Find the Best Concrete Footpath Experts Near You

Concrete footings provide a stable base around the perimeter of a structure. They’re designed to support the weight or the load from the exterior or foundation walls, so the thickness of these concrete footings matter. The wider the width, the larger the surface area, and the greater the load-bearing capacity. As any concrete footing contractor will tell you, these structures are not the foundation of the home, building, or deck. It’s the support or reinforcement required to stabilise the foundation.

What exactly are concrete footings stabilising against? Let’s imagine you are trying to build a home, deck, pergola on soils that naturally 'sink', such as those with moderate to heavy clay content, or soils that are completely stripped of moisture. In these cases, you run the risk of building on land that’s both uneven and will shift dangerously over time.

That’s when you need concrete footing contractors to:

• Accurately assess the condition of the soil.
• Measure the proper depth and width for the footings.
• Place these in the right areas.
• Pour the concrete with rebar reinforcement into excavated trenches.

The bearing and health of your soil play a far greater role than you realise. That’s why it’s crucial to hire pro-level concrete footing companies with the expertise to ensure that your structure doesn’t crack and collapse years down the road.

It depends. States and Territories in Australia have their own building codes which define official requirements for structures. These are usually based on whether the buildings are commercial or residential. In general, however, it’s an accepted best practice within the trade of concrete footing contractors that footings should:

• Extend to a minimum depth of 12 inches below the soil that remains undisturbed (if it’s disturbed, even 'good' quality soil is less likely to be as firm as undisturbed soil).
• Be frost-protected and extend a minimum depth of 12 inches below the frost line (the line at which the ground freezes).

Remember that every construction project is different. And since the soil varies between places, the load-bearing capacity of the soil changes as well. These factors make it difficult to accurately estimate how far your concrete footings will need to extend.

Professional concrete footing contractors will start with a soil test to measure load-bearing 'value'. Certain soil types, such as clay, sand, gravel, and sedimentary rock, have their own load-bearing values calculated per square foot. In the case of clay, for example, that value is 1,500. But in the case of gravel, the value increases to 3,000, which means a gravel soil type has more load-bearing capacity.

The depth of concrete deck footings varies based on where you are in the country. It’s all about the frost line, which is the point at which the moisture in the ground freezes. If you’re in a warm, temperate climate, where frost rarely occurs, concrete footing contractors may decide to place the footing on grade.

Generally, again, you need to bury concrete deck footings at least 12 inches below unsettled soil. Once installed, these concrete deck footings act as a barrier to insulate soil below the footing from freezing.

When you use iseekplant, you’re accessing a nationwide network of incredible concrete footing specialists who operate in all major cities. From Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide, our professional suppliers can help you with your next project.

Whether it’s a major home extension or addition, retaining wall, decadent pergola, deck or entirely custom residential dwelling, concrete footing companies can help ensure that your structure is up to code and is safe for years to come.

iSeekplant’s network of concrete footing contractors specialise in working across a variety of landscapes and soil conditions. You can also get access to reputable concrete footing companies in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Geelong and Hobart.

It’s easier than ever to compare concrete footing companies before hiring the right one for your project. Start your residential or commercial project off with a foundation that will last for years to come, keeping your occupants and your investment safe. Use iseekplant’s Get a Quote tool to request an easy, no-obligation quote for concrete footing services in your area. You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au today!

In Australia, the standard for concrete footpaths is outlined in the Australian Standards AS 3727.1-2016. This standard specifies the materials, construction methods, and quality requirements for concrete footpaths to ensure durability and safety. Typically, the concrete mix should have a minimum compressive strength of 25 MPa and a thickness of at least 100 mm for pedestrian paths. Compliance with these standards helps ensure the footpaths can withstand environmental stresses and regular usage.

Concrete paths can last between 20 to 40 years, depending on factors such as the quality of the concrete, construction practices, environmental conditions, and maintenance. High-quality materials and proper installation techniques can significantly extend the lifespan of concrete paths. Regular maintenance, including sealing, cleaning, and repairing any cracks, also contributes to their longevity. In areas with extreme weather conditions, additional measures such as proper drainage can further enhance durability.

The best concrete for footpaths is typically a mix with a compressive strength of 25 to 32 MPa, which provides a good balance between strength and workability. A standard mix might include Portland cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), and water, with a possible inclusion of additives for specific conditions. For decorative purposes, coloured concrete or exposed aggregate concrete are popular choices. These types not only provide structural integrity but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the footpath.

The grade of concrete used for footpaths usually ranges from 25 MPa to 32 MPa. This grade is sufficient to withstand pedestrian traffic and environmental stresses without deteriorating quickly. Higher grades might be used in areas expecting heavier loads or more extreme conditions. The specific grade should be chosen based on the anticipated usage and environmental factors to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

A concrete walking path should have a minimum thickness of 100 mm to ensure adequate strength and durability for pedestrian use. In areas where the path might also support light vehicular traffic, such as garden tractors or light maintenance vehicles, the thickness should be increased to at least 125 mm. Proper base preparation and reinforcement, such as using steel mesh, are also essential to prevent cracking and ensure the longevity of the path.

For a walkway, a concrete mix with a compressive strength of 25 MPa is generally recommended. This mix provides a balance of strength, durability, and workability suitable for foot traffic. In addition to the standard grey concrete, you might consider using coloured concrete or exposed aggregate for aesthetic purposes. These options not only enhance the look of the walkway but also offer similar durability and strength characteristics.