Answers to the questions homeowners ask us most about concrete driveways, patios, stamped concrete, garage floors and epoxy coatings in Golden and the western half of the Denver metro. You can also browse our project gallery. If your question is not here, call Golden Concrete Company at (720) 636-8986.
Concrete pricing
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Golden, CO?
Driveway replacement typically costs $12.50 to $13.50 per square foot, which includes tearing out and hauling away the old driveway. A new driveway, where there is no old concrete to remove, typically costs $10.50 to $11.50 per square foot. A stamped concrete driveway typically costs $21 to $25 per square foot. Your exact price depends on the size of the driveway, how much base material has to be replaced and how easy the site is to reach. See our concrete driveways page for more detail.
How much does stamped concrete cost?
Stamped concrete typically costs $21 to $25 per square foot, with a $5,000 job minimum. It costs more than standard concrete because of the integral color, the stamping itself, the accent color and the sealer. If you want a decorative look at a lower price, sand-finished concrete typically costs $17 to $19 per square foot. Learn more on our stamped and decorative concrete page.
How much do garage slabs and epoxy floors cost?
Garage slabs typically cost about $14 per square foot. Epoxy floor coatings typically cost $6.50 to $8 per square foot, with a $3,000 job minimum. An epoxy coating can be added to a new garage slab once the concrete has cured, or applied to an existing floor that is in sound condition.
What can change the price of a concrete project?
The biggest factors are square footage, the finish you choose, whether old concrete has to be removed, how much of the base under the slab needs to be replaced, and access. If a concrete truck cannot reach the pour, for example in a fenced backyard, the concrete has to be pumped. Pumps for hard-to-access areas start at $450. Steps, seat walls and other add-ons also affect the total.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Every project starts with a free concrete consultation. One of our estimators visits your home, measures the area, talks through finishes and drainage, and gives you a quote. You can request a free quote online or call (720) 636-8986. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Related guides: How much does a concrete driveway cost in Golden, CO? and How to protect your concrete through a Colorado winter.
How we pour concrete
How thick is residential concrete, and what mix do you use?
Residential concrete pours are typically 4 inches thick with a 4,000 PSI mix. For driveways we typically use a 4,500 PSI mix with micro fiber for added strength. We also recommend adding steel or fiberglass rebar to the slab to make it stronger. Slabs that will carry heavier loads can be poured thicker.
How long does a concrete project take?
Many driveway replacements are torn out, formed and poured in as little as a day. Most residential concrete projects take 2 to 4 days depending on the size of the job. Stamped and colored concrete adds time for sealing, and epoxy floors need a few days from surface preparation to top coat.
How soon can I walk or drive on new concrete?
You can usually walk on new concrete after 24 to 48 hours. Keep cars off a new driveway or garage floor for about 7 days. Concrete reaches its full design strength at around 28 days, so keep heavy trucks, trailers and dumpsters off until then. Wait about a week before placing heavy furniture, grills or planters on a new patio.
Do you remove and haul away old concrete?
Yes. We tear out and haul away old driveways, patios, walkways, steps and garage floors. Most replacements also need some of the soil under the old slab removed and replaced with crushed gravel or recycled concrete, which we compact thoroughly so the new slab moves as little as possible. More on our concrete removal and replacement page.
Will my new concrete crack?
All concrete can develop small cracks as it cures and as the ground moves through the seasons. The goal is to control where that happens. We cut control joints so cracking follows a clean, planned line, and we focus on a well-compacted base and reinforcement to limit movement. Hairline cracks are normal and do not affect the strength of the slab.
Finishes and decorative concrete
What is the difference between broom-finished, sand-finished and stamped concrete?
Broom-finished concrete is the standard finish for driveways, sidewalks and patios. It is slip resistant and the most affordable option. Sand-finished concrete is a decorative finish with a fine, sandy texture. Stamped concrete is textured with patterned mats to give the look of stone, slate or tile, and all of our stamped concrete is poured with colored concrete and an accent color.
How do I take care of stamped concrete?
Plan on resealing stamped concrete every few years to protect the color. Keep de-icing salts off the surface and use a plastic shovel in winter so you do not scratch the sealer. Sealed stamped concrete can be slick when wet, so a grip additive can be mixed into the sealer for steps and other areas where traction matters.
Can any concrete floor be epoxy coated?
Epoxy coatings need sound, dry concrete. Floors with moisture coming up through the slab, heavy settling or widespread damage may need repair or a new garage floor first. New concrete needs to cure for about a month before it can be coated. Decorative flake comes in several color blends and adds texture and grip.
Working with us
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We hold standard business licenses in the cities we work in, and we carry workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Our standard warranty covers shifting or cracking of the concrete for 12 months.
Do I need a permit for a new driveway?
Most of the driveways we pour do not need a permit. A permit from the city is required when the work affects the public right-of-way, such as adding a new entrance from the road or changing the shape or slope of the curb entrance at the street. In most cases we can help you pull the permit for a new curb cut.
How does payment work?
We take 50% up front to get your project on our schedule. We collect the final 50% once the job is complete and you are happy with it. We accept credit cards.
Do you offer financing?
No, we do not offer financing, but we do accept credit cards.
How far out are you scheduling?
During our peak season, April through October, we are typically scheduling 3 to 4 weeks out. In the off season we are usually 1 to 2 weeks out.
Do you do commercial concrete?
We are mostly residential, and we also pour small commercial pads.
Colorado weather and service area
How does Colorado weather affect concrete?
The Front Range goes through dozens of freeze-thaw cycles every winter, and water that soaks into concrete expands when it freezes. A strong mix, a well-compacted base and properly placed control joints are what keep a slab flat and intact. To protect your concrete, keep it sealed and avoid de-icing salts, especially during the first winter.
Can you pour concrete in winter?
Yes. We pour year round, and from October through March we watch the weather closely. We will not pour on frozen ground, and we want daytime air temperatures above 40°F on a pour day. When a cold day comes up, we sometimes do the tear-out and prep and wait a day to pour. We will not risk pouring too cold on a residential job.
Can stamped concrete be sealed in winter?
No. Sealer cannot be applied when the concrete slab is below 50°F, so we stop sealing in November. If we pour and stamp concrete after that, we come back in the spring to power wash and seal it for you.
What areas do you serve?
Golden Concrete Company is based at 925 Loveland St in Golden, Colorado, and serves the western half of the Denver metro. See all of our service areas. The cities we serve are Golden, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Morrison, Westminster, Broomfield, Littleton, Englewood, Evergreen and Genesee.
Ready for a quote? Call (720) 636-8986 or request a free concrete quote and we will call you back to schedule a free concrete consultation.