Concrete contractors - get free quotes

Concrete is the backbone of nearly every residential property. Driveways, patios, sidewalks, foundations, retaining walls, and decorative hardscaping all depend on quality concrete work done right. When concrete is poured and finished by a skilled contractor, it lasts decades with minimal maintenance.

Finding the right contractor is the hard part. We connect homeowners with concrete professionals in their area. Get free, no-obligation quotes and compare prices before you hire.

Why hire a professional concrete contractor

Concrete work looks straightforward, but the quality of the finished product depends on every step of the process. Site preparation, grading, forming, reinforcement, pouring, finishing, and curing all require experience and proper equipment. Mistakes are expensive to fix and nearly impossible to hide.

A professional contractor handles grading and drainage so water flows away from your home instead of pooling against it. They calculate the right concrete mix and thickness for your specific project and climate. They set forms accurately, place reinforcing steel or mesh where needed, and finish the surface before the concrete sets.

DIY concrete projects often develop cracks, uneven surfaces, and drainage problems within the first year. A professional contractor delivers a result that holds up for 25 to 50 years. Not sure what to look for in a contractor? Read our complete guide to hiring a concrete contractor.

Types of concrete projects

Concrete contractors handle a wide range of residential projects. Here is what you need to know about the most common ones.

Driveways

The driveway is one of the most visible features of your property and one of the hardest-working surfaces around your home. A concrete driveway handles thousands of pounds of vehicle weight daily while enduring rain, snow, UV exposure, and temperature extremes.

Standard concrete driveways use a broom finish for traction and cost $8 to $18 per square foot. A typical two-car driveway covers 400 to 600 square feet, putting the total cost between $3,200 and $10,800. Decorative options like stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, or colored concrete cost more but significantly boost curb appeal.

Proper installation includes a compacted gravel subbase, 4 to 6 inches of concrete thickness, wire mesh or rebar reinforcement, and control joints spaced to minimize cracking. A well-built driveway lasts 30 years or more. See our concrete driveway cost guide for detailed 2026 pricing.

Patios

A concrete patio creates usable outdoor living space for dining, entertaining, and relaxation. Concrete is one of the most durable and affordable patio materials, with costs ranging from $6 to $16 per square foot for standard finishes.

Stamped concrete patios mimic the appearance of natural stone, brick, or tile at a fraction of the cost. Exposed aggregate provides an attractive textured surface with excellent traction. Colored concrete can be tinted to complement your home’s exterior.

Patio installation requires proper grading for drainage, a stable subbase, and adequate thickness (typically 4 inches for foot traffic). Integrating a slight slope away from your home’s foundation prevents water from pooling against the structure. Our patio installation guide covers design options, costs, and the full installation process.

Sidewalks and walkways

Concrete sidewalks provide safe, accessible pathways around your property. Standard 4-foot-wide sidewalks cost $6 to $15 per linear foot installed, including forming, pouring, and finishing.

Municipalities often have specific requirements for sidewalks that border public streets, including width, thickness, and distance from the curb. Your contractor should be familiar with local codes and pull any required permits.

Foundation work

Your home’s foundation is its most critical structural element. Foundation issues like cracks, settling, bowing walls, and water intrusion require immediate professional attention.

Foundation repair costs vary widely based on the problem. Minor crack repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while major foundation stabilization with piers or underpinning can run $2,000 to $15,000 or more. A qualified foundation contractor will assess the underlying cause, not just the visible symptoms, and recommend the most effective repair approach.

If you are building a new home or addition, the foundation pour sets the stage for everything above it. This is not a place to cut corners. Experienced foundation contractors understand soil conditions, load calculations, waterproofing, and local building codes. Read our complete foundation repair guide for warning signs, repair methods, and costs.

Retaining walls

Concrete retaining walls hold back earth on sloped properties, prevent erosion, and create level areas for landscaping or construction. They cost $20 to $75 per linear foot depending on the height, design, and site conditions.

Retaining walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineering and permits. Proper drainage behind the wall is critical to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup that can cause the wall to lean or fail. A professional concrete contractor designs the wall with adequate footing depth, reinforcement, and drainage provisions.

Decorative concrete

Decorative concrete encompasses a range of techniques that transform plain concrete into an attractive design feature:

• Stamped concrete. Patterns pressed into wet concrete to mimic stone, brick, slate, or wood. Costs $12 to $28 per square foot. See our stamped concrete vs pavers comparison to decide which is right for your project.
• Exposed aggregate. The top layer of cement paste is removed to reveal the textured stone aggregate beneath. Provides good traction and a natural appearance.
• Colored concrete. Integral color mixed throughout the concrete or color hardener applied to the surface. Adds $2 to $5 per square foot to the base cost.
• Stained concrete. Acid or water-based stains applied to existing concrete for a translucent color effect. Popular for patios and indoor floors.

