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Stamped Concrete

Our customers can choose from a variety of stamp patterns to suit their preferences.

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Our expertise shines in crafting patios of all sizes, featuring diverse finishing options.

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Our expertise covers the creation of slabs for diverse structures such as houses, garages, and outbuildings.

Foundations

Customizing concrete foundations for every client, we invite you to share details about your project.

Hear what our customers have to say about us!

Farrah Lund

Positive: Quality, Value

They were great!! Did an amazing job on my backyard! Made it perfect! Would highly recommend!!!

Dan Haines

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Did quick and beautiful work on my patio extension almost 3 years ago now. Still no cracks and his price was more than fair. Don't hesitate to give him a call!

Abide Fishing

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value

I had these guys put in a driveway and carport pad. Great customer service and a superior product. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

The Homeowner's Guide to Successful Concrete Projects

By G&J Custom Concrete

Introduction : Welcome - Why Concrete Quality Matters!?!

Welcome:

Whether you're thinking about replacing a driveway, adding a patio, or pouring a new walkway, getting concrete work done on your property can feel like a big leap. You want the results to look great, last long, and add real value — without the stress of wondering if you hired the right team. This guide is here to help. At G&J Custom Concrete, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across the Charlotte area who’ve had the same questions you're probably asking right now:

What does quality concrete look like? What should I ask a contractor before I hire them? What does a good job really involve?We’ve put this guide together to give you clear, practical answers — so you can move forward with confidence, whether you work with us or not.

Why Concrete Quality Matters

Concrete isn’t just the thing you park your car on — it’s a major part of your home’s value, function, and appearance. Getting it done right makes a difference you’ll feel every day.

✅ Home Value: Well-installed concrete adds curb appeal and resale value up to 90% ROI — especially on high-traffic areas like driveways and patios.

✅ Safety: Proper grading, jointing, and curing prevent cracks and trip hazards that can become bigger liabilities later.

✅ Curb Appeal: Your driveway and walkways are some of the first things people see — and first impressions matter!

✅ Maintenance Costs: Poor workmanship leads to repairs, water damage, and premature replacement. Quality work saves you money over time. Properly install concrete will need minimum maintenance.

By the end, you’ll not only know what to look for — you’ll feel equipped to ask better questions, avoid costly mistakes, and make choices that add real value to your property.

Let’s dive in.

Section 1: Understanding Quality Concrete Work

When it comes to hiring a concrete contractor in the Charlotte area, knowing what quality work actually looks like can save you from costly mistakes, premature repairs, and disappointing results. In this section, we’ll walk you through the essentials — from surface finishes to structural integrity — so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you hire a professional for your driveway replacement, patio installation, walkway, or slab project.

What Quality Concrete Should Look Like

✅ Surface Finish

Not all concrete is finished the same — and that’s a good thing. The type of surface finish depends on the purpose of the slab:

Broom finish: A standard choice for driveways and sidewalks in Charlotte due to its slip resistance and clean look.

Smooth finish: Typically used for interior slabs, garages, or pool decks — where appearance and texture matter.

Stamped concrete: A decorative option for patios and walkways that mimics brick, slate, or stone — ideal for homeowners wanting a high-end look.

✅ Color Consistency

Concrete can be integrally colored or stained — but even plain gray should be uniform in tone.

✅ Joint Placement

Control joints are planned areas that help prevent unplanned cracks. These are essential for driveway and walkway concrete — especially with Carolina fluctuating weather conditions.

✅ Edges and Transitions

Crisp, clean edges and smooth transitions to adjoining surfaces (like your garage floor, front porch, or steps) are signs of careful craftsmanship. Sloppy edges and mismatched heights often mean shortcuts were taken.

The Science Behind Long-Lasting Concrete

Strong, beautiful concrete isn't just about how it looks on pour day. It’s about what happens underneath and inside the slab.

🏗️ Proper Base Preparation

No amount of surface finishing can save a bad base. Quality starts with: Excavating to the proper depth, Compacting the subgrade, and Adding gravel or crushed stone for drainage and stability. A strong base prevents settling, heaving, and cracking over time — especially critical for driveways and garage slabs.

🔩 Reinforcement Options

Every concrete slab should be reinforced — and the right method depends on the project. Options include: Rebar: Best for structural strength (think driveways or garages), Wire mesh: Helps prevent surface cracking and adds flex strength, and Fiber reinforcement: Mixed directly into the concrete for added durability. A skilled Charlotte concrete contractor will explain which reinforcement is right for your project.

Section 2: Before You Hire: Essential Information

Hiring the right concrete contractor in the Charlotte area can mean the difference between a project that lasts 30 years — or one that crumbles in three. Before signing any agreement, it’s essential to ask the right questions, understand what to expect from the estimate process, and know how to spot warning signs of low-quality work or shady contractors.

Here the important things you need to know before you hire a concrete company for your driveway, patio, slab, or walkway project.

Look for a contractor with specific experience in residential flatwork or commercial concrete work in the Charlotte area — not just general construction. A skilled concrete contractor in the Charlotte area should regularly work on driveways, patios, and walkways in local neighborhoods and be familiar with our soil, slope, and weather challenges
A good portfolio shows more than pretty pictures — it proves recent, relevant experience. Look for images of driveway replacements, stamped patios, or walkways that match the size and style of your project
Can I speak with homeowners who had similar projects done 1–3 years ago?” Why 1–3 years? Because it shows how the contractor’s work holds up over time.
A professional concrete contractor should be insured and have documentation ready to show.
The base matters just as much as the top layer. Ask about:
1. Excavation depth
2. Sub-base materials (like crushed stone or gravel)
3. Compaction methods
  1. If they skip over this part — that's a red flag.
You should hear terms like PSI rating (e.g. 3,500 - 4,000 PSI for driveways & patios), and fiber reinforcement for added strength. If they say “just regular concrete,” it might be a pass on that contractor
Avoid full payment upfront. Instead, look for:
1. Deposit of 25%
2. Demo at 25% (if no demo than this would need to be paid when forms are set)
3. Framing at 25%
4. Final payment upon completion and satisfaction 25%

Section 3: During Your Project

What to Expect From Start to Finish

So, you’ve chosen your contractor and locked in the plan — now what? Here’s a clear look at what happens during your concrete project, from pre-pour setup to post-pour care. Whether you’re replacing your driveway, adding a stamped patio, or pouring a walkway, knowing what to expect keeps surprises to a minimum and confidence high.

This section walks you through:

What good contractors do before the pour

What’s happening on pour day

How to know if the job is going smoothly

Pre-Pour Preparations: The Foundation of Quality

Excavate to the proper depth (typically 4”–6” for most flatwork)
Install a compacted gravel or crushed stone sub-base
Ensure proper slope and drainage to prevent water pooling

Form Building & Reinforcement

Clean, straight forms that match the agreed dimensions
Installation of rebar or wire mesh reinforcement if specified in the estimate

Pour Day: Precision Matters

🚚 Truck Coordinated Deliveries
🎯 Surface Finishing
➕ Joint Cutting

Curing Process

Avoid heavy foot traffic for at least 24–48 hours
No furniture, grills, or planters on patios for the first week
Block vehicle traffic for 14 days minimum (longer for heavy trucks)
Avoid pressure washing or sealing for 30days

Long-Term Maintenance: Keeping It Strong & Sharp

Sweep regularly to keep dirt and debris off the surface
Hose down occasionally to remove grime and pollen buildup
For driveways, use a mild degreaser to remove oil spots before they stain
Most quality concrete flatwork should be sealed every 2–3 years — especially driveways and decorative patios.