Concrete sidewalks
Concrete Sidewalk and Walkway Cost per Linear Foot
LSWritten by the LocalServiceHQ editorial teamPrices checked October 2026Last updated October 30, 2026Reviewed against our methodology
$6–$12
per sq ft, basic concrete
$18–$36
per linear ft, 3 ft wide
$960–$1,920
typical 40 ft walk
Concrete sidewalk cost starts at about $6 to $12 per square foot installed for a basic finish, which works out to $18 to $36 per linear foot for a standard 3 foot wide walk. A typical 40 foot walk at 4 feet wide covers 160 square feet and runs about $960 to $1,920. Removing an existing walk adds $5 to $8 per square foot, and each step adds roughly $150 to $400.
Quick reference: the terms that change the price
Four terms explain most of the gap between two quotes for the same job.TermLinear footOne foot of walk length. Multiply by width to get square footage.
TermBroom finishThe standard brushed surface for walkways. Slip resistant and cheap.
TermControl jointsPlanned cuts that tell the walk where to crack, usually every 4 to 6 feet.
TermBaseCompacted gravel under the walk. Decides whether it heaves or settles.
Cost by width and length
| Width | Cost per linear ft (basic) | 20 ft | 40 ft | 60 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft | $18 to $36 | $360 to $720 | $720 to $1,440 | $1,080 to $2,160 |
| 4 ft | $24 to $48 | $480 to $960 | $960 to $1,920 | $1,440 to $2,880 |
| 5 ft | $30 to $60 | $600 to $1,200 | $1,200 to $2,400 | $1,800 to $3,600 |
| 6 ft | $36 to $72 | $720 to $1,440 | $1,440 to $2,880 | $2,160 to $4,320 |
Finishes and what they add
Basic broom concrete is $6 to $12 per square foot. Exposed aggregate runs $12 to $20, stamped or high-end concrete starts around $12 and up, pavers are $14 to $24 and natural flagstone $20 to $36. The finish is the fastest way to double the cost of a walk.For most homes, broom is the right default: it is slip resistant, repairable and cheap. Decorative finishes make sense where the walk is a design feature, not just a path.Removal, steps and site work
Breaking out and hauling an old walk costs about $5 to $8 per square foot, driven by dump fees and loading labour. On a 160 square foot walk that is $800 to $1,280 before any new work. Steps add $150 to $400 each because forming and finishing are more detailed.Site access matters too. A walk along the side of a house may need a wheelbarrow crew, while a front walk can usually be reached by the truck.Base, slope and drainage
A walk needs a compacted base, a slope for drainage and joints that let it move. Water ponding on a walk is the fastest route to spalling and heaving. If the ground is soft, the base depth increases and the price with it.Walkways also meet lawns and beds, so edging and grading belong in the scope. A walk that dumps soil and water onto a garden bed creates a second job.A worked example: a 40 foot front walk
A 40 foot walk at 4 feet wide covers 160 square feet. At $6 to $12 per square foot installed, that is $960 to $1,920, or $24 to $48 per linear foot. Removing an existing walk adds $5 to $8 per square foot, about $800 to $1,280. One step adds about $150 to $400.A walk that requires a retaining edge, a drainage channel, or a wheelbarrow carry from the street moves toward the top of the range. A simple straight walk with easy access sits at the bottom.Common walkway mistakes
- Too narrow: 2 feet is a path, not a walkway; 4 feet is the practical minimum for two people.
- No base: a walk poured on soil heaves in winter and cracks at the joints.
- Joints too far apart: control joints every 4 to 6 feet, not every 15.
- Slope toward the house or a flat spot that holds water.
- Forgetting where the walk meets the lawn and beds, leaving a grading mess.
