Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I plan to have my concrete sidewalk redone around my house (specifically in the back yard).  My family and I have made some upgrades in our back yard (new patio, gate,) and now our side walk needs a face lift.  

I have no idea how much anything cost in terms of getting this done.  All I know is that I want the side walk to have a new color (its existing color is gray) I want the new color to be a tan color and I like the "stamped" concrete look, but I am not sure how expensive a stamped look costs.  

I am in the process of calling to have 3 estimates done.  Any advice before making a decision or anything I should be aware of would be helpful.  

Thanks,

Vanessa

ANSWER: Sounds like you are right on track with three estimates. You have three options also. One, they can rip it out and re-pour it with a stamped concrete finish. Two they can cover it with a concrete surface material like "cool deck" which can have color and some variation in patterns. Or three they can simply stain it with a concrete stain. You'll need to contact concrete finishers/refinishers in all three cases.

Things to be aware of : Number one above will be the most expensive and a stamped concrete finish can get very hot do to the closed cell nature of the concrete and slick finish it holds more heat from the sun. Its also easy to get a bad job if the contractor isn't very good. A bad job is impossible to fix without redoing it. Stamped concrete will also fade.

Cool deck is effective but over the years can chip off under heavy wear.

Staining is very easy..simply clean the existing walk with pressure washer and then roll on the stain like a paint. You can do this yourself. Staining generally requires re-staining much like repainting after a few years of wear. The good news is that it is relatively cheap.

Good Luck

Sean Murphy,
www.seanjmurphy.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Sean,

Thank your for your knowledge about all three options.  I have one addtional question/concern about the existing side walk.  We don't want to have the sidewalk completed re-done with new concrete because we know it will be really expensive. I am interested in just the new layering.

However, the current side walk is along a new tile ceramic flooring we just placed underneath our patio.  What I really want fixed is the lining of the patio and the side walk.  As of right now they do not align and the patio cermamic flooring is about 1/4-1/2 inch abouve the side walk which may cause someone to trip if they are not careful.  I want the new side walk to align and be leveled with the patio.

From the 3 options you suggested, will any of these options help with what I want done?

Thanks,

Vanessa

Answer
You'll have to find a real specialist in stamped concrete who can apply a super thin layer of topping concrete. Very few people have the skills to do this as it is not at all very common. It will likely cost more to do this than replacing the entire sidewalk.
New stamped concrete should be about $7 to $10/sf.

The other options will not be more than 1/8" thick.