Concrete Services

Concrete driveway costs in Polk and Dallas counties typically run $8-$15 per square foot for standard finishes. A typical two-car driveway (400-600 square feet) costs $4,000-$8,000. Stamped or colored concrete adds $3-$8 per square foot. We provide detailed quotes after assessing your specific site conditions.

Quality concrete properly installed and sealed lasts 25-30+ years in Iowa. Our freeze-thaw cycles are tough on concrete, so proper base preparation, air entrainment, and regular sealing are critical. We use concrete mixes designed for Iowa weather and ensure proper drainage to maximize lifespan.

Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles are the main culprit—water seeps in, freezes, expands, and cracks concrete. Poor base preparation, inadequate control joints, and improper curing also contribute. We prepare proper gravel bases, use reinforcement where needed, and cut control joints to minimize cracking.

Late spring through early fall when temperatures stay consistently above 50°F offers ideal conditions. Concrete needs proper curing time without freezing. We pour from April through October in central Iowa. Fall pours work well—cooler temps mean slower, stronger curing.

You can typically walk on new concrete after 24-48 hours. Light vehicle traffic is safe after 7 days. Full cure takes 28 days—we recommend waiting that long before heavy vehicles or equipment. We'll give you specific timelines based on weather conditions.

Absolutely. Sealing protects against water penetration, freeze-thaw damage, salt damage, and staining. We recommend sealing new concrete after 30 days, then resealing every 2-3 years. Sealed concrete in Des Moines and surrounding areas can last significantly longer than unsealed concrete.

Stamped concrete is imprinted with patterns while still wet, creating textures that mimic stone, brick, slate, or wood. It's colored with integral color or surface stains. Stamped concrete costs more than standard broom-finish but offers dramatic visual appeal—popular for patios throughout West Des Moines and Waukee.

Minor cracks can be filled and sealed to prevent further damage. However, severely cracked, heaved, or sunken concrete usually needs replacement. We assess whether repair makes sense or if replacement is more cost-effective long-term. Honest assessments save you money.

Yes, removal and haul-away is included in our replacement quotes. We break up old concrete, remove it, prepare the base properly, and pour new concrete. The base preparation step is critical—skipping it leads to premature failure.

We offer broom finish (standard textured), smooth trowel finish, exposed aggregate (decorative stones visible), stamped patterns, and colored concrete. Each has different aesthetics, maintenance needs, and slip resistance. We help you choose based on application and preferences.

We use proper techniques: adequate base preparation with compacted gravel, reinforcement with rebar or fiber mesh, appropriate concrete mix with air entrainment for Iowa weather, proper control joint placement, and correct curing procedures. Quality installation prevents most cracking issues.