Winter, heat and long-term care
Concrete walks last when water moves away and the joints stay clean. In freeze-thaw climates, air-entrained concrete and a proper base are essential, and de-icing salt in the first winter can scale a new surface. In hot climates, curing care prevents surface cracking.Sealing is optional for basic walks but helps in wet or freezing climates. Re-seal every few years, keep the joints clear, and fix a settling section before it becomes a trip hazard.Walkway design: width, route and steps
Width is the first decision. Three feet works for one person, four feet for two people walking together, and five to six feet for a main entry. Route matters too: a straight walk reads as formal, a gently curved walk feels softer but costs more because every stake and form is hand-set.Steps change the price quickly. Each step adds about $150 to $400 because forming and finishing are detailed, and a sloped site may need several. Plan the route before the forms go in, because moving a walk after the pour is a full rebuild.What a walkway quote should include
Ask for width, length, thickness, base depth, finish, joint spacing, edging, removal and disposal. The quote should also say where water goes and how the walk meets the lawn.A per-linear-foot price without width is not comparable, and a per-square-foot price without finish is not comparable either. Match the scope, then compare the totals.Repair or replace a walkway
A walkway with cosmetic cracks, a few settled sections or a damaged edge is often repairable. A walk that has heaved in several places, or whose base has failed, is usually cheaper to replace than to keep patching.The decision is the same as for any concrete flatwork: repair the surface, replace the base. If the base is sound and the walk is stable, patching and sealing is the cheaper path.Concrete versus other walkway materials
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $3 to $5 | Cheap, needs edging and topping up |
| Concrete, basic | $6 to $12 | Best value for a permanent walk |
| Exposed aggregate | $12 to $20 | Texture and slip resistance |
| Stamped concrete | $12 and up | Decorative, needs sealing |
| Pavers | $14 to $24 | Repairable, higher upfront |
| Natural flagstone | $20 to $36 | Premium look, heavy labour |
Permits, right-of-way and public sidewalks
A walk inside your property usually needs no permit, but a walk that meets a public sidewalk may, and some cities require a right-of-way permit for the approach. Check before forming.If the walk crosses a public easement, the city may control the width and materials. Ask the building department for the rule that applies to your address.Grading and drainage details
A walk should slope slightly away from the house and toward the yard or a drain. Standing water on a walk is the fastest route to spalling and heaving. Where the ground is flat, a slight crown or a channel drain solves the problem.The base should be graded before forming, not after. A walk poured on an uneven base cracks at the high spots and holds water at the low ones.A simple walkway maintenance calendar
First month: keep traffic light and water off the surface. First year: keep joints clean and avoid de-icing salt. Every 2 to 3 years: reseal in wet or freezing climates. Every spring: check for settled sections and trip edges; grind or lift early before the damage spreads.Maintenance is small, and it protects the largest line in the project: the concrete itself.How to brief a contractor for a walkway
Give the route, the width, the finish and where the water should go. Mention steps, edging, removal and any public sidewalk connection.Ask for the joint layout and the slope in writing. Those two details decide how the walk looks and drains after the first winter.Seasonal timing for walkways
Spring and summer are the practical season for concrete walks. Cold weather needs protection and an accelerator; hot weather needs curing care. Rain interrupts forming and finishing.If the walk is needed for access, ask about temporary paths while the concrete cures.Walkway shapes and what they cost
A straight walk is the cheapest shape because the forms are simple. A curved walk costs more because every form board is set by hand and the concrete volume can be harder to control. A walk with steps adds $150 to $400 per step.Plan the shape around how people actually walk: the shortest safe route from the driveway or street to the door usually wins over a decorative curve.Working with slopes
A sloped site changes the price. A gentle slope can be handled with grading; a steeper one needs steps, a retaining edge or both. Steps add cost and forming time; a retaining edge may need a footing and a permit.Ask for the slope plan and where water will go. A walk that becomes a channel for stormwater damages the base and the house.Cost of a walk by length
| Length at 4 ft wide | Square feet | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 40 | $240 to $480 |
| 20 ft | 80 | $480 to $960 |
| 30 ft | 120 | $720 to $1,440 |
| 40 ft | 160 | $960 to $1,920 |
| 50 ft | 200 | $1,200 to $2,400 |
| 60 ft | 240 | $1,440 to $2,880 |
Walkway planning: from measurement to quote
Measure the route. Walk the path people actually take, from the street or driveway to the door, and measure the length in feet. Note the width you want: 3 feet for one person, 4 feet for two, 5 to 6 feet for a main entry. Multiply length by width for square footage.Check the slope. A walk that drops more than a gentle slope needs steps or a retaining edge. Each step adds about $150 to $400, and a retaining wall is its own project with a footing. Measure the rise over the run so the contractor can plan the steps before forming.Decide the finish. Broom is the default. Exposed aggregate, stamped concrete and pavers cost more and need different maintenance. Choose the finish before comparing prices, because the same walk can double in cost with a decorative surface.Plan the drainage. Water should leave the walk rather than sit on it. Note where downspouts, gutters and lawn grading send water, and include a small drain or slope correction if needed.Deal with removal and access. If an old walk is coming out, removal adds roughly $5 to $8 per square foot including disposal. If the site is tight, ask how the concrete will reach the forms: truck, pump or wheelbarrow.Get two comparable quotes. Same width, same thickness, same base, same finish, same removal. Then compare the totals and the joint layout. The lowest price for a different scope is not a saving.That planning sequence takes an evening and saves most of the surprises. A walkway is a simple project, but only when the route, width, slope and finish are decided before the forms go down.How to compare walkway quotes
Compare width, thickness, base depth, finish, joint spacing, removal and disposal. A per-linear-foot price without the width is not comparable; a per-square-foot price without the finish is not comparable either.Ask for the joint layout and the slope in writing. Those two details decide how the walk looks and drains in five years.Walkways, code and permits
Some cities require a permit for a new walk, especially where it meets a public sidewalk, and some regulate the width and location on the property. Check before the forms go up.In cold climates, air-entrained concrete and a deeper base reduce frost damage. In hot climates, curing care prevents surface cracking. Neither is optional for a walk that should last decades.Quick calculator
Sidewalk cost calculator
Enter the walk length in feet and pick a width and finish tier.
