Concrete work looks simple from the curb, but a lasting slab is mostly about what happens before the pour — the base, the grading, and the reinforcement. Skimp on that and you get cracks, heaving, and pooling within a couple of seasons. Get it right and a driveway or patio serves you for decades with almost no upkeep.
This guide covers common concrete and masonry projects, what they cost, and how to hire a contractor who preps properly. When you're ready, request free quotes from local concrete pros.
Common projects
The bread and butter is flatwork — driveways, patios, walkways, and garage floors — along with repairs to cracked or sunken slabs. Masonry adds brick and block work, retaining walls, steps, and stone veneer. Decorative options like stamped and stained concrete deliver the look of pavers or stone at a lower cost.
Concrete ties into other outdoor projects: a new patio often pairs with a deck or landscaping, and proper grading protects your foundation by directing water away from the house.
Why prep and curing matter
A quality concrete job starts with a compacted gravel base, proper grading for drainage, control joints to manage inevitable cracking, and reinforcement where it's needed. After the pour, concrete needs time to cure — rushing traffic or loads onto fresh concrete weakens it. A good contractor won't cut corners on either end.
Ask any bidder about their base prep and joint spacing; vague answers are a warning sign.
Concrete & Masonry cost: what to expect
Concrete is priced per square foot installed, with decorative finishes costing more. Here's a planning range.
| Project | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Plain concrete (per sq ft) | $5 – $12 / sq ft |
| Stamped or stained concrete | $10 – $22 / sq ft |
| Concrete driveway | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Concrete patio | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Walkway | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Concrete/crack repair | $300 – $2,500 |
Prices are national ballpark ranges for planning only; your local quotes are what matter. Thickness, reinforcement, finish, and site prep affect the price.
How to choose a concrete & masonry pro
- Ask about base preparation, reinforcement, and control-joint spacing — the details that prevent cracking.
- Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured and get a written scope with concrete thickness specified.
- Look at examples of their finished work, especially for decorative or stamped projects.
- Discuss drainage and grading so water flows away from your home, not toward it.
- Get the cure time and any sealer recommendations in writing.
Common concrete & masonry questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A concrete driveway typically costs $4,000 to $12,000, or roughly $5 to $12 per square foot for plain concrete. Decorative finishes, extra thickness for heavy vehicles, and difficult site prep push the price higher.
How much does a concrete patio cost?
A concrete patio usually runs $2,000 to $8,000, depending on size and finish. Plain broom-finished concrete is the most affordable, while stamped or stained concrete that mimics stone or pavers costs $10 to $22 per square foot.
Why does concrete crack, and can it be prevented?
Some hairline cracking is normal as concrete cures and shifts. The serious cracking — from a weak base, poor drainage, no control joints, or insufficient reinforcement — is preventable with proper prep. That's why base preparation and joint placement are the questions to ask any concrete contractor.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete is usually safe for foot traffic in 24 to 48 hours and for vehicles in about 7 days, but it continues gaining strength for around 28 days. Rushing heavy loads onto fresh concrete can cause cracks and weaken the slab, so follow your contractor's timeline.
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