Written by

Sarah Noel

May 5, 2024

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Average concrete sidewalk cost

A concrete sidewalk costs $1,400 to $3,400 on average or $7 to $17 per square foot installed. The cost of a 4' wide concrete sidewalk is $28 to $68 per linear foot. Costs of a concrete sidewalk increase for stamped patterns, multiple colors, and pavement thicker than 4".

Concrete sidewalk cost per square foot

A new concrete sidewalk costs $7 to $17 per square foot on average or up to $20 per square foot for high-end custom designs. Prices per square foot are slightly higher for projects smaller than 200 square feet due to minimum concrete delivery fees.

Concrete sidewalk cost calculator

The following table shows the total costs to install a concrete sidewalk:

Additional cost factors include:

• Replacement – The cost to remove and replace a concrete sidewalk is $10 to $25+ per square foot.

• Design / shape – Straight designs are easier to form than complex shapes. Adding colors, patterns, and borders increases the total cost.

• Thickness / depth – Most concrete walkways are 4" to 6" thick. Areas with heavier traffic require thicker concrete.

• Grade – Higher-grade concrete mixes cost more but are stronger and more durable.

• Gravel base – Installing a gravel base 4" thick costs $10 to $15 per linear foot for walkways up to 4' wide. A stone base under a sidewalk is essential in areas prone to drainage issues. Gravel prices are $15 to $75 per cubic yard.

• Vapor barrier – Adding a vapor barrier costs $0.50 to $1.00+ per square foot depending on the type. The barrier prevents concrete cracking in freeze-thaw cycles.

• Sand base – Sand costs $15 to $50 per cubic yard. For low-to-average draining soil, contractors spread a layer of sand over the ground instead of gravel.

• Finish

  • Stamped concrete costs $3 to $4 per square foot extra.

  • Polished concrete costs $3 to $15 per square foot extra.

  • Stained concrete costs $3 to $10 per square foot extra.

• Reinforcements – Rebar prices are $0.40 to $2.25 per linear foot.

• Sealing – Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot.

• Permit – A sidewalk permit costs $50 to $100.

Labor cost to remove and replace a concrete sidewalk

Extra labor costs can apply when removing and replacing a concrete sidewalk:

• Concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot, including disposal.

• Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard. Digging up to 8" deep is common when replacing an old sidewalk.

• Dirt removal costs $140 to $230 per cubic yard.

• The cost to level a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.

• Pouring a concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot.

Stamped concrete sidewalk cost

A stamped concrete sidewalk costs $10 to $21 per square foot installed for a path 4' wide. This price includes all concrete materials, minimal ground prep, pouring the cement, and stamping the design before the concrete cures. Most stamped patterns imitate the look of paver stones.

Concrete sidewalk repair costs

Sidewalk repair costs $3 to $8 per square foot on average for moderate cracks, deterioration, or unlevel sections. For concrete sidewalks, common repair costs include:

• Concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $7 per square foot.

• Driveway repair costs $100 to $400 to fix small cracks and potholes in concrete.

Concrete walkway additions

Common additions when installing a new concrete walkway include:

• A concrete patio costs $5 to $15 per square foot.

• Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.

• A concrete driveway costs $4 to $8 per square foot.

• A concrete retaining wall costs $45 to $270 per linear foot.

• Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot.

• Landscape curbing costs $5 to $18 per linear foot.

• Precast concrete steps cost $500 to $3,000.

• Landscaping rocks prices are $50 to $160 per cubic yard.

• Flower bed installation costs $1,400 to $3,700 for 60 square feet of walkway borders dug into the ground.

Concrete sidewalk cost vs. pavers & other types

Other walkway types include:

• A stone walkway costs $15 to $40 per square foot, depending on the natural stone type and local availability.

• Walkway pavers cost $10 to $20 per square foot installed.

Concrete sidewalk FAQs

Who is responsible for the concrete sidewalk next to my property?

To see who is responsible for your concrete sidewalk, contact the local building department or public works office. Homeowners are often responsible for sidewalk repairs, but some cities handle concrete maintenance in certain areas.

How long does a concrete sidewalk last?

A concrete walkway lasts 25 to 50 years on average, depending on the installation quality, maintenance frequency, and if it's reinforced. Sidewalks need proper expansion joints to prevent cracking. Maintain a concrete walkway by keeping it clean and resealing every 2 to 3 years.

Pressure washing prices are $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot.

What type of concrete do you use for a sidewalk?

Use 3000 to 4000 PSI strength premixed concrete to build a durable walkway. Some sidewalks also need rebar if heavy vehicles will drive over them. Concrete sidewalks are typically 4" to 6" thick.

Can you pour concrete over an existing sidewalk?

You can pour concrete over an existing sidewalk if the old concrete is in good condition and the installer uses a bonding agent. This process is called adding a concrete overlay. Resurfacing is another option to replace the top concrete layer.

Can you paint a concrete walkway?

Yes, you can paint a concrete walkway with masonry elastomeric paint. The concrete must be properly cleaned and dry before painting. Use a concrete sealer afterwards for longer-lasting results.

Getting estimates for a concrete sidewalk

Before hiring a sidewalk installer or concrete contractor near you, be sure to:

• Collect at least 3 estimates to compare.

• Select licensed, insured, and bonded contractors with 5+ years of experience.

• Ask if they have certifications from the American Concrete Institute, National Concrete Masonry Association, or other local concrete-contractor societies.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Request copies of the estimate, contract, and warranty before work starts.

• Beware of the lowest bids that typically indicate low-quality results.

• Never make the last payment before the job is complete.

Questions to ask

• How many concrete sidewalks have you installed?

• Can I see a portfolio of your past installations and references?

• Who's the project manager, and how many subcontractors will you have?

• How do you handle accidental damages on the job?

• Will you check for underground utility lines before digging?

• Do you pull all the permits?

• How thick should my concrete walkway be to satisfy building codes?

• What will you use for the concrete base, and will it prevent cracks?

• Can you color or stamp the concrete to match my home?

• How often will I need to reseal the concrete?

• Does this bid include all materials, labor, prep work, and cleanup?

• How long will this job take?

• What does your warranty policy include?

• How much space will you need for a cement truck and equipment?

• What is your payment schedule?

• How long should I wait for this concrete to cure before I walk on it?