Concrete FAQs, Gold Coast — Straight answers.
General
How much does a concrete driveway cost on the Gold Coast?
Every driveway is priced individually, because size, finish, slope, access, base preparation and removal of old concrete all change the cost. We measure your site for free, then give you a fixed, itemised written quote that lists each of these, so you know exactly what you are paying for before work starts.
How soon can I walk and drive on new concrete?
Foot traffic after 24–48 hours, cars after 7 days. Concrete keeps gaining strength for about 28 days, so we recommend keeping trucks, caravans and skip bins off until then.
Do you handle council approvals and footpath crossovers?
Yes. Where your driveway crosses the council verge we can prepare and lodge the vehicle-crossing application with the City of Gold Coast and build it to their standard drawings.
What if it rains on pour day?
We watch the forecast closely and won’t pour into a storm. If the weather turns, we reschedule at no cost to you — usually within a couple of days.
Will my concrete crack?
All concrete shrinks as it cures. Our job is to control where: a compacted sub-base, correctly placed steel and saw-cut joints within 24 hours mean any movement happens in a neat, straight joint line instead of across your slab.
Do you seal decorative concrete?
Every exposed, honed, coloured and polished finish is sealed before handover. We also offer a reseal service every 2–3 years to keep it looking new in the coastal sun.
Driveways & outdoor
Which outdoor finish handles Gold Coast weather best?
Exposed aggregate and broom finishes cope best with heavy summer rain, salt air and UV. They grip when wet and hide dirt, and a penetrating sealer protects them for years.
How do I choose between pavers and concrete outdoors?
Concrete is one continuous slab, so there are no joints for weeds or ants and it won’t shift under cars. Pavers are easier to lift for access to pipes underneath.
Can outdoor concrete be poured in summer?
Yes. In hot weather we start early, use a retarding admixture and cure the slab with water or a curing compound so it doesn’t dry out too fast.
Questions about a specific service: Concrete Driveways, Exposed Aggregate Driveways, Patios & Alfresco Areas, Concrete Footpaths & Pathways, Pool Surrounds, Concrete Steps, Concrete Ramps, Concrete Crossovers, Concrete Extensions
Slabs & structural
Who designs the slab for a house or large shed?
A structural engineer, using the site classification report and building plans. We build exactly to the engineer’s drawings and get the steel inspected before pouring.
What is a soil classification report?
A geotechnical test of the ground that rates how much it moves with moisture (class A to E). It decides slab type, beam depth and footing size.
Do structural slabs need termite protection?
Yes. In Queensland, new buildings need a termite management system. This is usually a physical barrier at pipe penetrations and around the slab edge, installed before the pour.
Questions about a specific service: Concrete Slabs, House Slabs, Shed Slabs, Garage Slabs, Concrete Retaining Walls, Concrete Foundations & Footings
Commercial & industrial
Do you hold the insurances commercial builders require?
Yes. We carry public liability and workers’ compensation insurance and can provide certificates of currency for your site induction and prequalification.
Can you work to a builder’s programme?
We schedule crews, pumps and concrete supply around your programme and confirm pour dates in writing. Weather or inspection delays are communicated straight away.
Do you supply safe work method statements?
Yes. Every commercial job comes with SWMS for the high-risk tasks involved, such as concrete pumping, working near traffic and saw cutting.
Questions about a specific service: Commercial Concrete Slabs, Industrial Concrete Floors, Commercial Car Parks & Pavements
Repairs & site works
Should I repair, resurface or replace my concrete?
Repair when the damage is local. Resurface when the slab is sound but looks tired. Replace when it is broken, sinking or moving. We tell you which at the site measure.
Why does concrete deteriorate faster near the coast?
Salt in the air and ground water gets into concrete and corrodes the steel inside it. Good cover over the steel, sealing and fixing cracks early slow this down.
Can you work around tenants or a business that stays open?
Yes. We stage repair and cutting work so access is kept, use dust and noise controls, and can work outside business hours where needed.
Questions about a specific service: Concrete Repairs, Concrete Crack Repairs, Concrete Resurfacing, Concrete Removal & Demolition, Concrete Cutting & Saw Cutting, Excavation & Site Preparation, Concrete Sealing & Maintenance
Decorative finishes
How do I choose a decorative finish?
Think about use first, then look. Driveways need grip and durability, pool areas need cool, non-slip surfaces, and covered alfresco areas can take smoother, more refined finishes.
Do decorative finishes need more upkeep than plain concrete?
Most do. Coloured and patterned surfaces need resealing every few years to keep their colour and protect against stains and UV.
Can I see samples before deciding?
Yes. We bring sample boards of colours, patterns and textures to every site measure, so you can view them in your own light next to your house.
Questions about a specific service: Coloured Concrete, Decorative Concrete, Stencil Concrete, Stamped / Patterned Concrete, Spray-On Concrete, Timber-Look Concrete
Surface finishes
What does the surface finish change?
The finish sets how the concrete grips, how it looks, how hot it gets and how easy it is to clean. The strength underneath stays the same.
Which finishes are best for wet areas?
Broom, salt, sand and exposed aggregate finishes give the most grip when wet. Smooth trowelled and burnished finishes are better kept under cover.
Can the finish be changed after the slab is poured?
Some can. A slab can be ground, honed, resurfaced or coated later. Finishes made while the concrete is fresh, such as salt, broom or washed aggregate, can’t be added afterwards.
Questions about a specific service: Plain Concrete, Exposed Aggregate Concrete, Broom Finish Concrete, Salt Finish Concrete, Sand Finish Concrete, Steel Trowel Finish, Power Float Finish
Polished floors & coatings
Which floor finish suits a home garage?
Flake epoxy is the most popular because it hides dirt and resists tyre marks. Grind and seal is simpler and costs less, and polished concrete suits garages that double as living space.
Can a new slab be poured ready for polishing?
Yes. Tell us before the pour so we can choose the mix and aggregate and finish the slab flat. Polishing is then done near the end of the build.
How long until I can use a newly finished floor?
Polished and honed floors can be walked on straight away. Coated floors such as epoxy and flake usually need a day before foot traffic and several days before vehicles.
Questions about a specific service: Polished Concrete, Honed Concrete, Grind & Seal Concrete, Burnished Concrete, Epoxy Concrete Flooring, Flake Flooring
