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Concrete sidewalks have been around for many generations and have always been known for being durable, stylish, and relatively easy to install.
However, keep in mind that not every concrete sidewalk is the same, so there are a few factors that may affect how much your project costs. If you’re installing a new concrete walkway/sidewalk, the best thing you can do is to contact a professional to take care of everything.
A bit of preparation doesn’t hurt anyone, though. Most concrete sidewalk installations are affected by similar factors, so let’s review everything that will play a role in your project and its budget.
Curious about concrete sidewalk costs? https://t.co/ByiuvdeYUa Watch our video for insights on budgeting and factors that influence pricing. #concretesidewalks #concretecompany #concretecontractors #homeimprovement #austintx pic.twitter.com/TVrkrZKoyt
— Ace Concrete Contractors Austin (@aceconcreteatx) April 8, 2024
What’s the Average Concrete Sidewalk Cost in Austin?
The cost range for a concrete walkway is wide. This is because there are many materials, labor costs, and other factors to consider.
A 200-square-foot walkway, for example, will cost between $1,200 and $2,400. The average cost for the project will hover around $1,800.
It’s important to note that concrete costs are primarily measured per square foot. A concrete sidewalk will cost between $6 and $12 per square foot, with the average being $9. This means the larger your property is, the more likely your concrete sidewalk’s cost will increase.
Which Factors Affect Your Concrete Sidewalk Installation Cost?
As mentioned, concrete walkway costs are influenced by plenty of factors. Whether you’re planning to install a regular concrete sidewalk or stamped concrete, make sure to contact a professional to get an accurate quote for the project. They will also help evaluate the cost per cubic yard instead of square feet if that’s what you need.
Let’s go over all the different factors that affect the budget for concrete walkways:
Shape
Your concrete sidewalk cost will vary depending on whether you want something with straight edges or turns. The more twists your concrete sidewalk will need, the more you’ll expected to pay per square foot.
Thickness
It’s possible to choose the “thickness” of your concrete sidewalk. Of course, the thicker it is, the higher your concrete sidewalk cost will be per square foot.
Most of the time, a 4-inch thickness level is perfect for a concrete sidewalk.
Type of Finish
You can get basic concrete for your sidewalk and get all of the benefits. However, there are different finishes you can add to make your property stand out. These add-ons will likely increase your concrete sidewalk cost.
There are four main types of finish you can get, including:
- Stamped Concrete – Between $9 and $25 per square foot.
- Polished Concrete – Between $3 and $30 per square foot.
- Epoxy Concrete – Between $5 and $10 per square foot.
- Stained Concrete – Between $3 and $25 per square foot.
Grade of Concrete
You will get different prices for concrete materials depending on their grade. The “grade” indicates how strong the concrete is, and it’s measured based on its aggregates.
As you may have guessed by now, concrete with a higher grade will cost more money.
Accessibility
One of the best things you can do to lower your concrete sidewalk cost is to make the “working area” as accessible as possible.
If the professionals have to go through many workarounds to get to your sidewalk, they will likely charge more for the installation.
You’re recommended to get rid of any obstacles that may prevent the workers from getting to your sidewalk if you want to get those costs down.
Reinforcements
Once you pour concrete on your sidewalk, you can reinforce it with different materials, including wire mesh or rebar. Of course, adding those reinforcements to your existing sidewalk will get the cost per square foot higher, but you’ll get more resistance/durability.
Concrete Removal
You’ll have to pay more money for the project if you need the professionals to remove your existing concrete sidewalk. Usually, the cost per square foot to remove concrete is between $2 and $6.
We don’t recommend you try to remove your old concrete walkway yourself, as this could lead to potential issues that may get your concrete cost higher anyway.
Preparation
Some properties need some kind of “prep work,” before pouring concrete. The preparation process can involve digging, grading the land, etc.
If your walkway area isn’t ready to build on, the experts may charge more in labor.
Additional Factors
Other factors that may play a role in your sidewalk include:
- Gravel bases – They make your sidewalk more resistant if you live in an area prone to drainage issues.
- Sand bases – They are meant for low-to-average draining soil. Here, the contractor will use a sand layer instead of gravel when pouring the concrete.
- Vapor barriers – They prevent the concrete from cracking after freeze-thaw cycles.
Additional Services
There are many “extras” you can consider to make your sidewalk look unique. They will help increase the value of your property and give you the sensation that you’re living in a premium area.
Some of these services include:
- Landscaping
- Installing retaining walls
- Connecting the sidewalk to a concrete patio
- Adding lighting
None of these add-ons are necessary for a basic installation, but they’ll make your sidewalk look amazing. Make sure to ask your contractor for these extras; you may be able to get more value from your investment!
Why You Should Let a Professional Handle Your New Concrete Sidewalk Project
You may be tempted to perform a DIY project if your sidewalk area is small. However, we never recommend you do it yourself if you don’t have the tools and experience.
Installing the perfect sidewalk isn’t easy. You must ensure that it’s stable and free of hazards. If you’re not sure you can achieve that, you should contact a professional.
Professional contractors will help you get the most value for your money. You will avoid mistakes that could lead to expensive repairs in the future, which will save you money later on.
Moreover, an expert can guide you through all the different designs you can get for your property. Not all concrete sidewalks will look great for your area, so having an expert to help you through that process will do wonders.
Of course, one of the things that may be holding you back from investing in a professional is that it will cost much more. Not everyone has the budget to install a complete concrete sidewalk professionally.
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to get the best price possible:
- Get quotes from different professionals.
- Consider installing a straight sidewalk.
- Don’t go for a “fancy” finish if you don’t need it.
- Consider a sidewalk that fits your current landscape.
Many professional companies will be more than happy to adapt to your budget, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Bottom Line – How Much Do Concrete Sidewalks Cost?
Installing a concrete sidewalk will give you many benefits, especially if you’re planning on renting or selling your property in the future.
Remember the square foot cost of your project will vary based on all the factors mentioned above. If you don’t want to waste time figuring everything out yourself, we suggest you talk to a professional contractor.
These experts have the knowledge and tools to inspect your property and give you an accurate estimate as quickly as possible. This will help you evaluate all your options promptly and go for something that covers your needs and budget.
FAQs
What Is the Best Estimate for a Sidewalk?
The best estimate will be the one that adapts to your budget. On average, you can expect to pay around $9 per square foot for a regular sidewalk.
Are 2 Inches of Concrete Enough for a Sidewalk?
Technically, 2 inches of concrete are enough for sidewalks, as they’re supposed to fit light-duty applications.
However, we recommend your concrete sidewalk to be at least 4 inches long if you want it to last for a long time. Remember that sidewalks will get worn down with time, especially if you live somewhere with extreme climate conditions.
Can I Pour My Own Concrete Sidewalk?
You can pour your concrete sidewalk as a measure to lower the installation costs. However, you should only attempt this if you have the skills, knowledge, and tools to do it. Otherwise, you risk making mistakes that will cost you a lot of money later.
What Grade of Concrete Is Used for Sidewalks?
Usually, sidewalks use C30 concrete, ST 3 concrete, and PAV1 concrete.