Sidewalk Paving in Pittsburgh, PA

Improve your property’s safety and appeal with a professionally paved concrete sidewalk from RMK Services. We are the trusted, fully insured contractor for sidewalk paving, installation, and replacement in Pittsburgh, PA.

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The Top Sidewalk Paving in Pittsburgh, PA

A cracked, uneven, or crumbling sidewalk is more than just an eyesore; it is a serious tripping hazard and a liability for a property owner. RMK Services specializes in the professional paving of concrete sidewalks and walkways that are safe, durable, and meet all local codes. As a family-owned Pittsburgh company, we operate with integrity and a commitment to quality on every single job. Our licensed and insured team has the expertise to correctly install sidewalks that will not heave or settle. We are dedicated to providing a 5 star service from start to finish. A new concrete sidewalk enhances your home’s curb appeal and provides safe, accessible passage. Trust us to build a smooth, long lasting walkway for your property. We offer free in-person estimates for all sidewalk paving projects.

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John Daly
September 20, 2025

Side walk is fantastic! Ryan fixed my retaining wall no one else would touch. Very extra professional job. All his people were great also. Great estimate and greater work. I highly recommend him. He has been a blessing!

Clinton Eastwood
September 14, 2025

I love RMK Services LLC because they truly take pride in their concrete work and always go above and beyond to deliver quality results. Whether it’s driveways, sidewalks, patios, or foundations, they handle every project with skill, professionalism, and attention to detail. Their team doesn’t just get the job done – they make sure it’s done right, built to last, and looks great too. RMK Services LLC is reliable, hardworking, and committed to customer satisfaction, which is why I trust them with any concrete job I need.

Jason I
August 22, 2025

Ryan and his crew were absolutely amazing on every level including attention to detail and transparency with everything from a fair and honest quote to the level of craftsmanship performed. They worked at a fast and efficient pace while considering safety of the homeowner and his crew at all times. The difference is he listens to his customers and goes the extra mile to make them happy. I had my retaining wall reconstructed and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend RMK services for all your project needs.

Chris T.
August 20, 2025

Excellent service from Ryan. He poured a sidewalk for us at our rental property and got it done on time and in budget. We'll be using his services again very soon.

Nathan B.
August 19, 2025

From the beginning Ryan was on it! When I first searched yelp for help with fixing my glass block windows, lentals, and repointing on my brick outside my house he was one of the first to contact me. He scheduled to meet with me fairly quickly, was on time and realistic with what work was needed to be done and offered it at a very reasonable price. He kept me informed the whole time on everything he was doing and ensured me the job would be done correctly. Would recommend.

RMK Services OFFERS Sidewalk Paving IN Pittsburgh’s Top Neighborhoods

RMK Services provides professional Sidewalk Paving for homeowners and businesses throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Below is a full list of nearby neighborhoods and townships we serve, all within our 60-mile service radius. If your property is located in one of these areas, we’re ready to help you with Sidewalk Paving:

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Our Sidewalk Paving Service

Our sidewalk paving service begins with a thorough on site consultation and project layout. We meet with you to assess the project, whether it is a brand new walkway to connect your driveway to your front door or a replacement of an old, damaged public sidewalk. Our team will help you plan the best path for your new walkway, considering both function and aesthetics. We use string lines and paint to precisely lay out the sidewalk’s path, ensuring it has the correct width and straight, clean lines. A proper layout is the first step to a professional looking installation.

For projects that involve replacing an old sidewalk, our service includes the complete demolition and removal of the old concrete. Our team uses professional equipment to safely break up the existing, damaged sidewalk. We take care to minimize disruption to your lawn and surrounding landscape during this process. All of the old, broken concrete and debris is then loaded up and hauled away from your property for proper disposal. This leaves us with a clean slate to begin the crucial preparation work for your new, durable sidewalk.

Proper ground preparation is the most important factor in building a sidewalk that will last for decades. After the old walk is removed, we excavate the area to the proper depth. We then install and compact a sub-base of crushed stone. This aggregate base provides a stable foundation that allows for drainage and is the key to preventing the sidewalk from heaving during winter freezes or settling over time. Many contractors skip this vital step, which is why so many sidewalks fail prematurely. We believe in building it right from the ground up.

