skip to main content

Design Dilemma Landscape Design Home Repair

cover concrete sidewalk

last year

We have some significant cracks in our front sidewalk that were causing water to get underneath the two brick steps in front of our house. The steps were unstable and completely sinking on one side. The only way they could lift the steps and level them was to put mortar underneath. Not ideal, but that was the only option we had (according to the people helping us.) Now we have these horrible scratch looking patches on our sidewalk where they filled in the cracks with NexusPro. How do I cover these?! This is the view from my front door and you can see it from the street, too. I’m feeling so down about it and have no idea what I can do to make it look better. I’m about to throw an outdoor rug at the bottom of the stoop just so I don’t have to see it! Please help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

cat_ky
last year
last modified: last year
Have you had the company back, that did the work, to see if they have a soloution. You also have a downspout that comes down on the left side of your picture. That needs an extension on it, to run far out. All that water is going to run right under the porch, you just had repaired.
Trisha K
Original Author
last year
Their solution is the NexusPro that they used. Their position is that it fills the cracks that are causing the damage, so it is necessary. It’s just so unsightly.
Related Discussions
Paver sidewalk vs concrete sidewalk?
Q
Comments (8)
The big cost of a paver walkway or patio is the labor. If done right, your paver walkway will last for many years and ytou won't be looking at unsightly cracks that always appear in concrete. If done wrong, you will eventually be spraining your ankle walking on uneven pavers. As a compromise, you could look at stamped concrete. We have a stamped concrete patio. I would have prefered pavers like we had at our Chicago home, but for some reason here in Kansas, pavers aren't used very often. (And don't get me started on the glorified fire escapes that pass for decks here...) Concrete doesn't drain. A paver walkway will drain water. If that is important to you, Use that as a factor in your decision. I chose concrete in the end because we wanted as much water as possible draining away from the house.
...See More
How to cover a concrete sidewalk with wood.
Q
Comments (4)
Thank you all, I do like the Furnone's approach, -removable/lifting sections-, still need to figure out how to make sure that rain water drains properly and how to "nail" the sections to the concrete so they are not loose when walking/standing on it and at the same time making them easy to remove (usage of hingeÂ). dainaadele, nice idea to build it "upside down" screwing from the bottomÂ..for sure I will post pictures of the entire project, and also from my last one completed (trellis shade shelter). Again thanks for your ideasÂyou know sometimes we get lost when looking for ideas, even making them so harder/complicated loosing sight of easy/simple solutions, someone on another forum suggest me to tear out the entire concrete sidewalk , but it doesnÂt make sense to spend money there as its in a perfect condition, only 2 years old. I am just trying to add a nice touch to my patio.
...See More
Anyone with black stained concrete sidewalk, patio, etc.?
Q
Comments (2)
Proably because they would be a huge PITA to keep looking new, kind of like dark floors on steroids.
...See More
Filling in the grassy area of sidewalk with concrete and rocks
Q
Comments (15)
Nothing will permanently prevent weeds unless it’s solid concrete. You’ll have some upkeep no matter what. “The wind blew the mulch?” You didn’t have nearly enough mulch then. Four inches deep would be a good start. But even then, seeds will blow in on top of the mulch and eventually grow.
...See More
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
How much do you want to spend? Paint the concrete. Stamp a concrete pattern over it. Rip it out and pour a new concrete pad. Go over the concrete with the same brick as the steps.
klem1
last year
Since you didn't fix it yourself to begin with does that mean you are capable but chose hiring or does it mean you can't do masonry work ?
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last year
Here you go.
party_music50
last year
According to this article, they should have put sand on the NexusPro so that it would blend with the concrete. What is NexusPro
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
I agree we need more info as to budget . Concrete repairs are in my experinece never perfect . If it was mine I would look into a stamped concrete finidh put on it IMO you have bigger issues since the water is getting in that spot somehow and pouring some concrete under the step is not the answer .Water finds its way everywhere and it is not just coming from cracks in the sidewalk .
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
last year
Does that down pipe just disgorge onto the path?
ci_lantro
last year
NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant

The silicone may rule out any coatings--paint, stain--sticking to the sealant and interfere with bonding another of masonry--brick/ stamped concrete. Proceed with caution lest you wind up with a bigger mess.

I will say that as concrete repairs go, this one is much neater than most.

Related Stories

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: Modern Style Converts an Empty Concrete Box

By Becky Harris

From raw wasteland to fab living, sleeping and storage space, this snazzy basement now covers all the angles

PATIOS Patio Details: Covered Dining Area Extends a Family’s Living Space

By Annie Thornton

Large sliding glass doors connect a pergola-covered terrace with a kitchen and great room in Seattle

CONCRETE Why Concrete Wants to Crack

By Matt Clawson

We look at the reasons concrete has a tendency to crack — and what you can do to help control it

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Tear Down That Concrete Patio

By Christine Tusher

Clear the path for plantings or a more modern patio design by demolishing all or part of the concrete in your yard

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

MATERIALS The Latest in Tile Trends From Coverings 2018

By Becky Harris

Hyperrealism, tile as wallpaper, seamlessness and even a tattooed bulldog are hot in tile now

FLOORS 5 Benefits to Concrete Floors for Everyday Living

By Natalie Myers

Get low-maintenance home flooring that creates high impact and works with home styles from traditional to modern

FRONT YARD IDEAS 9 Gorgeous Sidewalk Garden Designs

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

These ideas for perimeter planting can boost your home’s curb appeal with more color, personality and seasonal interest

URBAN GARDENS From Concrete ‘Jail Yard’ to Lush Escape in Brooklyn

By Bonnie Monte

Once stark and uninviting, this urban backyard is now a welcoming retreat for relaxing and entertaining

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Is That Lounge Chair Made of Concrete?

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Outdoor furniture designers take advantage of concrete’s cool industrial style. Yes, pillows are part of the equation

Sponsored

More Discussions

Landscaping Possibilities?

15

House numbers for curb appeal - ideas, please!

24

Can I add stone/brick to front of a sided house?

18

Outdoor Plant Suggestions

0

Is this Rose Rosetta Disease? And Recommendations for Replacements

3