Estimates, not quotes. Ranges from our October 2026 research. See the price index.
| Line | What it covers | How to check it |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete material | About 1.23 cu yd per 100 sq ft at 4 in | Ask for thickness and waste |
| Base | Compacted gravel under the walk | Ask depth and compaction |
| Forming and joints | Edges, control joints and layout | Ask joint spacing |
| Finishing | Broom or decorative finish | Match finishes before comparing |
| Removal | Breaking and hauling old concrete | Ask if disposal is included |
| Permits and access | City fees, pump or wheelbarrow | Confirm responsibility |
What this guide does not cover
Some jobs depend on things a national range cannot see. These are the ones where you need a local quote or an engineer.- Public sidewalk work, which needs a city permit and often a licensed contractor.
- Drainage systems, retaining walls and grading beyond normal slope.
- Engineering for walks crossing vehicles or structures.
- Removal of hazardous materials or deeply buried old slabs.
- Accessibility and code requirements for commercial properties.
Concrete sidewalks prices and contractors by state
Ranges here are national with a checked month. Local prices move with labour rates, climate and permit rules, so check your state before comparing bids.State directoryTexasLicensing, businesses and price context for TexasOpen Texas →State directoryArizonaLicensing, businesses and price context for ArizonaOpen Arizona →State directoryFloridaLicensing, businesses and price context for FloridaOpen Florida →State directoryColoradoLicensing, businesses and price context for ColoradoOpen Colorado →State directoryNorth CarolinaLicensing, businesses and price context for North CarolinaOpen North Carolina →State directoryOklahomaLicensing, businesses and price context for OklahomaOpen Oklahoma →State directoryWashingtonLicensing, businesses and price context for WashingtonOpen Washington →State directoryTennesseeLicensing, businesses and price context for TennesseeOpen Tennessee →State directoryIllinoisLicensing, businesses and price context for IllinoisOpen Illinois →State directoryGeorgiaLicensing, businesses and price context for GeorgiaOpen Georgia →State directoryOhioLicensing, businesses and price context for OhioOpen Ohio →
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Questions about concrete sidewalk cost
How much does a concrete sidewalk cost?
$6 to $12 per sq ft installed for basic concrete, or $18 to $36 per linear ft for a 3 ft wide walk.How much for a 40 foot walkway?
A 40 ft walk at 4 ft wide is 160 sq ft, about $960 to $1,920 at the national range.How much per linear foot?
$18 to $36 for 3 ft wide, $24 to $48 for 4 ft wide, $30 to $60 for 5 ft wide.How much to remove an old sidewalk?
About $5 to $8 per sq ft including hauling, or $2 to $5 per sq ft for removal only in some quotes.Can I use stamped concrete for a walkway?
Yes. Stamped or decorative finishes start around $12 per sq ft, roughly double basic broom.How wide should a walkway be?
3 ft for one person, 4 ft for two people, 5 to 6 ft for main entries.How thick should a sidewalk be?
4 inches is standard; 5 to 6 inches where vehicles cross.Do I need a permit?
Sometimes, especially where the walk meets a public sidewalk. Ask the building department.How long before I can walk on it?
About 24 to 48 hours for foot traffic, longer for heavy use.Why do walkway quotes differ?
Width, thickness, finish, base, removal and access. Compare scopes, not just per-foot prices.Does a walkway need a base?
Yes. About 4 inches of compacted stone is typical; soft ground needs more.How do I stop the walk from cracking?
A proper base, 4 inch thickness, control joints every 4 to 6 feet and good drainage.What finish is best for a front walk?
Broom is the practical default; stamped or exposed aggregate cost more but look different.Can I pour a walkway in winter?
With protection and often an accelerator. Ask for the cold-weather plan.How do I compare walkway quotes?
Match width, thickness, base, finish, joints, removal and disposal, then compare totals.Walkway checklist before the forms go down
- Width and length are written down, with the square footage calculated.
- The route matches how people actually walk, not just the property line.
- The slope is measured, and steps or a retaining edge are priced.
- The finish is chosen and the price matches it.
- The base depth and compaction method are specified.
- Joint spacing is planned, usually every 4 to 6 feet.
- Drainage sends water away from the house and does not pool.
- Removal and disposal of any old walk are included.
- Permit responsibility is confirmed where the walk meets a public sidewalk.
- The contractor confirms the cure time and access plan.
What this means for your walkway budget
Budget from the finished walk, not from the concrete alone. Take your square footage, multiply by the finish rate, then add removal, steps, access and a ten percent contingency for base surprises. For a 160 square foot walk, that means about $960 to $1,920 for basic concrete, plus removal of an old walk if needed and $150 to $400 for any step.Keep the number in hand when quotes arrive. A bid inside the range is worth comparing line by line; a bid far below it usually has a thinner slab, a missing base or a disposal bill waiting at the end.One final note on scope: a walkway that saves money by dropping the base depth is not cheaper, it is a future repair. The base is the part you cannot see and the part that decides how the walk handles the first freeze and the first heavy rain.Sources and method
Walkway ranges from published concrete walkway pricing research (ConcreteNetwork data via linearfeetcalc.com walkway calculator, October 2026) and the LocalServiceHQ price index. Removal and step ranges from the same walkway pricing research.
Estimates, not quotes. National ranges checked October 2026; local quotes vary by city, access and finish. · What changed on this page · Report a correction