Concrete Sidewalks & Walkways
in Coral Gables
Installation, Replacement, and Drainage
Safe, good-looking sidewalks make a big first impression. We build and replace concrete sidewalks in Coral Gables that are straight, smooth, and pitched for proper drainage. From lifting trip hazards to rerouting paths around landscaping, our process focuses on base preparation, correct slopes, and clean finishes that hold up to South Florida weather.
What You Get With Our Sidewalks
- Trip-hazard solutions — remove and replace heaved or settled panels; options for root management near trees.
- Solid base & forms — subgrade shaped and compacted with an aggregate base for long-term support.
- Correct thickness — typically 4"; 6" where walks cross driveways or carry heavier loads.
- Reinforcement — fiber mesh or #3 rebar in drive-over sections.
- Drainage & slopes — cross-slope targeted at ~1.5–2% (for drainage and comfort), with smooth transitions at entries and crossings.
- Clean finish — broom texture for traction, beveled edges, and neat tooled joints at proper spacing.
Our Step-By-Step Process
- On-site measure & layout
We evaluate grades, door thresholds, sprinklers, root zones, and tie-ins to porches, driveways, and street aprons. - Utility locate & protection
We call for locates where needed and protect landscaping along the route. - Demo & haul-away (if replacing)
Old slabs are removed; debris is hauled off daily to keep the walk clear. - Base prep & forms
Subgrade compacted; forms set for accurate elevations and cross-slope. - Reinforcement where required
Fiber mesh for general walks; rebar/dowels at driveway crossings and tie-ins. - Pour & finish
Mix placed with controlled slump, screeded, edged, and broom finished. Control joints are placed on a consistent grid (often 4–5 ft panels). - Cure & cleanup
Barricades/tape are left in place; we provide cure guidance and return for saw cuts if specified.
Layouts & Design Ideas
- Curved walkways that flow with planting beds
- Widened entry walks (e.g., 5–6 ft) for a grander approach
- Border bands or stamped insets at the porch/entry for a custom look
- Stepping-stone style scoring on larger pads
- Connectivity: paths tying the patio to side yards, gates, or sheds
Specs That Matter
(and Why)
- Thickness: 4" typical; 6" at driveway crossings or heavy-load zones.
- Base: compacted aggregate under the slab helps prevent settlement.
- Joints: control joints every 4–5 ft; expansion/isolation material where walks meet rigid structures, porches, or posts.
- Cross-slope: aim for ~1.5–2% to shed water without feeling “tilted.”
- Edges: beveled edges reduce chipping and improve appearance.
- Accessibility: smooth transitions at thresholds and crossings for comfortable footing.
Curing, Sealing & Use Timeline
- Foot traffic: 24 hours
- Strollers, carts, light loads: 48–72 hours
- Driveway crossings (vehicle loads): typically 7 days before resuming traffic
- Sealing (optional): usually after ~28 days; helpful near irrigation or where staining is common
Repair, Grind, or Replace?
Minor offsets can sometimes be
ground to remove a trip edge. When panels are heaved by roots, badly settled, or cracked through,
tear-out and replacement is the long-term fix. We’ll explain options on site and protect root zones or adjust layout as needed.
Permits, ROW & HOA
If your sidewalk is within the
public right-of-way,
a permit may be required. We help with Coral Gables requirements, HOA letters, and inspections. Work zones are taped and kept tidy each day.
Ready to level out your walk and remove trip hazards? Contact us today or request your free on-site estimate!
FAQs
Do you match the existing sidewalk panel size?
- Yes—most neighborhoods use a 4–5 ft panel rhythm. We align joints to keep a consistent look.
Can you add a decorative border at my porch?
- Absolutely. A contrasting band or stamped inset creates a custom entry while the main walk stays broom-finish for grip.
What if tree roots are lifting the slab?
- We evaluate the species and proximity, adjust alignment or thickness, and coordinate root pruning if appropriate.
Will the new sidewalk connect cleanly to my driveway apron?
- Yes. We plan elevations and slopes so the transition is smooth and water drains the right way.