Concrete contractors in Oregon - free quotes

Oregon’s wet climate makes concrete work both essential and demanding. Heavy rainfall throughout the fall, winter, and spring months means proper drainage, mix design, and curing are critical for any outdoor concrete project. From driveways in Portland’s east side neighborhoods to patios in Eugene and retaining walls on the hilly terrain around Salem, Oregon homeowners need contractors who understand how moisture affects every stage of the job.

We connect Oregon homeowners with concrete professionals who know local conditions. Get free quotes and compare prices before you commit.

Oregon licensing requirements

Oregon requires contractors to hold an active license through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). This is one of the most comprehensive contractor licensing systems in the country and provides strong homeowner protections.

Key requirements for Oregon-licensed contractors include:

• CCB registration. All contractors must register with the CCB under the appropriate classification for residential or commercial work. Operating without registration is a Class A misdemeanor in Oregon.
• General liability insurance. Minimum $500,000 coverage required.
• Surety bond. $20,000 for residential contractors, which directly protects homeowners against faulty workmanship and breach of contract. This bond can be claimed if your contractor fails to complete work or does substandard work.
• Workers’ compensation. Required for any contractor with employees.
• Continuing education. Oregon requires contractors to complete continuing education hours to maintain their license.

Before hiring, verify your contractor’s CCB license status online. The CCB website shows license classification, bond status, insurance coverage, and any complaints or disciplinary actions on file. Oregon’s licensing system makes it easier to evaluate contractors than in most states. Take advantage of it.

For more on what to look for beyond licensing, read our guide to hiring a concrete contractor.

Average concrete costs in Oregon

Concrete costs in the Portland metro and Willamette Valley run slightly above national averages due to higher labor rates and the additional care required to pour in Oregon’s rainy climate.

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

Oregon-specific cost factors

• Rain and scheduling. Oregon’s wet season runs October through May. Concrete cannot be poured in the rain, so contractors often have compressed schedules during dry windows. This can increase costs and lead times, especially in the Portland area.
• Soil conditions. Much of the Willamette Valley has clay-rich soil that retains moisture and can shift seasonally. Proper subbase preparation with gravel and drainage is essential to prevent settling and cracking.
• Seismic requirements. Oregon is in an active seismic zone (Cascadia Subduction Zone). Foundation work and retaining walls may require additional reinforcement to meet current building codes, particularly in the Portland metro.
• Urban tree canopy. Portland and other Oregon cities have extensive mature tree coverage. Root intrusion is a leading cause of concrete damage, and root barriers or careful routing add to project costs.

Soil and climate considerations

Oregon’s geography creates vastly different concrete conditions on either side of the Cascades.

Willamette Valley. Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis sit on clay-rich soil that retains moisture and shifts seasonally. The valley receives 36 to 44 inches of rain per year, most of it between October and May. Concrete surfaces in this region need proper drainage slopes, and subsurface drainage is often necessary for driveways and patios on flat lots. Moss and algae growth on concrete is common and requires periodic cleaning or treatment.

Oregon Coast. Salt air, constant moisture, and sandy soils create a unique set of challenges. Concrete near the coast should be sealed more frequently, and reinforcement is important for resisting salt-induced corrosion of embedded steel.

Central and Eastern Oregon. Bend, Redmond, and eastern Oregon communities have drier conditions with hotter summers and colder winters. The climate is more similar to Idaho or Colorado, with freeze-thaw cycles as the primary concern. Sandy volcanic soils provide good drainage but need compaction.

Southern Oregon. Medford and the Rogue Valley have warmer, drier conditions than the Willamette Valley. The construction season is longer, and soil conditions are generally more favorable for concrete work.

Seasonal considerations for concrete in Oregon

Summer (late June through September). The primary concrete season in western Oregon. Dry weather and warm temperatures create ideal pouring conditions. This is also when contractors are busiest. Book your project by March or April for summer scheduling.

Spring (April through June). Spring pours are possible during dry stretches but come with a higher risk of rain delays. Contractors in western Oregon watch weather forecasts closely and may need to reschedule on short notice.

Fall (October through November). The rainy season begins, making outdoor concrete work increasingly difficult. Some dry windows exist, particularly in October, but reliability drops quickly.

Winter (December through March). Western Oregon’s continuous rain makes outdoor concrete pours rare during winter months. Indoor projects and covered areas may still be feasible. Eastern Oregon has cold, dry winters that allow winter pours with appropriate cold-weather precautions.

Cities we serve

• Concrete contractors in Portland

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

FAQ

Do concrete contractors need a license in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon requires all contractors to hold an active CCB license. Verify any concrete contractor’s license, bond status, and complaint history at the Oregon CCB website before signing a contract. Operating without a CCB license is illegal in Oregon.

What concrete mix works best in Oregon’s climate?

Air-entrained concrete with a minimum compressive strength of 4,000 PSI is recommended for exterior flatwork in Oregon. The air entrainment provides freeze-thaw resistance in colder areas, while proper water-to-cement ratios are critical in Oregon’s damp conditions to prevent surface scaling. In coastal areas, consider sulfate-resistant mixes if soil testing indicates elevated sulfate levels.

When is the best time to pour concrete in Oregon?

Late June through September offers the most reliable dry weather for concrete work in western Oregon. Spring and fall pours are possible but depend on weather windows. Avoid pouring during rain or when temperatures drop below 40 degrees. Many Oregon contractors book their summer schedules months in advance, so plan ahead.

How does Oregon’s rain affect concrete longevity?

Oregon’s persistent moisture accelerates several types of concrete deterioration. Unsealed concrete absorbs water, which can cause surface scaling during occasional freezes. Moss and algae growth is common on shaded surfaces. Poor drainage around concrete leads to undermining and settling. Regular sealing, proper drainage slopes, and cleaning are essential for concrete longevity in Oregon.

What is the Oregon CCB surety bond, and how does it protect me?

Oregon requires residential contractors to post a $20,000 surety bond with the CCB. If your contractor abandons a project, does substandard work, or breaches the contract, you can file a claim against this bond to recover your losses. This is one of the strongest homeowner protections in the country and a key reason to only hire CCB-licensed contractors.

Do I need special concrete for Oregon’s seismic zone?

For flatwork like driveways and patios, standard concrete with proper reinforcement is sufficient. Foundation work and retaining walls in Oregon’s seismic zone may require additional reinforcement, engineered designs, and compliance with current seismic building codes. Your contractor should be familiar with local seismic requirements and pull appropriate permits.