Once the base is prepared, we set up strong, straight formwork and install steel reinforcement. We build wooden forms along the edges of the sidewalk path to hold the wet concrete and create a clean, crisp edge. Inside the forms, we place a grid of steel wire mesh or rebar. This steel reinforcement is crucial for providing tensile strength, which helps to control cracking and keep the sidewalk slab held tightly together. This adds significant durability and longevity to your new walkway, ensuring it can handle the stresses of ground movement and temperature changes.

The concrete pour and finishing are performed with precision and an eye for safety. We use a high quality, air entrained exterior concrete mix that is designed to withstand Pittsburgh’s freeze thaw cycles. The concrete is carefully placed into the forms and leveled. Our skilled finishers then apply a non slip broom finish to the surface. This textured finish is a critical safety feature, providing excellent traction for pedestrians in all weather conditions, especially when the sidewalk is wet or icy. This is the standard and required finish for public sidewalks.

Proper jointing is an essential technical aspect of a durable sidewalk. We install two types of joints. Control joints are tooled or cut into the surface at regular intervals. These shallow grooves create a weakened plane that encourages the concrete to crack in a neat, straight line as it cures, preventing random, ugly cracks. We also install expansion joints where the new sidewalk meets an existing structure, like a driveway, curb, or foundation. These joints are filled with a flexible material and completely separate the slabs, allowing them to expand and contract with temperature changes without pushing against each other and causing damage.

Our job is not complete until your property is clean and the project is finished to your satisfaction. After the concrete has cured, we remove the forms and backfill along the edges of the new sidewalk with topsoil. We then perform a thorough cleanup of the entire work area. We will conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure you are completely happy with your new, safe, and attractive sidewalk. Our commitment to 5 star service means we deliver a high quality product and a professional, hassle free experience from beginning to end.

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All Concrete Services By RMK in Pittsburgh, PA

RMK Services offers Sidewalk Paving in Pittsburgh, but we also offer many other residential concrete services for homeowners across Pittsburgh. From new installations to full tear-outs and replacements, we handle everything with precision and care. Below is a complete list of concrete services available alongside Sidewalk Paving:

Why Homeowners Trust RMK Services in Pittsburgh, PA

At RMK Services, we focus on delivering honest, high-quality concrete work backed by real experience and dependable service. From the first estimate to the final pour, our team shows up, communicates clearly, and gets the job done right without sales pressure or surprises. We take pride in treating every property like it’s our own and standing behind everything we do.

  • Licensed & Insured in Pennsylvania (PA License #203908)
  • Over 10 Years of Construction Experience
  • Free In-Person Estimates With Honest, Fair Pricing
  • No Upsells or Games; Just Solid, Reliable Work
  • Family-Owned and Operated in Pittsburgh
  • Serving a 60-Mile Radius Around the City
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Years in Business
5-Star Reviews
Satisfied Clients
Jobs Completed

A Homeowner’s Guide On Sidewalk Paving in Pittsburgh

For homeowners in Pittsburgh and most surrounding municipalities, it is important to know that you are typically responsible for the maintenance and repair of the public sidewalk in front of your property. If your sidewalk has raised sections, deep cracks, or crumbling surfaces, you could be held liable if someone trips and gets injured. It is also often a violation of local ordinances. When you notice these issues, it is time to consider a replacement. A new sidewalk is not just a safety upgrade but also significantly improves your home’s curb appeal. When hiring a contractor, make sure they are licensed, insured, and explicitly state that they will install a compacted stone base. This is the key to a long lasting repair.

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Common Sidewalk Paving Questions

A sidewalk is a fundamental part of a property’s curb appeal and safety. Whether it is the private walkway to your front door or the public sidewalk along the street, it needs to be in good condition. Homeowners in Pittsburgh often have questions about sidewalk replacement, repair, and their responsibilities. Here are some answers to the most common questions.

There are three main culprits that cause sidewalks to crack, heave, and become uneven, especially in the Pittsburgh area. The most common cause is an improper sub-base. Many older sidewalks were poured directly on the native soil without a proper foundation of compacted stone underneath. The clay rich soil in our region expands and contracts with moisture and is highly susceptible to frost heave. In the winter, freezing soil lifts the sidewalk sections up, and in the spring, they settle back down, but often unevenly. This constant movement is the number one reason sidewalks become cracked and develop dangerous trip hazards.

