Our skokie concrete bench
Residential driveways
Tear-out and replace on typical 600-1,000 sqft driveways. 4-inch reinforced pour for passenger vehicles, 5-6 inch reinforced for RV or trailer traffic. Broom finish is standard; stamped and exposed-aggregate upgrades available.
Patios + walkways
Flat patio pours, connector walkways, and front-entry steps. Integral color, stamped patterns (slate, ashlar, cobble), or standard broom finish. Saw-cut control joints every 8-12 feet to prevent random cracking.
Foundations + footings
Residential foundations for additions, ADUs, and detached garages. Engineered-spec footings + frost walls + slab pours. Structural engineering coordination where code requires it.
Commercial flatwork
Parking lots, loading aprons, sidewalk networks, and interior warehouse floors for commercial + light-industrial clients. Spec-to-drawing install with inspection-ready documentation.
Retaining walls
Poured-in-place concrete retaining walls with proper drainage tile, waterproof membrane, and engineered rebar. For walls over 4 feet, structural engineer stamp is included in our scope.
Stamped + decorative concrete
Stamped patterns, integral colors, acid stains, and exposed aggregate finishes on driveways and patios. Premium finish at ~40-60% more than standard broom; pays back in resale appeal.
Licensed + insured for Chicago-area concrete work
- Missouri + Illinois general contractor license
- $2M commercial general liability
- Structural engineering partner on every load-bearing pour
- Permit + inspection history in 40+ jurisdictions
- 5-year workmanship warranty
Skokie Concrete FAQ
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Saint Louis or Chicago?+
Tear-out and replace on a typical 2-car residential driveway (roughly 600 sqft, 4-inch reinforced) runs $8-$14 per square foot installed in STL + CHI markets — call it $5,000-$8,500 for the standard job. Stamped or colored adds $3-$5/sqft on top. Tear-out of an existing driveway adds $1.50-$3/sqft for haul-away.
How long before I can drive on new concrete?+
Rule of thumb: foot traffic after 24 hours, passenger vehicle traffic at 7 days, full cure at 28 days. For heavy vehicles or trailers we recommend 14 days minimum. We schedule pours so the new driveway is passable before the customer needs to leave for work.
Can you match existing concrete color for a partial replacement?+
Close, rarely exact. New concrete cures lighter and weathers to match in 6-12 months. For visible patches (front walkway, entry stair) we recommend replacing the whole panel rather than patching in the middle. Stamped or colored patterns can be matched with integral color plus a sealer that evens the tone.
Do you handle storm-damage concrete claims?+
Yes — impact damage (fallen tree, vehicle strike) is a covered peril on most homeowner and commercial property policies. We scope the replacement, file with the adjuster, and handle disposal of the damaged material so your claim closes cleanly.
Is rebar or mesh better for residential driveways?+
Wire mesh is adequate for lightly-loaded residential; rebar on 18-inch centers is stronger for heavy vehicles, RV parking, or freeze-thaw cycles common to STL + CHI winters. We spec based on the actual use — no one-size-fits-all.
How do you prevent cracking?+
Three things: proper subgrade compaction (#1 cause of failure), correct mix design (35-40% water ratio for the pour environment), and saw-cut control joints every 8-12 feet so the concrete cracks where we want it to, not where gravity decides. Random cracks within 5 years almost always trace back to one of those three.
Do you do stamped concrete patios?+
Yes. Most popular patterns in our markets are slate, cobble, and ashlar. Integral color + release agent + sealer; typical 2-3 days on-site for a 400-600 sqft patio. Pricing runs about $14-$22/sqft installed versus $8-$12 for standard broom — premium finish, clear resale lift on listing.
Do you pull permits for concrete work?+
Yes, every time. Residential driveways + sidewalks in most STL + CHI municipalities require a permit; commercial flatwork always does. We pull, schedule inspections, and hand the signed card back to the owner at close-out.
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