Our Professional Concrete Installation Process

We pride ourselves on a thorough and professional installation process to ensure your new concrete driveway, walkway, or patio is beautiful, durable, and built to last. Here’s a step-by-step look at how we bring your project to life.

Step 1: Site Preparation & Demolition

The first and most critical step is preparing the project site. Our crew will begin by professionally removing any existing materials that are in the way. This includes clearing away excess dirt, and landscaping, or performing demolition of old, cracked concrete or pavers. A properly cleared and graded site is the foundation for a successful installation.

Step 2: Framing the Area

Once the site is cleared, we will construct a wooden frame or "form" around the perimeter of the project area. This frame acts as a mold, containing the wet concrete and shaping it into the final desired design. The complexity of the frame, such as intricate curves or multiple levels, can influence the overall project cost.

Step 3: Installing the Base Aggregate

After framing, we lay and compact a layer of base aggregate material, such as crushed stone or gravel. While this step adds to the initial cost, it is a crucial investment in the longevity and durability of your concrete.

The benefits of an aggregate base include:

• Stability: It creates a solid, stable foundation for the concrete to rest on, preventing shifting or sinking over time.

• Drainage: It allows water to drain away from the bottom of the concrete slab, which helps prevent erosion and cracking caused by freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates.

• Load Distribution: The base helps to distribute the weight of vehicles and foot traffic more evenly, reducing stress on the slab itself.

Step 4: Rebar Reinforcement (Optional but Recommended)

For added strength, we can install a grid of steel reinforcement bars, known as rebar, within the frame before pouring. While not required for all projects, rebar significantly enhances the structural integrity of the concrete.

• Pros of Using Rebar:

  • Increases Tensile Strength: Concrete is very strong under compression but can be weak under tension (pulling or bending forces). Rebar dramatically improves its tensile strength, making it far more resistant to cracking from heavy loads or ground movement.

  • Controls Cracking: If a crack does form, the rebar grid will hold the concrete tightly together, preventing the crack from widening and compromising the entire slab.

  • Enhanced Durability: It provides a strong internal skeleton that helps your concrete withstand the test of time, heavy use, and environmental stress.

• Cons of Using Rebar:

  • Higher Initial Cost: The primary drawback is the added material and labor cost associated with installing the rebar grid.

Step 5: Pouring High-Quality Concrete

With the preparation complete, we pour the concrete. We use a standard, high-quality mix with a minimum strength rating of 2500 PSI (pounds per square inch), ensuring a strong and reliable surface for your needs. Our team works efficiently to spread the concrete evenly throughout the forms.

Step 6: Finishing & Customization

The final step is to apply the finish, which determines the final look and texture of your surface. We offer several options to match your style and budget:

• Broom Finish (Least Expensive): A classic, non-slip texture created by dragging a specialized broom across the surface. This is a practical and popular choice for driveways and walkways.

• Sweat Finish (Moderately Expensive): A smoother, finer texture that offers a more decorative and refined appearance than a standard broom finish.

• Stamped Concrete (Most Customization): We can press patterns and textures into the concrete to mimic the appearance of stone, brick, slate, or wood. This is a fantastic option for creating a high-end, custom look.

• Color Integration: To complete your custom design, we can mix integral color directly into the concrete before pouring, ensuring a rich, consistent hue that won't chip or fade over time. A wide variety of colors are available to complement your home and landscape