Another very common cause of sidewalk damage is tree roots. A beautiful, mature tree in your front yard has an extensive root system growing just below the surface. As these roots grow larger and thicker over the years, they can exert an immense amount of pressure from underneath the sidewalk slab. This pressure can easily lift entire sections of the concrete, causing them to tilt and crack. When replacing a sidewalk near a large tree, some root pruning may be necessary to solve the problem long term.

Finally, the natural aging of the concrete and the stresses of the environment can also lead to cracking. Over many decades, exposure to water, salt, and countless freeze thaw cycles can cause the concrete surface to deteriorate and develop cracks. Heavy vehicles driving over a residential sidewalk, which is not designed for that load, can also cause it to crack. A professional replacement that addresses the root cause is the only permanent solution

The decision to repair versus replace a sidewalk depends on the type and severity of the damage. If a sidewalk section is structurally sound but has sunk, it can often be repaired using a technique called concrete leveling or slab jacking. This process involves pumping a material under the slab to lift it back into its original position. This can be a cost effective solution for correcting trip hazards caused by settlement, as long as the concrete itself is in good condition. Minor, non structural surface cracks can also be cleaned and filled with a flexible sealant to prevent water intrusion.

However, in most cases where a sidewalk is badly cracked, crumbling, or heaved upwards by tree roots or frost, replacement is the only viable long term solution. Slab jacking cannot fix a slab that is broken into multiple pieces or one that is being actively pushed up by a large tree root. Simply patching over large cracks or spalled surfaces is a temporary, cosmetic fix that will fail quickly and does not address the underlying problem. If the concrete is old and deteriorating, a full replacement is a much better investment.

When a professional from RMK Services assesses your sidewalk, we will give you an honest evaluation. If a repair is a feasible and lasting solution, we will tell you. But if a replacement is the only way to truly solve the problem and eliminate the safety hazard, we will recommend that course of action. Our goal is to provide you with a permanent, safe solution, not a temporary patch.

The width of a residential sidewalk depends on its location and purpose. For a private walkway on your property, such as the path leading from your driveway to your front door, the most common and comfortable width is 36 to 48 inches. A 36 inch (3 foot) wide sidewalk is generally considered the minimum for a comfortable single file path. A 48 inch (4 foot) wide sidewalk is more generous and allows two people to walk side by side more comfortably. A wider front walk can also feel more grand and welcoming as an entrance to your home.

For the public sidewalk in front of your house that runs parallel to the street, the width is usually dictated by the local municipality. In most residential neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area, the standard width for a public sidewalk is four or five feet. A five foot width is often required in newer developments as it more comfortably allows for two way pedestrian traffic and can accommodate wheelchairs or strollers more easily, in line with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

When we replace a public sidewalk, we are required to build it to the specifications set by your local borough or township. We are familiar with the various local codes and will ensure that your new sidewalk is built to the correct width and meets all other municipal standards, such as those for slope and curb ramps. This ensures your new sidewalk is not only safe but also fully compliant with all local regulations.

An expansion joint is a full depth separation between two concrete slabs or between a concrete slab and another structure, such as a building foundation or a curb. This separation is filled with a flexible, compressible material, like a special fiberboard, cork, or a flexible sealant. The purpose of an expansion joint is to allow the concrete slabs to expand and contract with changes in temperature without pushing against each other. Concrete expands in the summer heat, and if there is no room for this movement, the immense pressure can cause the slabs to buckle, crack, or shatter.

Expansion joints are absolutely critical in sidewalk construction. You must have an expansion joint wherever a new sidewalk meets an existing, fixed structure. This means an expansion joint is required where your front walk meets your porch steps, where your public sidewalk meets your driveway apron, and where it meets the street curb. Without these joints, the sidewalk would expand on a hot day and push against your porch, potentially causing serious damage to your home’s foundation.

It is important to distinguish an expansion joint from a control joint. A control joint is a shallow groove that is tooled or cut into the surface of a single slab. Its purpose is to control where shrinkage cracks occur. An expansion joint is a full separation between two different slabs to handle thermal expansion. A professional contractor understands the critical role of both types of joints and will install them in the correct locations to ensure the longevity of your sidewalk and protect your adjacent property.

Yes, for the best long term performance and durability, a new concrete sidewalk should be reinforced with steel. The most common type of reinforcement used for a standard sidewalk is welded wire mesh. This is a grid of steel wires that is laid out inside the forms before the concrete is poured. The wire mesh does not necessarily prevent the concrete from cracking initially, but its primary job is to hold the slab tightly together if and when a crack does form. This prevents the crack from widening and the slab sections from separating or shifting vertically, which is what creates a trip hazard.