Average concrete costs

Pricing depends on the project type, finish, site conditions, and your local market. Here are national average costs for common concrete projects.

Labor accounts for roughly 40% to 60% of total concrete project costs. The remaining cost covers concrete material, reinforcement, forming lumber, finishing materials, and any decorative treatments.

What affects concrete costs

Several factors influence your final price:

• Project size. Larger projects cost less per square foot due to economies of scale. A 200-square-foot patio has a higher per-square-foot cost than a 600-square-foot patio because setup, delivery, and mobilization costs are spread across more area.
• Concrete finish. Plain broom-finish concrete is the most affordable option. Stamped, stained, exposed aggregate, and colored finishes each add cost. Complex patterns and multiple colors increase the price further.
• Site conditions. Sloped lots, poor soil, limited access for concrete trucks, and sites that require significant grading cost more to work with. Demolition and removal of existing concrete adds $2 to $6 per square foot.
• Thickness and reinforcement. Standard 4-inch residential flatwork is the baseline. Thicker pours (5 to 6 inches) for driveways or heavy loads require more concrete and reinforcement. Rebar costs more than wire mesh but provides superior strength.
• Local labor rates. Contractor rates vary by region. Metropolitan areas with high demand and cost of living tend to have higher labor rates than rural areas.
• Season and timing. Concrete contractors are busiest in late spring through early fall. Scheduling during slower months may result in more competitive pricing, though winter work requires additional measures that can offset any discounts.

Concrete materials compared

How to choose a concrete contractor

The difference between a driveway that lasts 30 years and one that cracks in the first winter often comes down to who you hire. Here is what to look for.

Verify licensing and insurance

Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states require a specialty concrete license, while others require a general contractor license for work above a certain dollar amount. Check your state’s licensing board to understand local requirements and verify any contractor you are considering.

At minimum, your concrete contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current. A contractor who cannot provide proof of insurance is not worth the risk.

Evaluate experience and references

Concrete work requires hands-on skill that takes years to develop. Ask how long the contractor has been in business, how many projects similar to yours they complete per year, and what types of concrete work they specialize in.

Request references from at least three recent projects. A reputable contractor will be happy to connect you with past customers. Drive by completed projects if possible to evaluate the quality of the work firsthand.

Get detailed written quotes

A professional concrete quote should include:

• Project dimensions and thickness
• Concrete mix type and PSI rating
• Reinforcement method (wire mesh, rebar, fiber)
• Subbase preparation
• Finish type (broom, stamped, exposed aggregate, colored)
• Demolition and removal of existing concrete (if applicable)
• Drainage and grading work
• Permit fees
• Timeline and payment schedule
• Warranty terms

Avoid contractors who provide vague estimates or only quote a lump sum without detailed breakdowns. The most common source of contractor disputes is unclear scope of work.

Compare at least three quotes

Getting multiple quotes protects you from overpaying and helps you spot contractors who may be cutting corners. Bids that are significantly below the average may indicate thinner concrete, inadequate subbase preparation, or inexperienced crews.

Focus on value rather than the lowest price. A contractor who charges 10% more but uses proper reinforcement, adequate thickness, and thorough subbase preparation will deliver a result that lasts far longer.

Concrete by location

Concrete costs and requirements vary by region. Climate affects curing conditions, soil type influences subbase preparation, and local codes dictate thickness, reinforcement, and permit requirements.

Select your state to find local concrete contractors and pricing specific to your area.

Utah

Utah’s Wasatch Front has expansive clay soils that can shift and settle, making proper subbase preparation especially important for driveways and foundations. Cold winters require contractors to plan concrete pours carefully around freeze-thaw cycles. Utah requires contractors to be licensed through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

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Idaho

Boise and the Treasure Valley have a long construction season with hot, dry summers that require careful attention to concrete curing. The region’s desert soils provide good drainage but may need compaction before pouring. Idaho requires contractor registration through the Idaho Contractors Board for projects over $2,000.

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Colorado

Denver’s high altitude affects concrete curing and requires experienced contractors who understand how elevation, UV exposure, and rapid temperature changes impact the finished product. The Front Range’s expansive soils demand thorough site preparation. Colorado does not have statewide contractor licensing, but Denver, Colorado Springs, and other cities require local licenses.

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Oregon

Oregon’s wet climate makes drainage and moisture management critical for every concrete project. Heavy rainfall from October through May compresses the construction season into a narrow summer window. Oregon requires all contractors to hold an active license through the Construction Contractors Board (CCB), which includes a $20,000 surety bond protecting homeowners.

