STLCT

What Concrete Contractors Do

• Driveway installation and replacement
• Patio pouring and decorative concrete finishes
• Sidewalk installation and repair
• Foundation repair and waterproofing
• Garage floor installation and coatings
• Stamped and stained decorative concrete
• Concrete step repair and replacement
• Retaining wall footings and structural concrete

When to Hire a Concrete Contractor

Hire a concrete contractor for any concrete work beyond minor crack filling. Settling, heaving, large cracks, and crumbling surfaces indicate replacement is needed. For new installations, proper base preparation and reinforcement are essential, as St. Louis's clay soils shift significantly with moisture changes.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• How deep will you excavate and what base material do you use?
• What PSI concrete mix do you recommend for my project?
• Do you include rebar or wire mesh reinforcement?
• How do you plan expansion joint placement to prevent cracking?
• What finish options are available (broom, stamped, exposed aggregate)?
• How do you handle drainage and slope for water runoff?
• What is your warranty against cracking or settling?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Doesn't discuss base preparation and compaction
• No reinforcement (rebar/mesh) for driveways or heavy-use areas
• Inadequate expansion joint planning
• Pours in weather too hot, cold, or rainy for proper curing
• Doesn't discuss drainage and slope
• No plan for curing and sealing
• Cannot explain concrete mix specifications

Cost Considerations in St. Louis

Concrete in St. Louis costs $6-$12 per square foot for basic driveways and sidewalks. Stamped or decorative concrete runs $12-$20+ per square foot. Removal of old concrete adds $2-$4 per square foot. Foundation repair varies widely from $3,000-$15,000+ depending on issue severity. Always seal new concrete and reseal every 2-3 years to protect against St. Louis winters.