The reinforcement adds significant toughness and durability to the sidewalk. It helps the slab resist the stresses from ground movement, freeze thaw cycles, and even the occasional impact. By keeping the slab acting as a single, interlocked unit, the wire mesh greatly extends the functional life of the sidewalk and helps to keep it safe for pedestrians for many years longer than an unreinforced slab would last.

While some municipalities may not strictly require reinforcement for public sidewalks, it is always considered a best practice by the American Concrete Institute and any reputable contractor. The small additional cost of including wire mesh is a very wise investment in the longevity and safety of your new sidewalk. At RMK Services, we include steel reinforcement as a standard component of our high quality sidewalk installations because we believe in building things to last.

In the vast majority of municipalities in the Pittsburgh area and across Pennsylvania, the answer is yes, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the public sidewalk that abuts their property. While the sidewalk is in the public right of way and is for public use, the legal responsibility for its condition falls to the adjacent homeowner. This is a very common and important piece of information for homeowners to be aware of.

This responsibility means that if your sidewalk is cracked, broken, or has sections that have heaved into a tripping hazard, you are required by local ordinance to have it repaired or replaced. Many boroughs and townships have inspection programs and will send out official notices to homeowners requiring them to fix their hazardous sidewalks within a certain timeframe. Failure to comply can result in fines and, in some cases, the municipality may hire a contractor to do the work and then bill the homeowner for the cost.

More importantly, this responsibility also carries a significant legal liability. If a pedestrian trips on your broken sidewalk, falls, and is injured, you as the property owner can be held legally and financially responsible for their medical bills and other damages. This is a major liability risk. For these reasons, it is crucial to proactively inspect your sidewalk and address any hazardous conditions promptly by hiring a professional, insured contractor to perform the necessary replacements.

Preventing a new sidewalk from heaving and becoming a trip hazard is all about proper construction from the ground up. Heaving is caused by the expansion of frozen, water saturated soil underneath the slab. Therefore, the entire construction process is designed to combat this issue. The single most important step is the installation of a proper sub-base. A new sidewalk should never be poured directly onto the native topsoil or clay. We excavate the soil and install a thick layer of compacted crushed stone.

This stone sub-base is the key to preventing heaving. The voids between the stones create a drainage layer that allows any water that gets under the slab to drain away. This prevents the soil directly beneath the concrete from becoming saturated. If the soil is not saturated with water, it cannot form the massive ice lenses that cause frost heave. The compacted stone also provides a stable, uniform foundation that will not settle, which prevents the opposite problem of sunken sidewalk slabs.

Proper grading of the surrounding lawn is also important. The soil next to the sidewalk should be sloped away from it to encourage surface water to run off and not pool along the edges of the slab. While no method is 100 percent foolproof against the powerful forces of nature and large tree roots, a sidewalk that is built on a thick, well compacted stone base is extremely resistant to heaving and will provide a safe, stable surface for many decades. This is the professional standard that RMK Services adheres to on every project.

Yes, a sidewalk or walkway can absolutely be a beautiful decorative element in your landscape. While public sidewalks are typically required to have a standard, non slip broom finish, the private walkways on your property offer a fantastic opportunity for custom design. You do not have to settle for a plain gray path from your driveway to your front door. We can use the same decorative concrete techniques that we use for patios to create a stunning and unique walkway.

Stamped concrete is a very popular option for residential walkways. We can stamp the concrete to look like brick, cobblestone, or natural flagstone, creating a charming path that complements your home’s architecture and landscape design. We can also add integral color or stains to the concrete to match your home’s color scheme. The pattern and texture of a stamped finish also provide excellent slip resistance, making it a safe choice.

Another beautiful and practical option for a walkway is an exposed aggregate finish. This finish reveals the small, smooth stones in the concrete, creating a natural, pebbled look with a highly durable and slip resistant texture. We can also create custom walkways with graceful curves instead of straight lines to create a more organic feel in your garden. By using decorative concrete, your walkway can become more than just a path; it can be a major design feature that significantly enhances your home’s curb appeal.

Get The Best Sidewalk Paving Near You

For a free in-person estimate on your project, book a call-back using our 24/7 self-service system or call us directly at (352) 978-5567.

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