If you've never had concrete work done before, the process can seem a bit mysterious. What actually happens between getting a quote and admiring your finished driveway or slab?

Here's a straightforward walkthrough of how a typical concreting project runs with Concrete Concepts Group, from first contact to completion.

Step 1: The Quote and Site Visit

Everything starts with a conversation. You tell us what you need — whether it's a new driveway, a patio extension, retaining walls, or a full house slab — and we arrange a time to visit your property.

During the site visit, we assess:

The area to be concreted (measurements and access)
Ground conditions and slope
Any existing concrete that needs removal
Drainage requirements
Your preferred finish (plain, exposed aggregate, coloured, etc.)

You'll receive a detailed written quote within 24 to 48 hours, with no hidden costs or surprises.

Step 2: Preparation and Excavation

Once you've accepted the quote, we schedule the work. Before any concrete is poured, the site needs proper preparation — and this is where the quality of the finished product is really determined.

Preparation typically includes:

Excavation — Removing existing surfaces, topsoil, or old concrete to the required depth. For a standard driveway, we excavate to around 150–200mm below the finished level.

Sub-base compaction — The excavated area is filled with road base material and compacted with a plate compactor or roller. This creates a stable, level foundation that prevents cracking and settlement.

Formwork — Timber or steel forms are set around the perimeter to define the shape and height of the pour. This is where the precision happens — formwork determines your finished edges and levels.

Reinforcement — Steel mesh (typically SL72 or SL82) is placed on bar chairs throughout the area. This reinforcement sits within the concrete to control cracking and add structural strength.

Step 3: The Pour

Pour day is when it all comes together. A concrete truck delivers the mix to site, and our team works quickly and methodically to:

Place the concrete within the forms
Spread and screed it to the correct level
Vibrate the mix to remove air pockets
Float and finish the surface to your chosen texture

For exposed aggregate finishes, a surface retarder is applied after the initial set, and the top layer is washed off the following day to reveal the stone.

The entire pour for a standard driveway typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on size and complexity.

Step 4: Curing and Handover

After the pour, the concrete needs time to cure. We'll advise you on curing times, but as a general guide:

24 hours — Foot traffic is usually fine
7 days — Light vehicle traffic
28 days — Full strength reached; heavy vehicles and normal use

We'll remove the formwork after 24 to 48 hours and clean up the site. For exposed aggregate, we return the next day to wash and reveal the finish, then apply the first coat of sealer once the concrete has cured sufficiently.

How to Prepare Your Property

There are a few things you can do before we arrive to help the job run smoothly:

Clear the area of furniture, pot plants, garden features, and vehicles
Ensure access for the concrete truck (they need at least 3m width and overhead clearance)
Let your neighbours know — concrete trucks are large and pour days can be noisy
Arrange alternative parking if your driveway is being replaced
Protect nearby gardens with plastic sheeting if they're close to the work area

Why Preparation Matters More Than the Pour

Here's something most homeowners don't realise: the quality of a concrete job is 80% preparation and 20% the pour itself. A perfectly mixed and finished slab will still crack and settle if the base wasn't properly excavated and compacted.

That's why we handle everything in-house — from excavation through to the finished surface. No subcontractors, no shortcuts, and no cutting corners on the work you can't see.

Questions?

If you're planning a concreting project and want to understand the process in more detail, get in touch. We're always happy to explain what's involved and give you a clear, upfront quote.