Types of Concrete Work
Concrete is one of the most versatile and cost-effective materials for outdoor hardscaping, and Sol Scapes offers a full range of concrete finishes to match your style and budget. Whether you need a simple, clean slab or an elaborate decorative surface, we deliver quality concrete work across Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah Counties.
- Standard broom finish — The classic concrete finish with a textured broom sweep for slip resistance. Ideal for driveways, sidewalks, and utility patios where function matters most. This is the most affordable option and provides a clean, durable surface.
- Stamped concrete — Stamped patterns replicate the look of natural stone, brick, slate, or tile at a fraction of the cost. Stamped concrete is poured as a single slab and stamped with texture mats while still wet, then colored with integral color and release agents. Popular patterns in Utah include Ashlar slate, herringbone brick, and random stone.
- Colored concrete — Integral color is mixed directly into the concrete before pouring, creating consistent color throughout the entire slab. Unlike surface-applied stains that can wear over time, integral color won't peel or flake. Choose from dozens of earth tones that complement Utah's natural landscape.
Our Concrete Installation Process
Proper concrete installation is a multi-step process that requires experience, the right equipment, and careful attention to detail. Cutting corners on any step leads to cracking, settling, and premature failure — especially in Utah's demanding climate. Here's how Sol Scapes handles every concrete project:
- Excavation and grading — We excavate the area to the proper depth (typically 8–10 inches below finished grade), remove organic material, and grade the subsoil for proper drainage. Every inch of slope matters for water runoff.
- Sub-base preparation — We install and compact 4–6 inches of road base material to create a stable foundation. In areas with expansive clay soils — common along the Wasatch Front — we may add additional base material to prevent heaving.
- Forming — Lumber or metal forms are set to the exact dimensions, elevation, and slope required. We check grades with laser levels to ensure water drains away from structures. Expansion joints and isolation joints are planned at this stage.
- Reinforcement — We install rebar (typically #4 rebar on 18-inch centers) or fiber mesh reinforcement depending on the application. Driveways and load-bearing areas always get rebar for maximum strength.
- Pouring — We coordinate with local ready-mix plants to ensure the right concrete mix design for your project. In Utah, we use air-entrained concrete (typically 6% air content) to resist freeze-thaw damage — a critical specification that many contractors overlook.
- Finishing — Once poured, the concrete is screeded, bull-floated, and finished to the desired texture. For stamped work, color hardener and release agents are applied, then stamp mats are pressed into the surface while the concrete is at the right consistency.
- Curing and sealing — Proper curing is essential for strength development. We apply curing compound or wet-cure the slab for a minimum of 7 days. Stamped and colored concrete receives a protective sealer to enhance color and protect against Utah's road salt and UV exposure.
Concrete Cost in Utah
Concrete pricing varies based on the finish, site conditions, and project size. Here are typical installed costs for Utah projects:
- Standard broom finish: $12–$14 per square foot
- Colored concrete: $14–$18 per square foot
- Stamped concrete: $14–$18 per square foot
A typical 400 sq ft patio runs $4,800–$7,200 depending on finish. A two-car driveway (600–800 sq ft) typically costs $7,200–$14,400. Sol Scapes provides detailed, line-item quotes so you know exactly what you're paying for — no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Utah-Specific Concrete Considerations
Concrete in Utah isn't the same as concrete in Arizona or Florida. Our climate demands specific techniques and materials that many out-of-state or inexperienced contractors don't understand:
- Freeze-thaw cycles — Utah can see 50+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter along the Wasatch Front. Air-entrained concrete is mandatory to prevent surface scaling and spalling. We specify a minimum of 4,000 PSI compressive strength with 5–7% air entrainment.
- Proper drainage — With spring snowmelt and summer thunderstorms, standing water on concrete accelerates deterioration. We slope all flatwork at a minimum of 1/8 inch per foot away from structures.
- Expansion joints — Utah's 100°F+ temperature swings between summer and winter cause significant expansion and contraction. We place control joints at proper intervals (no more than 10 feet apart) and use expansion joint material at all structure interfaces.
- Salt and deicer protection — Road salt and chemical deicers wreak havoc on unprotected concrete. We seal all exposed surfaces and recommend annual resealing for driveways exposed to salt runoff.
Concrete Applications
Sol Scapes pours concrete for residential and commercial projects throughout the Wasatch Front:
- Patios and outdoor living spaces
- Driveways and parking pads
- Walkways and sidewalks
- Pool decks and surrounds
- Garage floors and shop slabs
- Steps and landings
- Curbing and borders