Guide · Slabs & new builds
How long does concrete take to cure?
By Nathan Carter, owner, Gold Coast Concrete Services. Reviewed October 2026.
Quick answer
New concrete can usually take foot traffic after 24–48 hours and cars after about 7 days. It reaches its design strength at around 28 days. Hot, windy Gold Coast weather dries concrete quickly, so keeping the surface moist or using a curing compound in the first days stops cracking and dusting.
| Time after pour | What you can do |
|---|---|
| 24–48 hours | Walk on it carefully |
| 7 days | Drive cars on it |
| 28 days | Heavy vehicles, caravans, skip bins; apply most coatings |
| After 28 days | Full design strength for normal use |
Curing versus drying
Curing is a chemical reaction, not just drying out. Cement reacts with water to form the bonds that make concrete strong. If the surface dries out too fast, that reaction stops near the top and the concrete ends up weaker, dusty or cracked.
That is why fresh slabs are kept damp, covered, or sprayed with a curing compound straight after finishing.
The first 24 hours
Concrete sets within hours of being poured, but it is still soft. We saw-cut control joints within about 24 hours. Keep people, pets and hoses off it during this time, and don’t let anything drip onto the surface.
The first week
By about seven days, concrete typically reaches most of the strength it needs for cars. Drive on it gently at first: avoid turning the wheels while stationary and keep off the edges, which are the weakest points.
28 days and beyond
Engineers design concrete to reach its specified strength at 28 days, and it keeps getting slightly stronger for months after. Wait until then before parking caravans, boats, trucks or skip bins on it, and before applying most coatings like epoxy.
Weather on the Gold Coast
In summer we pour early in the morning, and may use a set retarder to give the crew time to finish properly before the heat kicks in. Wind and direct sun dry the surface fastest, so curing matters most on hot days.
In winter, cooler nights slow curing slightly, so we may advise waiting a little longer before driving on it. Rain soon after a pour can mark the surface, which is why we watch the forecast closely.
Colour changes as it cures
New concrete starts dark and lightens over several weeks as moisture leaves. Patchy colour in the first weeks is normal and usually evens out. Decorative finishes are sealed at handover, which helps colours stay even.
Common questions
Can I put furniture on new concrete?
Light outdoor furniture is fine after a few days. Avoid dragging heavy items and keep pot plants off for the first weeks to prevent stains.
Should I water my new concrete?
If we have applied a curing compound, you don’t need to. If not, lightly misting it for the first few days in hot weather helps. Ask us at handover.
When can I build a shed or frame on a new slab?
Light building work can usually start after about 7 days. Follow your builder or engineer’s advice for heavier loads.
Is it normal for new concrete to have hairline cracks?
Fine shrinkage cracks can appear, especially in hot weather. Control joints are there to keep most of them inside the saw cuts.
