Concrete Contractors Davidson NC

Both are good, and the right choice depends on your yard and your budget. Poured concrete costs less per square foot, goes in fast, and has few joints for weeds. It can crack, though, and a repair may show. Pavers cost more, but individual stones can be replaced, and they handle small ground shifts well. On red clay and slopes, pavers need a deep, well packed base to avoid settling. Many Lake Norman homeowners choose concrete with a stamped or stained surface, because it gives a stone look at a lower cost. Concrete contractors Davidson NC owners compare notes with should show you both options and a real price for each. We pour concrete only, so we may be biased, but we are honest about what pavers do well. If you want a patio that matches an older house, a simple gray broom finish with a brick border can look right at home. We can show you photos of finished jobs.

Yes. We use three main methods. Integral color is mixed into the concrete, so the tone runs all the way through. A color hardener is broadcast over the wet surface and troweled in. An acid or water based stain goes on after the slab has cured and gives a soft, mottled look. We also cut decorative saw lines to make a tile pattern, or press a stone texture into the wet concrete. Each method has a different look, cost, and lifespan. Stains can vary from one spot to another, and that is part of their charm. Sunlight and rain can fade a stain, so a sealer is a must. Dark colors show dust and scratches more, and light colors show dirt. We make a small sample board so you can see the color in your yard, in morning and afternoon light. Plan to reseal every two to three years for a rich, even look.

The base is the hidden part that decides how long the slab lasts. Near the lake, soils range from red clay to sandy loam, and soft spots show up near old drainage lines. We dig out organic soil and soft fill, then replace it with crushed stone. We pack the stone in layers of three or four inches, running a plate compactor over each. For a patio, a total of four inches of stone is common, and driveways get more. Wet areas get a layer of geotextile fabric under the stone, which keeps the clay from working up into the base. We check the base with a level and a string line before steel goes in. Skipping the compaction is the most common mistake we see, and it leads to sinking within a few years. If your yard has a spring or a wet corner, tell us, and we will plan a drain. A good base is quiet work that pays off for decades.