Concrete in Denver, CO - free quotes from local pros

Denver homeowners know that concrete work along the Front Range is not the same as in other parts of the country. At 5,280 feet, the Mile High City throws everything at your concrete: expansive clay soils that heave and shift, intense UV radiation that degrades surfaces, freeze-thaw cycles from October through April, and afternoon thunderstorms that can wash out a fresh pour.

Getting the job done right requires a contractor who understands Denver’s specific challenges. We connect Front Range homeowners with experienced concrete professionals who build for Colorado conditions. The average Denver concrete project costs $3,500 to $22,000 depending on scope. Get free quotes from local contractors.

Concrete costs in Denver

Denver-area concrete prices run at or slightly above the national average, reflecting higher labor costs and the additional preparation that Colorado’s soils and climate demand.

What affects costs in Denver

Key factors that drive concrete pricing in the Denver metro:

• Expansive clay soils. Denver’s notorious bentonite clay is the single biggest factor in concrete costs. Proper preparation requires excavating the clay to a depth of 6 to 12 inches and replacing it with compacted gravel. Skipping this step saves money upfront but almost guarantees cracking and heaving within a few years.
• Altitude and curing. At 5,280 feet, concrete loses moisture faster during curing. Contractors need to adjust water-cement ratios, use curing compounds, and sometimes schedule pours for cooler parts of the day. These adjustments are standard practice for experienced Denver contractors but may not be second nature for crews from lower elevations.
• Strong demand. Denver’s population growth has created consistent demand for concrete contractors. During peak season (May through September), lead times can stretch to four to eight weeks. Booking early in the year gives you more options and potentially better pricing.
• Decorative finishes. Stamped concrete is popular in Denver’s newer neighborhoods like Stapleton, Green Valley Ranch, and Highlands Ranch. Complex patterns and multiple colors can double the cost compared to standard broom finish.

How it works

Getting concrete quotes in Denver is quick and easy:

1. Describe your project. Share the details of your concrete work, including approximate dimensions, preferred finish, and timeline.
2. Get matched with local pros. We connect you with up to three concrete contractors in the Denver metro area.
3. Compare quotes and hire. Review detailed estimates, check references, and hire the contractor who is the best fit for your project.

Free quotes, no obligation. You control the process from start to finish.

What to look for in a Denver concrete contractor

Licensing

The City and County of Denver requires contractors to hold a Denver contractor license for work within city limits. Other Front Range municipalities have their own requirements. Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, and Boulder each have local licensing or registration processes.

Check with your local building department to confirm what is required. Regardless of licensing requirements, always verify your contractor’s insurance coverage.

Insurance

Your concrete contractor should carry general liability insurance (minimum $500,000 recommended for Denver-area projects) and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm they are current. Denver projects often involve heavy equipment, concrete trucks, and excavation, all of which carry liability risk.

Experience with Denver soils

This is the most important differentiator for Denver concrete contractors. Ask specifically about their approach to subbase preparation on expansive clay soils. Experienced Front Range contractors know that proper soil work is the foundation of every successful concrete project in Denver.

Red flags include contractors who propose to pour directly on existing soil without gravel subbase preparation, or those who suggest a subbase depth of less than 4 inches on clay soils.

Questions to ask

Before hiring a Denver concrete contractor, ask:

• Do you hold a Denver contractor license?
• Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
• How do you handle subbase preparation on Denver’s clay soils?
• What concrete PSI and mix do you use for exterior flatwork?
• How do you adjust curing procedures for altitude?
• What warranty do you offer, and what does it cover?

Denver climate and concrete

Denver’s combination of altitude, clay soils, and temperature extremes makes it one of the more challenging markets for concrete work in the country. Here is what matters most:

Freeze-thaw cycles. Denver experiences over 150 freeze-thaw cycles per year, more than almost any other major city. Water that seeps into concrete expands when it freezes, causing surface scaling and internal damage. Air-entrained concrete is mandatory for any exterior project.

Expansive soils. Bentonite clay is present across much of the Denver metro. When this clay absorbs moisture from rain or snowmelt, it can exert thousands of pounds of pressure per square foot. Proper drainage, moisture barriers, and over-excavated gravel subbases are the standard defenses.

UV exposure. Denver averages 300 sunny days per year at an elevation where UV intensity is roughly 25% higher than at sea level. Concrete sealers break down faster under these conditions. Plan on resealing every one to two years for stamped or decorative concrete, and every two to three years for standard flatwork.

Afternoon thunderstorms. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly along the Front Range, dumping heavy rain on fresh concrete. Experienced Denver contractors monitor weather forecasts closely and have tarps and covers ready to protect unfinished work.

Related services in Denver

Working on a bigger home improvement project? We also connect Denver homeowners with:

• Insulation contractors in Denver
• Fencing contractors in Denver

Denver’s short optimal construction season (April through October) means bundling outdoor projects makes practical sense. Many homeowners combine driveway or patio work with a new fence to transform their outdoor space in a single season. Read our patio installation guide for design ideas and costs, or compare stamped concrete vs pavers for your next project.

Browse all concrete services in Colorado or visit our concrete resource center.