really shows. Our crews offer smooth and broom-finish options to suit your style and safety requirements. A standard broom finish provides excellent slip resistance and works well for side-yard utility paths and high-traffic areas. A smooth finish delivers a clean, polished look that is ideal for front entryways and more visible areas.

Long Island homeowners often ask about the durability of concrete versus pavers. Both are excellent choices when installed correctly. Concrete offers a seamless, continuous surface that is easy to shovel and sweep, with no joints for weeds to penetrate. It is also one of the most cost-effective walkway materials per square foot, making it a smart choice for longer paths or when budget is a primary concern. The trade-off is that concrete is a rigid slab, so proper base preparation and reinforcement are non-negotiable to avoid cracking in our climate.

Our process accounts for Long Island-specific challenges at every step. We pitch walkways a minimum of one-quarter inch per foot away from foundations to manage stormwater runoff, and we tie into existing drainage systems or install channel drains where needed. We also coordinate with landscapers and irrigation contractors to make sure sprinkler heads and planting beds are protected during construction and properly restored afterward.

Maintenance for a concrete walkway is straightforward. We recommend sealing the surface with a penetrating concrete sealer within 30 days of installation and reapplying every two to three years. Sealing protects against staining, salt damage, and moisture intrusion that can lead to freeze-thaw deterioration. Prompt removal of snow and ice using a plastic-edge shovel and calcium-chloride-based deicer, rather than rock salt, will keep the surface in top condition year after year.

Whether you need a simple, clean path from your driveway to the back gate or an impressive entryway that makes a statement, Brothers Paving delivers concrete walkways built to Long Island standards. We back our work with a solid warranty and the kind of responsive customer service that has earned us hundreds of five-star reviews. Call us today for your free on-site estimate.