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North Carolina

North Carolina’s Piedmont red clay soil is one of the most challenging soil types for concrete work in the Southeast. The clay expands significantly when wet and shrinks during dry periods, demanding experienced contractors who know proper subbase preparation. North Carolina requires a general contractor license through the NCLBGC for projects valued at $30,000 or more.

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Tennessee

Tennessee’s limestone bedrock and clay soils create a unique combination of challenges for concrete contractors. Much of Middle Tennessee has limestone just a few feet below the surface, which can complicate excavation for foundations and footings. Tennessee requires a home improvement license for residential projects valued at $25,000 or more.

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Florida

Florida’s year-round construction season, sandy soils, and high water table create conditions unlike any other state. Hurricane-driven building codes add reinforcement requirements for foundations and structural concrete. Florida requires contractors to hold an active license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

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Arizona

Arizona’s extreme desert heat is the defining factor for concrete work in the state. Summer temperatures above 110 degrees require pre-dawn pours, ice in mix water, and retarding admixtures to prevent rapid moisture loss. The Valley’s caliche soil layer adds excavation costs to many projects. Arizona requires contractors to hold an active license through the Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

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Ohio

Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles and clay-heavy soils put concrete through a punishing annual test. Air-entrained concrete with a minimum 4,000 PSI is essential for any exterior flatwork. Ohio does not require a statewide specialty license for residential concrete, but most cities and counties require building permits and contractor registration.

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Concrete maintenance and longevity

Quality concrete can last 30 to 50 years with basic maintenance. Here is how to protect your investment.

Sealing

Apply a penetrating concrete sealer every two to three years. Sealing prevents moisture intrusion, reduces staining, and protects against freeze-thaw damage. Decorative concrete, especially stamped patterns, should be sealed to maintain color and prevent surface wear.

The best time to apply sealer is in dry weather when temperatures are between 50 and 80 degrees. Allow new concrete to cure fully (at least 28 days) before applying the first coat of sealer.

Crack prevention and repair

Some cracking is normal in concrete. Control joints (the grooves cut into driveways and sidewalks) are designed to direct cracking along predetermined lines where it is less visible. Proper control joint spacing, adequate concrete thickness, and a well-compacted subbase all minimize random cracking.

When cracks do appear, repair them promptly. Small cracks can be filled with flexible concrete caulk or epoxy. Wider cracks may indicate settlement or subbase failure and should be evaluated by a professional.

Winter care

Avoid using deicing salts on concrete, especially during the first winter after installation. Salt accelerates surface scaling and deterioration. Use sand for traction instead, or use calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) as a less damaging deicing alternative.

Keep concrete surfaces clear of standing water and snow to prevent moisture from seeping into cracks and causing freeze-thaw damage.

Cleaning

Most concrete surfaces can be cleaned with a garden hose, mild detergent, and a stiff brush. Pressure washing works well for removing stubborn dirt and stains but should be done carefully on stamped or decorative surfaces to avoid damaging the sealer.

Oil stains should be treated promptly with a concrete degreaser. The longer oil sits on concrete, the deeper it penetrates.

Concrete vs other hardscaping materials

Concrete is not the only option for driveways, patios, and walkways. Here is how it compares.

Concrete vs pavers

Pavers offer a modular, interlocking design that allows for easy repair of individual pieces. They cost $10 to $30 per square foot installed, compared to $6 to $18 for standard concrete. Pavers provide more design flexibility and can be relaid if the base settles.

Concrete is more affordable, requires less ongoing maintenance, and provides a uniform appearance. Stamped concrete can replicate the look of pavers at a lower cost, though repairs are more difficult since matching patterns and color on patched areas is challenging.

Concrete vs asphalt

Asphalt costs $3 to $6 per square foot, making it the cheapest paved surface option. However, asphalt requires resealing every two to five years, softens in extreme heat, and has a shorter lifespan (15 to 20 years) than concrete.

Concrete costs more upfront but lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and offers more finish options. For homeowners who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance driveway, concrete provides better overall value.

Concrete vs gravel

Gravel is the most affordable option at $1 to $3 per square foot, but it requires regular regrading, shifts under vehicle traffic, and is unsuitable for areas where a level surface is needed. Concrete provides a permanent, stable surface that eliminates the ongoing maintenance of gravel.

Get free concrete quotes

Ready to start your concrete project? Get free, no-obligation quotes from concrete contractors in your area. Compare prices, check references, and choose the best contractor for your driveway, patio, sidewalk, or foundation project.