Adding concrete to your property can create a new space in your home or renew a faded parking lot. Concrete contractors get the job done quickly, safely, and smoothly, but if you’ve never dealt with paving work before, you might be wondering what it entails. Here’s a guide to how concrete installation works, from start to finish.

What to Expect During Concrete Installation

Preparing for Installation

First, find a concrete contractor who understand your needs, your final vision for your landscape, and fits your budget. Many companies offer free estimates, so compare a couple bids before making your decision. Once you find your contractor, discuss a timeline, payment, and service guarantees. 

Laying Out the Concrete

With your contract settled, your contractor will prepare your site to receive cement. Depending on the smoothness of lot, they may use machinery to remove rocks, trees, and shrubbery to make room for the sub-base, a compacted gravel layer that serves as a foundation for concrete. With the sub-base in place, the concrete contractor will fence off the designated area with wooden or metal stakes to mark where the concrete will be poured. Once the area is established, they’ll pour in the concrete, then immediately start smoothing out the area with tools or flat boards to even it out before it dries.

Setting the Concrete

Once the concrete is poured and smoothed, your concrete contractor will add any finishing touches, such as curing to protect it from water or giving it texture or color.

After this, give the concrete 7 to 10 days to allow it to dry completely. During this time, you may want to rope off the area to avoid foot traffic or children and pets from stepping on it, which can leave permanent prints.

Need help with a paving project? Call the professional concrete contractors at GMG General in Anchorage, AK. Since 1989, they’ve performed parking lot resurfacing, driveway construction, asphalt removal, and other paving and excavation services to exceed customer expectations. Request a free estimate online, view their latest projects on Facebook, and call (907) 439-7854 to discuss your project.