Concrete contractors in Arizona - free quotes

Arizona’s year-round construction season keeps concrete contractors busy. From driveways and patios in the Phoenix metro to pool decks and retaining walls across the Valley, concrete is one of the most popular home improvement services in the state. But Arizona’s extreme heat and unique soil conditions create challenges that demand experienced, knowledgeable contractors.

We connect Arizona homeowners with concrete professionals who understand desert conditions. Get free quotes and compare prices before you commit.

Arizona licensing requirements

Arizona requires contractors to hold an active license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). The ROC is one of the more robust state licensing systems and provides strong homeowner protections.

Concrete contractors typically operate under one of these license classifications:

• CR-9 Concrete. The specific residential license for concrete flatwork, driveways, patios, and sidewalks. This is the most common classification for residential concrete contractors.
• B-1 General Residential Contracting. Allows contractors to perform concrete work as part of broader construction projects.
• B-5 General Commercial Contracting. Covers commercial concrete projects.
• KA-9 Concrete (commercial). The commercial specialty classification for concrete work.

Arizona’s ROC requires licensed contractors to maintain a bond, and the ROC recovery fund provides additional homeowner protection if a licensed contractor fails to complete work or does substandard work. The ROC website shows any complaints, disciplinary actions, or unresolved claims against a contractor.

Before hiring any contractor, verify their license status at the Arizona ROC website. Confirm that your contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for their crew. See our guide to hiring a concrete contractor for the full evaluation process.

Average concrete costs in Arizona

Concrete costs in the Phoenix metro run near national averages, with prices slightly higher during peak demand seasons (fall through spring when temperatures are moderate).

For detailed pricing, see our concrete driveway cost guide and patio installation guide.

Arizona-specific cost factors

• Caliche soil. Much of the Phoenix metro sits on caliche, a rock-hard calcium carbonate layer that can be inches to several feet below the surface. Excavating through caliche requires specialized equipment and adds significant cost to foundation, footing, and post-hole work.
• Heat and curing. Summer temperatures above 110 degrees cause concrete to cure too rapidly, leading to cracking and reduced strength. Contractors must pour early in the morning, use retarding admixtures, and apply curing compounds. These measures add to project costs during hot months.
• Construction season. Unlike most of the country, Arizona’s peak concrete season is October through April when temperatures favor proper curing. Summer months may offer lower pricing but present significant quality challenges.
• Pool deck demand. Arizona’s pool culture creates high demand for pool deck concrete. Cool-deck coatings and slip-resistant textures are popular additions that increase cost but are essential for barefoot comfort.

Soil and climate considerations

Arizona’s desert environment presents unique challenges that differ dramatically from most other states.

Caliche. This naturally occurring calcium carbonate layer is essentially concrete-like rock found throughout the Phoenix metro. It ranges from a few inches to several feet thick and can appear at any depth below the surface. Caliche is most prevalent in north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and parts of the east Valley (Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler). For driveways and patios, a level caliche layer can actually serve as an excellent natural subbase. But when excavation is needed for footings, thickened edges, or grade changes, jackhammering through caliche adds significant time and cost.

Monsoon drainage. Phoenix averages only 8 inches of rain per year, but monsoon storms from July through September can dump over an inch in a single event. The desert soil does not absorb water quickly, so flash flooding is a real concern. Concrete surfaces must be graded to direct water away from the home, and drainage should be designed for high-intensity, short-duration rain events rather than steady rainfall.

Desert expansion. While Phoenix does not have the expansive clay soils that plague Denver or Charlotte, some areas of the Valley have expansive soil deposits. A soil report or geotechnical evaluation before major concrete work (especially foundations) can identify potential problems before construction begins.

Tucson. Southern Arizona has different conditions than Phoenix. Tucson sits at a higher elevation (2,400 feet) with slightly cooler temperatures and different soil composition. Decomposed granite is more common than caliche in many Tucson neighborhoods.

Seasonal considerations for concrete in Arizona

Fall through spring (October through April). The primary concrete season in Arizona. Morning temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees produce ideal curing conditions. This is peak demand season, so book 4 to 8 weeks in advance for the best scheduling options.

Late spring (May through early June). Temperatures climb above 100 degrees regularly. Early morning pours that finish before 10 AM are standard practice. This shoulder season can offer slightly better pricing than the peak months.

Summer (June through September). Summer pours require extreme precautions: pre-dawn start times (3 to 5 AM), ice in mix water, retarding admixtures, and immediate application of curing compounds. Many reputable contractors avoid flatwork during summer entirely because the quality risks are too high. Foundation work in shaded or enclosed areas may continue year-round.

Monsoon season (July through September). Afternoon and evening storms can develop rapidly. Contractors must protect fresh concrete from sudden downpours. Many schedule around the monsoon pattern by finishing pours before noon.

Cities we serve

• Concrete contractors in Phoenix

More Arizona cities coming soon. Get a free quote for your concrete project anywhere in Arizona.

FAQ

Do concrete contractors need a license in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona requires concrete contractors to hold an active ROC license under the CR-9 Concrete, B-1 General Residential Contracting, or related classification. Verify any contractor’s license through the Arizona ROC website before hiring. The ROC website also shows complaint history and disciplinary actions.

What concrete mix works best in Arizona’s climate?

Arizona’s heat requires concrete mixes designed for hot-weather pouring. Contractors typically use mixes with retarding admixtures to slow curing time, fly ash to reduce heat of hydration, and minimum 4,000 PSI compressive strength. Fiber reinforcement is common to help control shrinkage cracking in the desert climate.

When is the best time to pour concrete in Arizona?

Late fall through early spring (October through April) offers the best conditions for pouring concrete in the Phoenix area. Morning pours that finish before temperatures climb above 90 degrees produce the best results. Summer pours require special precautions including pre-dawn start times, ice in the mix water, and evaporation retarders.

What is caliche, and how does it affect my project?

Caliche is a rock-hard layer of calcium carbonate found throughout the Phoenix metro. It ranges from a few inches to several feet thick and cannot be dug with standard equipment. Jackhammers or specialized machinery are needed to break through it. Caliche adds cost to any project requiring excavation but can actually provide an excellent subbase if the surface is level. Ask contractors about caliche conditions in your neighborhood during the quoting process.

How much extra does caliche removal cost?

Caliche removal typically adds $500 to $2,000 or more to a concrete project, depending on the thickness of the caliche layer and the depth of excavation needed. Properties in north Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the east Valley tend to have thicker deposits. Your contractor should inspect the site and include caliche removal estimates in their quote.

Can concrete be poured in Phoenix during summer?

It can, but quality risks are significant. Summer temperatures above 110 degrees cause rapid moisture loss that weakens the concrete and creates surface cracking. Reputable contractors pour before dawn (3 to 5 AM starts), add ice to mix water, use retarding admixtures, and apply curing compounds immediately. Some contractors refuse to pour flatwork when temperatures exceed 100 degrees at pour time. Scheduling for October through April avoids these challenges entirely.