Concrete in Columbus, OH - free quotes from local pros
Get free concrete quotes from contractors in Columbus, OH. Compare prices for driveways, patios, sidewalks, and foundation work.
Columbus homeowners depend on concrete for driveways, patios, sidewalks, and foundations. Whether you are replacing a cracked driveway in Upper Arlington, building a patio in Dublin, or repairing a foundation on an older home in German Village, the contractor you choose determines how long the work lasts. Central Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles and clay soils put concrete through a punishing test every year.
We connect Columbus homeowners with local concrete contractors who deliver quality results. The average concrete project in the Columbus metro costs $3,000 to $20,000 depending on scope. Get free quotes from local pros and compare before you hire.
Concrete costs in Columbus
Concrete pricing in the Columbus metro runs near national averages. Here is what central Ohio homeowners typically pay.
| Project type | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway, standard (per sq ft) | $8 | $12 | $18 |
| Driveway, stamped (per sq ft) | $12 | $18 | $27 |
| Patio (per sq ft) | $6 | $10 | $16 |
| Sidewalk (per linear ft) | $6 | $10 | $15 |
| Foundation repair (total) | $2,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Retaining wall (per linear ft) | $20 | $40 | $72 |
What affects costs in Columbus
Several factors specific to the Columbus market influence your project price:
- Clay soils. Franklin County’s clay-heavy soils expand with moisture and shrink during dry periods. Contractors need to over-excavate and bring in compacted gravel fill to create a stable subbase. This adds cost but is critical for preventing settlement and cracking.
- Demolition. Removing and hauling away existing concrete adds $2 to $6 per square foot. Many Columbus properties have aging driveways and sidewalks from the 1950s through 1970s that need full replacement.
- Grading and drainage. Columbus’s flat-to-rolling terrain means drainage planning is essential. Water that pools on or under concrete accelerates deterioration, especially during freeze-thaw cycles.
- Decorative upgrades. Stamped and colored concrete are popular in Columbus’s newer developments in Dublin, New Albany, and Westerville. Adding decorative finishes increases cost by 50% to 100% over standard broom-finish concrete.

How it works
Getting concrete quotes in Columbus is straightforward:
- Describe your project. Tell us about the concrete work you need, the approximate size, and your timeline.
- Get matched with local pros. We connect you with up to three concrete contractors serving the Columbus area.
- Compare quotes and hire. Review detailed estimates, check references, and choose the contractor that fits your budget and project.
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What to look for in a Columbus concrete contractor
Licensing and registration
Ohio does not require a statewide specialty license for residential concrete contractors. However, the city of Columbus and Franklin County require building permits for most concrete work, including driveways, sidewalks, and foundation repairs. Make sure your contractor is set up to pull permits in the correct jurisdiction for your property.
Always confirm that your contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current before work begins.
Questions to ask
Before hiring a concrete contractor in Columbus, ask:
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
- Are you set up to pull permits in Columbus or Franklin County?
- How do you handle central Ohio’s clay soil conditions in your subbase preparation?
- 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?
Columbus climate and concrete
Columbus’s climate puts concrete through a demanding annual cycle. Winter temperatures drop below freezing regularly from November through March, with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Summer brings heat and humidity, and thunderstorms can dump heavy rain on freshly poured or curing concrete.
Key considerations for Columbus concrete projects:
- Air-entrained concrete. Essential for any exterior flatwork in Columbus. Air entrainment provides freeze-thaw resistance by creating microscopic air pockets that absorb expansion pressure from freezing water.
- Minimum 4,000 PSI. Higher compressive strength resists surface scaling and damage from road salt and deicing products. Many Columbus contractors recommend 4,500 PSI for driveways.
- Proper drainage. Columbus’s clay soils do not drain well. Water that pools on or under concrete accelerates deterioration. Grading concrete surfaces to direct water away from the home and the slab edges is essential.
- Curing time. Allow new concrete to cure for at least 28 days before applying sealer or allowing heavy traffic. During hot, humid summer months, contractors should use curing compounds to maintain proper moisture levels.
Columbus neighborhoods built in the mid-20th century, including areas around Clintonville, Grandview Heights, and Bexley, often have original concrete driveways and sidewalks that are due for replacement. The city of Columbus also enforces sidewalk repair requirements when properties change hands, creating demand for concrete work during real estate transactions.
Related services in Columbus
Planning a larger outdoor project? We also connect homeowners with local contractors for:
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 contractor.
Browse all concrete services in Ohio or visit our concrete resource center.
How to get concrete quotes in Columbus
Describe your project
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Get matched with local pros
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Compare quotes and hire
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