Clovis Concrete Crew builds concrete walkways, front steps, and side-yard paths, and repairs public sidewalks, for homes across Clovis. A good walkway is something you stop noticing: it's level, it drains, and nobody trips on it. A bad one is the first thing a visitor sees.
Front Walkways
Layout
A front walk usually runs from the driveway or public sidewalk to the porch. We make it at least 3 to 4 feet wide so two people can walk together, and we can add a gentle curve, a landing, or a wider entry area.
Construction
- Topsoil and roots removed, soil compacted - About 4 inches of compacted Class II aggregate base - A 4 inch slab with rebar or mesh - Slope across the walk so sprinkler water and rain run off - Control joints every 4 to 5 feet, sized to the walk width
Finishes
Broom finish is standard. Many Clovis homeowners match the walk to a stamped patio or add a colored border. See stamped and decorative concrete.
Concrete Steps
Getting the dimensions right
Steps are about consistency. Every riser should be the same height and every tread the same depth, because uneven steps cause falls. Typical outdoor steps use risers of roughly 6 to 7 inches and treads of 12 inches or more.
Footings and steel
Steps get a footing at the bottom and rebar tied through the whole form so they act as one solid piece. Where steps meet the house, an isolation joint lets them move independently.
Landings and handrails
A landing at the door makes entering safer. If you want a railing, we can set sleeves or anchors in the concrete for it.
Side-Yard Paths
Many Clovis homes have a narrow side yard that turns to mud or weeds. A simple concrete path makes it usable for trash cans, pool equipment access, or getting a mower to the backyard. We slope it away from the house and leave a gap at the wall so water drains properly.
Public Sidewalk Repair
The sidewalk along the street is in the public right-of-way. In Clovis, work there needs an encroachment permit, with a construction drawing and a traffic control plan, and the new concrete must be built to City of Clovis standard specifications and drawings. Under California's Streets and Highways Code, upkeep of the sidewalk is generally placed on the adjacent property owner. Ask the City about your specific situation. We handle the permit and build it to the standard.
Common sidewalk problems include lifted panels from tree roots, sunken sections, and trip edges between panels. For a single panel, we cut it out at the joints and pour a new one. See concrete repair for other options.
Accessibility
For a wheelchair-friendly entry, we can pour a gently sloped walk or ramp with a level landing at the door. For commercial ADA work, see commercial concrete.
Pouring in Summer
Walks and steps are small, but thin sections dry quickly in the sun. We pour in the morning and keep them cured.