Concrete contractors in Tennessee - free quotes

Tennessee’s limestone bedrock and clay-heavy soils make concrete work a skilled trade that demands local knowledge. From new driveways in Nashville’s expanding suburbs to patio installations in Memphis and foundation repairs in Knoxville, concrete is one of the most requested home improvement services in the state.

We connect Tennessee homeowners with concrete professionals who understand local soil conditions and building codes. Get free quotes and compare prices before you commit.

Tennessee licensing requirements

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors regulates construction work in the state. Licensing requirements depend on the project value:

• $25,000 and above. Residential projects valued at $25,000 or more (including materials and labor) require a home improvement license (HI classification) from the Board.
• Under $25,000. Contractors working on projects below that threshold must register with the state as a home improvement contractor.
• Commercial work. Larger commercial or civil concrete projects require a contractor’s license with the appropriate monetary classification from the Board.

Common license classifications for concrete work include:

• BC-A (Building Contractor). Covers general building projects including concrete foundations and structural work.
• HC (Home Improvement Contractor). Covers residential concrete work like driveways, patios, sidewalks, and foundation repair.

Licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Before hiring, verify your contractor’s license or registration status through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors website. Our guide to hiring a concrete contractor provides a complete hiring checklist.

Average concrete costs in Tennessee

Concrete costs in Tennessee run close to national averages, with prices slightly higher in the Nashville metro due to strong construction demand.

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

Tennessee-specific cost factors

• Limestone bedrock. Much of Middle Tennessee sits on limestone, which can complicate excavation for foundations and footings. Contractors may need specialized equipment to cut through rock, adding to project costs. However, limestone provides an excellent bearing surface once reached.
• Clay soils. East and West Tennessee have significant clay content in the soil. Proper subbase preparation with compacted gravel is essential to prevent cracking and settling.
• Humidity and drainage. Tennessee’s heavy rainfall and humidity levels require attention to grading and drainage. Concrete surfaces need proper slope to direct water away from foundations and prevent pooling.
• Nashville’s construction boom. Nashville’s rapid growth has increased demand for concrete contractors, extending lead times and pushing prices up during peak season. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead during spring and summer is advisable.

Soil and climate considerations

Tennessee spans three geographic regions with distinct concrete conditions.

Middle Tennessee. Nashville, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding counties sit on a limestone shelf overlaid with clay soils. The limestone bedrock can appear just a few feet below the surface, complicating deep excavation for foundations, footings, and retaining walls. Rock-cutting equipment adds to project costs. On the other hand, properties that reach the limestone layer have an exceptionally stable base for concrete. The clay layer above the rock expands and contracts with moisture, making proper subbase preparation essential.

East Tennessee. Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Appalachian foothills have a mix of rocky, clay-heavy soils. The region receives more rainfall than Middle Tennessee, and the rolling terrain creates drainage challenges that require careful grading. Freeze-thaw cycles are more severe in the higher elevations near the Smokies.

West Tennessee. Memphis and the Mississippi River region have alluvial soils that are softer and more prone to shifting. These soils require thorough compaction and may need thicker subbases. West Tennessee’s milder winters reduce freeze-thaw concerns, but the area’s heavy rainfall demands excellent drainage.

Seasonal considerations for concrete in Tennessee

Spring (March through May). The best season for concrete work across Tennessee. Moderate temperatures and manageable rainfall create good conditions. Heavy spring rains can delay projects, so build flexibility into your schedule.

Summer (June through August). Hot and humid with temperatures often above 90 degrees. Nashville averages 10 to 15 days above 95 degrees in a typical summer. Contractors schedule early-morning pours and use curing compounds. Tennessee’s humidity actually helps prevent rapid moisture loss during curing, which is an advantage over drier states.

Fall (September through November). Excellent conditions with declining temperatures and reduced rainfall. This is an ideal window for concrete, and contractor availability often improves compared to the busy spring rush.

Winter (December through February). Middle and West Tennessee winters are mild enough for concrete work most days, though cold snaps require precautions. East Tennessee and mountain areas see more freezing weather. Winter scheduling in Nashville can get you better pricing and shorter lead times.

Cities we serve

• Concrete contractors in Nashville

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

FAQ

Do concrete contractors need a license in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires a home improvement license for residential projects valued at $25,000 or more. Contractors on smaller projects must register with the state. Verify your contractor’s status through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before signing a contract.

What concrete mix works best in Tennessee’s climate?

Air-entrained concrete with a minimum compressive strength of 4,000 PSI is recommended for exterior flatwork in Tennessee. While Tennessee winters are milder than northern states, freeze-thaw cycles still occur from December through February. Air entrainment protects against surface spalling during these cycles. Many Nashville contractors recommend 4,500 PSI for driveways.

When is the best time to pour concrete in Tennessee?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best conditions. Temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees produce ideal curing results. Avoid pouring during the hottest weeks of July and August unless the contractor takes steps to manage rapid moisture loss.

How does limestone bedrock affect concrete work in Nashville?

Nashville’s limestone bedrock can appear just a few feet below the surface. For driveways and patios, this is usually not a problem since excavation rarely goes that deep. For foundations, footings, and retaining wall bases, contractors may need rock-cutting equipment, which adds time and cost. The upside is that limestone provides an exceptionally stable bearing surface for foundations.

How much does it cost to fix a foundation in Tennessee?

Foundation repair in Tennessee costs $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the severity and repair method. Middle Tennessee’s combination of clay soil over limestone creates conditions that cause both settling and heaving. Read our foundation repair guide for signs, methods, and detailed cost breakdowns.

Does Tennessee’s humidity help or hurt concrete?

Tennessee’s humidity is actually beneficial for concrete curing during moderate temperatures. The moisture in the air slows the evaporation rate from fresh concrete, giving it more time to hydrate and develop strength. During extreme summer heat, the humidity alone is not enough, and contractors should still use curing compounds or wet curing methods.