How to Select the Best Finish for Your Concrete Walkway

The clean, classic look of durable concrete makes it a perfect choice for a variety of outdoor spaces including your home’s walkways. It comes with a variety of different finish options and is more cost effective than its competition (pavers). 

And the added benefit of including texture in your concrete finish will provide a safety feature that comes in handy when things get wet and slippery outside. Read on to gain understanding of a variety of options you have when it comes to your concrete walkway’s finish. 

5 Popular Concrete Finish Options 

1. Brushed Finish

Also called a “broom finish,” this is a simple, practical technique that offers a textured slip-resistant surface that is ideal for walkways (and driveways!). It is achieved by running a broom over the surface of freshly poured concrete. This textured finish gives you more traction, making it perfect for walkways. As a bonus, the texture hides any imperfections and minor cracks in your walkways over the years! 

2. Stamped

If you love the look of brick, stone, tile, or wood walkways, but don’t want their high maintenance or initial price tag, stamped concrete is a great solution. It’s created by pressing stamps into the surface of your concrete to make patterns and textures that please the eye. A popular choice for walkways, patios, and pool decks, stamped concrete delivers a variety of patterns to match even the most distinct taste. 

3. Textured

This natural-looking style mimics the texture of stone. Although it is similar to stamped concrete, textured concrete is different because it has a less uniform look that doesn’t include a pattern. A fantastic choice for walkways, driveways, pool decks, and backyards, you’re sure to love the look of textured concrete. 

4. Sand Matrix 

This non-slip option is ideal for poolside, walkways, and garages. It’s a fairly smooth finish, making it perfect for areas where you walk without shoes. Optimal for places your children walk barefooted, sand matrix is a practical choice in concrete finishes. 

5. Exposed Aggregate

This finish is created by removing the top layer of concrete to reveal the aggregate (sand, rock, gravel) under it. This offers a textured, attractive, decorative finish for your walkways and more. This long-lasting, slip-resistant surface adds a touch of class to your exterior hardscape. 

Factors That Impact Your Choice in Concrete Finishes

Define Your Concrete’s Purpose

Before you choose a concrete finish, define the purpose of the surface you’ll be finishing. Outdoor walkways call for durability and slip resistance for the safety of you and your guests when it rains. Exposed aggregate, brushed finish, and textured finishes are optimal selections for outdoor walkways. 

Visualize Your Desired Outcome Aesthetically

The combined colors, patterns, and textures you have to consider are many. Look for inspiration online and in magazines until you can define the look you want to achieve with your concrete finish. 

Choose a Durable Finish 

Align your concrete finish with the type of use the area will get over time. Stamped concrete and exposed aggregate are known for their longevity and durability. They are ideal for high-traffic areas. Polished concrete may show more wear over the years. 

Keep Maintenance Requirements in Mind

Your concrete’s upkeep is basic. Just clean and reseal it every 1-2 years. There are no sand applications (like pavers require) or daily upkeep (like natural stone needs). 

Take into Account Your Initial Investment

The initial investment for your concrete finish will depend on the complexity of its installation. Basic finishes like a brushed finish or exposed aggregate are most cost effective, while stamped concrete and decorative overlays are a more significant initial investment. 

Get the Beautiful Concrete Walkways You’ve Been Dreaming Of

Don’t let your dreams for your home exterior sit on the shelf when you could be enjoying them. At R&M Concrete, we help convert your dreams into reality by creating the outdoor oasis you envision. We can darken the shade of your concrete walkway to complement your landscaping. 

Your walkway can also be stamped to resemble different types of natural stone. (In fact, no one would ever need to know it was concrete!) This is a lower cost, lower maintenance than paving stones, and you can avoid the hassles of dealing with weeds growing up between stones. 

Learn more about how our concrete walkway services can create that positive first impression and a beautiful touch to your home’s outdoor walkways and more.