Concrete in Charlotte, NC - free quotes from local pros

Charlotte homeowners invest in concrete for driveways, patios, sidewalks, and outdoor living spaces that hold up to the Piedmont climate. The city’s rapid growth means new construction projects everywhere, from Ballantyne to Huntersville. But Charlotte’s notorious red clay soil creates challenges that only experienced contractors can handle properly.

We connect Charlotte homeowners with local concrete contractors who know how to work with local soil conditions and deliver results that last. The average concrete project in the Charlotte metro costs $3,000 to $20,000 depending on scope. Get free quotes from local pros and compare before you hire.

Concrete costs in Charlotte

Concrete pricing in the Charlotte metro runs close to national averages. The area’s competitive contractor market and steady construction activity keep prices in line. Here is what Charlotte homeowners typically pay.

What affects costs in Charlotte

Several factors specific to the Charlotte market influence your project price:

• Red clay soil. Charlotte’s Piedmont clay soil is the single biggest cost factor. Contractors need to excavate deeper and bring in gravel subbase material to create a stable foundation that resists the clay’s expansion and contraction. Skipping this step leads to cracking and settling within a few years.
• Slope and grading. Many Charlotte properties, especially in neighborhoods like Myers Park, Eastover, and areas along the Catawba River, have significant grade changes. Sloped sites require more forming, grading, and potentially retaining wall work.
• Demolition. Removing and hauling away existing concrete adds $2 to $6 per square foot. Charlotte’s older neighborhoods often have deteriorating driveways and walkways that need full replacement.
• Decorative upgrades. Stamped and colored concrete are popular in Charlotte’s newer communities. Adding decorative finishes increases cost by 50% to 100% over standard broom-finish concrete.

How it works

Getting concrete quotes in Charlotte is straightforward:

1. Describe your project. Tell us about the concrete work you need, the approximate size, and your timeline.
2. Get matched with local pros. We connect you with up to three concrete contractors serving the Charlotte area.
3. Compare quotes and hire. Review detailed estimates, check references, and choose the contractor that fits your budget and project.

No cost, no obligation. Compare your options on your own terms.

What to look for in a Charlotte concrete contractor

Licensing

North Carolina requires contractors performing work valued at $30,000 or more to hold a general contractor license through the NCLBGC. Many residential concrete projects fall below this threshold, but larger driveway or multi-area projects may qualify.

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County may also require business registration and local permits for concrete work. Confirm which permits your project needs and whether your contractor handles the permitting process.

Insurance

Your contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current before work begins. This protects you if something goes wrong during the project.

Questions to ask

Before hiring a concrete contractor in Charlotte, ask:

• Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
• Are you licensed with the NCLBGC (for larger projects)?
• How do you prepare the subbase for Charlotte’s red clay soil?
• What concrete mix and PSI do you use for exterior flatwork?
• Do you include control joints in your bid?
• What warranty do you offer on the finished work?
• Will you handle the permit if one is required?

Charlotte climate and concrete

Charlotte’s climate tests concrete differently than northern cities. Freeze-thaw cycles are less frequent but still occur, typically 30 to 40 cycles per year. Summer heat and heavy afternoon thunderstorms are the bigger concern.

Key considerations for Charlotte concrete projects:

• Subbase preparation. This is the most critical step in Charlotte. Red clay does not drain well and expands significantly when saturated. A minimum of 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel subbase is essential for any flatwork project.
• Mix design. Standard 4,000 PSI concrete works well for most Charlotte projects. Air entrainment is recommended for exposed surfaces to handle the occasional freeze-thaw cycle.
• Drainage. Charlotte receives about 43 inches of rain annually, much of it in heavy summer downpours. Grading concrete surfaces to direct water away from your home and the slab edges prevents erosion and undermining.
• Curing. Charlotte’s summer heat can cause concrete to dry too quickly. Contractors should use curing compounds or wet curing during hot months to prevent surface cracking.

Foundation concerns in Charlotte

Charlotte’s red clay soil is a leading cause of foundation problems in the Piedmont region. The clay expands dramatically when wet and shrinks when dry, creating uneven pressure on foundations. Signs of foundation issues include cracks in walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors. Foundation repair in Charlotte typically costs $2,000 to $15,000 depending on severity.

Charlotte neighborhoods we serve

We connect homeowners with concrete contractors across the Charlotte metro, including:

• South End and Dilworth. Established neighborhoods where aging driveways and walkways often need replacement.
• Ballantyne and South Charlotte. Newer subdivisions with demand for patios, pool decks, and decorative concrete.
• NoDa and Plaza Midwood. Eclectic areas where homeowners are investing in outdoor living spaces.
• Myers Park and Eastover. Upscale neighborhoods with larger properties that often need retaining walls and custom concrete work.
• Huntersville and Cornelius. Lake Norman communities with growing demand for driveways and outdoor entertaining areas.

Related services in Charlotte

Planning a larger outdoor project? We also connect homeowners with local contractors for:

• Insulation contractors in Charlotte
• Fence contractors in Charlotte

Bundling concrete and fencing work during the same season can save on mobilization costs and give your property a complete outdoor upgrade.

Read our patio installation guide for design ideas, compare stamped concrete vs pavers, or learn how to hire the right concrete contractor. For foundation concerns, see our foundation repair guide.

Looking for concrete contractors elsewhere in North Carolina? Visit our North Carolina concrete hub or browse our concrete resource center.