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G_03 / Exterior

Concrete contractor —
Seattle & Puget Sound.

Concrete cracks because it shrinks. We control where it cracks with proper joint spacing, fiber reinforcement, and curing — not by hoping for the best.

Group
Exterior
Timeline
1–3 weeks
Range
$8K – $45K
OVERVIEW

Concrete cracks because it shrinks. We control where it cracks with proper joint spacing, fiber reinforcement, and curing — not by hoping for the best. Hairline cracks at control joints are expected; cracks anywhere else are an installation failure.

Stamped, colored, and exposed-aggregate finishes have come a long way. Modern integral colors and sealers produce driveways and patios that read more like architectural concrete than the gray slabs of 20 years ago.

What we build

SCOPE
  • 01Driveways + walkways
  • 02Stamped + exposed aggregate
  • 03Slab foundations
  • 04Reinforced + post-tensioned
  • 05Proper control joints
  • 06Wet-cure protocols

Phased process

PROCESS
  1. 01

    Excavation + base

    Excavate to 4–6" below finish grade, compact crushed-rock base (5/8" minus), set proper drainage slope.

  2. 02

    Forms + rebar

    Wood or metal forms set to elevation, #4 rebar on 18" grid or fiber-mesh reinforcement, vapor barrier under interior slabs.

  3. 03

    Pour + finish

    Concrete delivered, screed level, bull-float, edge tooling, broom or trowel finish, integral color or stamp pattern applied wet.

  4. 04

    Joints + cure

    Saw-cut control joints at proper spacing (typically 8–12 ft), wet-cure for 7 days, sealer applied after 28-day cure.

Spec sheet

SPEC
  • +3,500–4,000 psi mix design with air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance
  • +#4 (1/2") rebar on 18" grid or fiber-mesh reinforcement
  • +5/8" minus crushed rock base, 4–6" compacted
  • +Davis Colors integral pigment for colored applications
  • +Stamp patterns (Bomanite, Increte) for textured finishes
  • +Penetrating siloxane or acrylic sealer for protection

Cost drivers

COST
  • Finish (broom → exposed → stamped)Broom $8–$12/sf → stamped $18–$30/sf installed
  • Reinforcement (mesh → rebar → post-tensioned)+$1.50–$5/sf depending on system
  • Excavation difficulty (rock, tight access)+$3–$15/sf for hand-dig or rock removal
  • Demo of existing concrete+$3–$8/sf for sawcut, breakout, and haul
  • Color and stamp pattern+$2–$8/sf for integral color and pattern release

Codes & permits

COMPLIANCE
  • ACI 318 (structural concrete)

    Industry standard for structural concrete. We follow for all slab, footing, and wall pours.

  • IRC R403 (foundations)

    Foundation footing requirements — depth below frost line, minimum width, rebar requirements.

  • Stormwater compliance

    Some Seattle and Eastside jurisdictions require permeable pavement or stormwater retention for new impervious surface over thresholds.

WHEN_YOU_NEED

Is concrete the right call?

  • Driveway replacement — cracked, settled, or oil-stained beyond repair
  • Patio addition or replacement
  • Walkways and pathway expansion
  • Slab foundation for shed, garage, or addition

Concrete questions

FAQ
  • Q.01

    How long before I can drive on a new driveway?

    Foot traffic at 24 hr, light vehicles at 7 days, full strength at 28 days. We tape off and cone the area for the first week.
  • Q.02

    Stamped vs exposed aggregate — which is better?

    Exposed aggregate is more durable and ages well — natural texture, no pattern to fade. Stamped is more design-forward — looks like flagstone or brick — but the color and pattern can wear at high-traffic edges. Most driveways: exposed. Patios: stamped.
  • Q.03

    Why does concrete crack?

    Concrete shrinks ~1/16" per 10 ft as it cures. Control joints give the slab a planned weak point to crack along. Random cracks indicate inadequate joint spacing, base failure, or shrinkage acceleration from fast drying.
  • Q.04

    How long does concrete last in Seattle?

    40–60+ years for properly installed concrete with sealer maintenance every 5–7 years. Failure modes are usually freeze-thaw scaling (managed by air-entrained mix) or rebar corrosion (managed by proper cover and drainage).
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WA Lic. GOLDESA747LZBuilding since 2012
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