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How it works

How Concrete Illusions Works

Six clear steps from the first measure to the final seal, and what to expect at each one.

A contractor measuring a driveway area with a long measuring wheel
The six steps

From first measure to a finished slab

  1. 1A contractor measuring a driveway area with a long measuring wheel
    Step 1

    Measure and dig

    We measure the area, dig to depth and set the grade so water will leave the slab and not stay on it.

  2. 2A grader and a skid steer shaping compacted gravel base inside wooden forms
    Step 2

    Compact the base

    A layer of gravel is spread and compacted to give the slab a firm, even bed that drains.

  3. 3Concrete footings and short stem walls with rebar sticking out and wooden forms
    Step 3

    Set forms and steel

    Forms are set to line and level, a moisture barrier goes down and steel is raised on chairs to the right height.

  4. 4A smooth concrete slab being poured and floated for a backyard shed or garage
    Step 4

    Pour and screed

    Concrete is placed, spread and screeded flat to the forms, then consolidated so it is dense and even.

  5. 5A worker with a concrete saw cutting control joints in a fresh slab with dust
    Step 5

    Float, finish and joint

    The surface is floated and finished to the texture you chose, and joints are cut so cracks form where they should.

  6. 6A roller applying a clear glossy sealer on a concrete patio, wet look
    Step 6

    Cure and seal

    The slab is kept damp and protected while it gains strength, then sealed to lock in color and keep water out.

What to expect

Before, during and after

  • Before the callThink about the space, what is not working and when you want it done. Photos help.
  • At the measureWe measure the area, check the grade and the drainage, and explain the options and the timeline.
  • During the pourCrews protect your property, set forms, place and finish the concrete and cut joints.
  • At the walk-throughWe go over the finished work, explain the cure and the care, and answer your questions.
Questions

About the process

How soon can someone visit?

Call or text 800-224-9245 and we will tell you the earliest time we have.

Do I need to know the finish I want?

No. We show you patterns, colors and finishes and help you narrow them down.

Will the price change after I say yes?

Our estimates are detailed so you know what to expect. If we find something new once work starts, such as soft ground under the old slab, we tell you first and explain the options.

Let us pour something you will love for years.

Contact Concrete Illusions today for a free estimate and let us turn your concrete ideas into reality. Call or text, or send the form.

Free estimate

Let's pour your project.

Tell us about your space and what you want the concrete to do. We read every message and reply with clear next steps and a time for your free estimate.

  • Your project: the space, what you need done and the look you like
  • Your city, a rough size and any result you saved from a tool on this site
  • A detailed, no-obligation estimate with the design, the finish and the timeline, before anything begins
Prefer to talk? Call or text800-224-9245

Your estimate request

Prefer to type? Text your request. We only use your details to respond to your request.