Decorative Walkway Additions for Newton Front Yards

Building Better Entryways through Curb Appeal

The way you design the path (the dimensions of it, how many corners there are, how it leads to the house) has the same impact as the type of product you choose when you want to give your entryway a warm welcome.

Creating a Path That Is Both Large Enough to Be Grand and Inviting

Typically, a builder-grade sidewalk is not wide enough to feel grand or welcoming. I would recommend making your walkway larger than the standard and having two people able to walk side by side, and also, curving the path slightly towards the entrance so that the line does not seem rigid and to create a more inviting and visually appealing flow. Your entire front facade of your home can be elevated with this intentional design choice.

Combining Lighting and Landscaping with Decorative Walkways

Installing low-voltage lighting along the path gives a homeowner additional safety at night and also highlights the decorative finish of the concrete. We also incorporate planting beds or borders into the walkway designs. Planting beds or borders helps soften the concrete edges and create a seamless transition from the concrete to the lawn. Landscaping properly frames the walkway and draws the viewer’s attention to the front door, and creates depth to the yard.

2. Using Decorative Finishing Techniques for Aesthetic Appeal

There are an overwhelming number of ways to finish modern concrete, and they offer the ability to customize the finished product that far surpasses what is available in high-end, natural products such as stone.

Using Stamp Patterns to Create Texture and Visual Interest

To achieve a natural and sophisticated look, we use stamp patterns to replicate the appearance of slate, flagstone, or brick. We press the stamp pattern into the wet concrete, add color hardeners to produce the deep and dimensional look of quarried stone. By replicating the appearance of stone paving without the issues associated with pavers that shift, decorative concrete offers the authentic aesthetics of stone paving with the monolithic strength and stability of concrete.

Achieving a Unique Exposed Aggregate Finish

An exposed aggregate finish is achieved by washing away the top layer of the cement paste to expose the decorative stones or pebbles that were included in the concrete mixture. An exposed aggregate finish is both durable and slip-resistant, an added benefit to homeowners in the winter months who live in the snow belt area of Newton. In addition, depending upon the aggregate used, the path can present a variety of textures, including earthy tones, speckled river stones, or bright quartz chips.

3. Providing Color and Edging Options for Decorative Walkways

Adding Integral Color and Applying Topical Stains

By incorporating color into the concrete mixture, the color of the path is consistent throughout the entire thickness of the path and will provide long-lasting color that will not fade or chip. If desired, topical stains may be applied after completion to create layered effects or to duplicate the subtle variances in natural materials. Popular colors for Newton homes include neutral tones such as tan, charcoal, or soft brown.

Decorative Edge Treatments

Bordering the path with a simple border or ribbon of contrasting color creates a clean and polished look. We can use a contrasting stamp pattern for the edge or simply score a line along the edge of the path and then apply a dark topical stain to the remainder of the path. This detail, as seen in the historic Newton Highlands post office, adds a touch of craftsmanship and completes the design.

4. Building a Durable Walkway in Massachusetts

Preparation of the Sub-Grade for Durability

A sturdy walkway begins with a stable sub-grade. We carefully prepare the sub-grade by compacting the gravel and removing all organic matter to ensure good drainage and to eliminate the possibility of the path shifting, which could cause cracking. Preparation of the sub-grade is crucial to ensuring the path will remain level and stable for years to come.

Placing Control Joints Strategically

As concrete is subject to thermal expansion and contraction, strategically placing control joints – cuts made into the wet concrete – will direct where cracking will occur. As control joints direct the cracking to occur neatly along the lines of the joint, the overall visual appearance of the decorative path is preserved. This professional technique significantly extends the usable life of the path.

Expertise in the Application and Installation of Decorative Walkways

Decorative walkways provide homeowners with the opportunity to create an impressive, welcoming entryway that blends the best of aesthetics with the longest possible functional life span. The versatility of decorative concrete makes it difficult to find another product that matches its ability to provide a customized look while enduring the high levels of foot traffic and severe winters of New England. However, to successfully produce a customized walkway that meets the needs of a specific location, an experienced contractor is necessary to understand the process of applying color, texturing, and structurally engineering decorative concrete. Please contact Newton Total Concrete to discuss your decorative walkway project.