Concrete & Driveways
Concrete and driveway work forms, pours, and finishes flatwork such as driveways, walkways, slabs, and patios over a compacted base. A stable subgrade and proper joints control cracking, and it is priced per square foot.
How concrete & driveways is done
- Excavate and grade the area
- Compact a gravel subbase
- Set forms and place reinforcement
- Pour, screed, and float the concrete
- Add control joints and the surface finish
- Cure and seal
What homeowners should know
- Ask about slab thickness and reinforcement for vehicle loads
- Confirm control joints are cut to manage cracking
- Understand that some hairline cracking is normal in concrete
- Keep vehicles and heavy loads off until fully cured
- Consider sealing to resist stains and freeze-thaw damage
Permits, timelines & things to consider
- Permits are sometimes required, especially near the public right-of-way
- Subgrade preparation and thickness are the main durability drivers
- Weather and temperature affect the pour and curing
- Control joints and proper reinforcement limit cracking
- Decorative finishes like stamping raise the per-square-foot cost
Frequently asked questions
How long before I can drive on a new concrete driveway?
Concrete gains most of its strength over about a week; many contractors advise waiting roughly seven days for vehicles and a month before heavy loads.
Why does concrete crack?
Concrete shrinks as it cures, so control joints direct where it cracks; poor subgrade, thickness, or curing causes uncontrolled cracking.
Should I seal my concrete driveway?
Sealing helps resist stains, water, and freeze-thaw damage, extending the life of the surface; flatwork is priced per square foot.