Concrete contractors in North Carolina - free quotes

North Carolina’s rapid growth keeps concrete contractors in high demand. From new driveways in Charlotte’s expanding suburbs to patio installations in Raleigh neighborhoods, concrete work is one of the most common home improvement projects in the state. But the Piedmont’s red clay soil and humid climate create conditions that demand experienced contractors who know how to deliver work that lasts.

We connect North Carolina homeowners with concrete professionals who understand local conditions. Get free quotes and compare prices before you commit.

North Carolina licensing requirements

North Carolina requires contractors performing work valued at $30,000 or more to hold an active license through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC). Concrete contractors typically operate under a general contractor or an unclassified license from the NCLBGC.

Key licensing details for North Carolina:

• $30,000 threshold. Projects valued below $30,000 (including materials and labor) do not require a state license. However, your contractor should still carry insurance and pull any required local permits.
• License classifications. The NCLBGC issues licenses by monetary limitation and type. Concrete contractors may hold a Building Contractor, Residential Contractor, or Unclassified license depending on the scope of work they perform.
• Insurance requirements. Licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
• Local requirements. Some North Carolina municipalities require separate business licenses, registration, or permits for construction work regardless of project value. Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro each have their own permit requirements.

Before hiring any contractor, verify their license status at the NCLBGC website and ask for certificates of insurance. Even for projects under $30,000, confirm that workers’ compensation coverage is current. Read our guide to hiring a concrete contractor for a complete contractor evaluation checklist.

Average concrete costs in North Carolina

Concrete costs across North Carolina fall near national averages. Labor rates in the Charlotte and Raleigh metros are competitive, and ready-mix concrete is readily available from regional suppliers.

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

North Carolina-specific cost factors

• Piedmont clay soil. Much of central North Carolina sits on red clay that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. Proper subbase preparation with compacted gravel is essential to prevent cracking and settling. This adds to project costs but protects your investment.
• Humidity and curing. NC’s humid summers can actually help concrete cure more evenly, but heavy afternoon thunderstorms during summer months can damage fresh pours. Experienced contractors plan around the weather.
• Construction season. Concrete work is possible year-round in North Carolina, but spring and fall offer the best conditions. Scheduling during winter or mid-summer may get you better pricing.
• Growth-driven demand. Charlotte and the Triangle are among the fastest-growing metros in the Southeast. High demand for contractors during peak season can push prices up and extend lead times.

Soil and climate considerations

North Carolina’s three geographic regions each present different conditions for concrete work.

Piedmont. Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem sit on Piedmont red clay soil. This iron-rich clay is the biggest challenge for concrete contractors in the state. It expands significantly when saturated and cracks when dry, creating ground movement that damages driveways, patios, and foundations. Subbase preparation is the most critical step for any concrete project in the Piedmont. Excavating the clay and replacing it with 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel is standard practice.

Coastal Plain. Wilmington, Jacksonville, and the eastern third of the state have sandy soils that drain well but offer less structural support. Concrete projects in the coastal plain need thorough subbase compaction. Coastal areas also deal with salt air exposure and occasional hurricane-force winds that affect building codes for structural concrete.

Mountains. Asheville and the western mountains have shorter construction seasons and more severe freeze-thaw cycles. Rocky soil can complicate excavation. Concrete mixes should include air entrainment and higher PSI ratings (4,500+) for mountain locations. The construction season typically runs April through October.

Seasonal considerations for concrete in North Carolina

Spring (March through May). The best time for concrete across most of North Carolina. Mild temperatures and moderate rainfall create good conditions. The Piedmont can see some heavy spring rain, so scheduling around weather is still important.

Summer (June through August). Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Concrete can still be poured successfully, but contractors should schedule for early morning, use curing compounds, and plan around the daily storm pattern. Summer heat actually helps maintain moisture in the concrete during curing when combined with NC’s humidity.

Fall (September through November). Excellent conditions with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. This is a great window for concrete work, and contractor availability often improves compared to the busy spring and summer months.

Winter (December through February). Mild winters in the Piedmont and coastal regions allow concrete work to continue, though cold snaps require precautions. Mountain areas see enough cold weather to make winter pours challenging without cold-weather additives. Scheduling during winter in Charlotte or Raleigh may get you better pricing and faster project starts.

Cities we serve

• Concrete contractors in Charlotte
• Concrete contractors in Raleigh

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

FAQ

Do concrete contractors need a license in North Carolina?

Contractors performing concrete work valued at $30,000 or more must hold a license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Smaller projects do not require a state license, but contractors should carry insurance and pull any required local permits. Verify credentials at the NCLBGC website before hiring.

What concrete mix works best in North Carolina’s climate?

Standard 4,000 PSI concrete works well for most exterior flatwork in North Carolina. Air entrainment is less critical than in northern states since freeze-thaw cycles are less frequent, but it is still recommended for exposed surfaces in the western Piedmont and mountain regions. In the coastal plain, ask your contractor about sulfate-resistant mixes if soil conditions warrant it.

When is the best time to pour concrete in North Carolina?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best conditions. Temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees produce ideal curing results. Summer pours work fine if the contractor manages moisture and avoids pouring during afternoon storms.

How do I deal with red clay soil for my concrete project?

Red clay is the most important factor to address for any concrete project in the Piedmont. Your contractor should excavate the clay to a depth of 4 to 6 inches (or more for foundations) and replace it with compacted gravel fill. Do not let any contractor pour directly on clay soil. The upfront cost of proper subbase preparation is a fraction of the cost of replacing cracked concrete in a few years.

Does North Carolina require permits for concrete work?

Permit requirements vary by city and county. Most jurisdictions require permits for new driveways, driveway expansions, and any work that changes drainage patterns. Backyard patios may not require permits unless near property lines. Your contractor should verify requirements with your local building department and handle the permit process.

How much does foundation repair cost in North Carolina?

Foundation repair in North Carolina typically costs $2,000 to $15,000. The Piedmont’s red clay soil is a leading cause of foundation problems, as the clay’s expansion and contraction creates uneven pressure on foundations. See our foundation repair guide for warning signs, repair methods, and detailed costs.